This pandemic can bring the best and the worst out of us. We can climb the mountains one day as it were and walk the valleys of despair the next. How are you doing?
At some stage most of us experience frustration and stress through this period of Corona virus. The most common reasons where I live in Australia are relationship tensions, 1 in 3 people experience financial stress, home schooling, isolation issues and overwork etc.
Self-care won’t happen unless we plan for it. I know I have had to draw upon some of these principles and strategies below. It’s okay to not feel okay during this season.
Biblical
The Bible is full of characters who struggle with the need for self-care. For example:
Moses (Exodus 18:13-18), Elijah (1 Kings 129:3,4), and David (Psalm 32:3,4).
Verses of encouragement:
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31
Psalm 91: 1-16.
Observations
Self – care issues
- Physically – headaches, sleeplessness, weight loss/gain, high blood pressure, muscle tension …
- Behaviourally – restlessness, isolating oneself unnecessarily, over reacting, low motivation, easily irritated….
- Cognitively (thinking aspects) – anxiety, difficulty making decisions, overly focused on situations and tasks, poor judgment….
- Emotionally – sadness, loss, shock, disbelief, anxiety, fear, anger, helplessness, depression, numbness, disorientation…..
Self – care strategies
- Keep a regular time with God (prayer, reading and reflection). Claim Biblical promises to strengthen yourself.
- Stay healthy – get regular exercise. Outdoor exercise is the best if possible. Gaze on natural beauty even if it’s photos. Likewise have a good diet and avoid too much sugar, coffee and fatty foods.
- Dodge the panic – lower your media exposure levels. Jesus teaches us to not worry about tomorrow. It’s hard to do that by feeding your soul on media input.
- Reach out – don’t hesitate to seek connection and receive support from others. Just talking and unburdening yourself can be a great help. Keep in mind others may need you to support them the same way.
- Stay connected with loved ones. Don’t try and sort out difference of opinion when you are under a strain.
- Seek to reduce all financial debt and avoid living off credit cards. Live within your income and become good stewards of money entrusted to you. Learn to also give generously. It may not necessarily be money.
- Medication may get you through this turmoil, but only if it is really needed.
- Don’t overwork and ‘seek His kingdom first’ (Matt 6:33).
- Lastly, a psychiatrist made the comment, ‘don’t take your thoughts too seriously’. How wise that is.
Resources
Meditation daily upon Scripture (as per instruction in Psalm 1:1,2)
Download wholesome programmes through the internet to bring refreshment. E.g.
‘The Chosen’ – life of Christ excellent series (download app on mobile device, or You Tube)
Shine TV https://www.shinetv.co.nz
Redeem TV https://watch.redeemtv.com
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