The COVID-19 outbreak has really impacted the way we’ve been accustomed to living. Life has slowed down for most of us in several ways. Many churches have gone to online services only. Schools and colleges have closed with little hopes of reopening this school year. Our favorite stores to shop have most likely been closed for weeks. It seems so easy to think about the activities we cannot do and the places we cannot go during this time. We may forget to appreciate the things that are still accessible to us. Below are some ideas and thoughts to reflect on during period of distancing:
Focus on what is within your control
Many of us are used to planning out various aspects of our life. During this time, it can be easy to feel out of control regarding what is going on in our world. It may be helpful to reflect more on what’s within your control instead of those things out of your control. There is probably a long list of things that you cannot change even if you tried your hardest. Focusing more on setting a realistic schedule, finding creative ways to connect with others, or making a list of productive or fun things to do or new things to try can help you feel grounded and more in control.
Give yourself grace
With so many changes happening at once, this is a great time to allow oneself some grace. Don’t be so hard on yourself. If you have transitioned from working in an office to working at home and feel as though you’re not being as productive as you usually are, that’s ok! If you find yourself homeschooling a child while also needing to complete work responsibilities, take a deep breath! There’s a reason why, on a “perfect” day, you work away from home and your child learns at school. Trying to juggle both when you’re not used to this routine can feel overwhelming and nearly impossible. Work on finding a routine and schedule that works well for you and your family. Trial and error are sometimes the best method to finding a solution. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else that may provide success.
Make small adjustments
So…what do we do when our gym, favorite hang-out spot, or church closes? We adjust! Change isn’t always easy and we don’t always see it coming. This is not the time to disconnect because the comforts of our lives have shifted to new locations. Don’t make excuses not to engage in these important aspects of your life. You can check out free online resources for creating a home gym or take a walk/run at a nearby greenway or on your street. You can schedule a virtual meeting or conference call with friends and family in order to stay connected. Remember to follow-up with your church leaders to see what alternatives have been made for weekly services and small groups. During a time of heightened stress and anxiety, it is important to continue taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Take action
What is something you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have rarely had time to work on? When life is so busy, we put a lot of our “to-do list” on the back burner. Now is the time to pick up that book, organize your home, dig deeper into that relationship, or simply relax. Is there an idea that you’ve been sitting on for weeks or years? Is there a business or blog that you have wanted to launch? Take this time to place your ideas on paper or make the first steps towards seeing your dream come to fruition.
Grieving postponed or lost events
Acknowledge your feelings. It may seem selfish to be upset about an event that you planned for or feel sad about an experience you were looking forward to having when others have lost their jobs and are concerned about their financial situation. Concerts, races, sports, and bar crawls have been postponed. Weddings and commencement ceremonies have been rescheduled or greatly altered. Birthday parties and vacations have been cancelled. Whether large or small, everyone is experiencing a sense of loss during this time. Instead of brushing off these emotions, acknowledge them for what they are. Then take action in a healthy manner. Think of ways to participate in an event that is rescheduled or find a new way to celebrate a milestone occasion. When possible, use your resources to make life enjoyable wherever you are. In time, these activities will form memories you can look back on with a sense of accomplishment rather than defeat.
It’s important to assess our feelings and work to maintain a healthy attitude. Although we may be moving through life at a slower pace than we are used to, we are still moving. Try to process with gratitude and peace. Strive to be present and in the moment. Sometimes life’s busyness causes us to overlook surprising moments we didn’t know exist. Be proactive during this time and use each situation to your full advantage. Take some time to plan ahead, try something new, adjust to a different role, a different pace or simply appreciate the stillness of life.
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