At a time where most of the world is being forced into self-isolation, the initial vulnerabilities now extend beyond those who are elderly with underlying health conditions, to many who struggle with their mental health. The feeling of being trapped, separated from loved-ones, friends, work and fresh air is a major struggle for many people, and at unprecedented times such as this, it can cause one to sink into a deep pit of depression.
Change can be an uncomfortable thing to deal with, and it isn’t always predictable, not matter how many graphs with analyse, how much number-crunching we do, or how many variations of news outlets we watch. There also comes a point where doing so can cause much harm to ones mind, as we can become desensitised to the numbers of cases and deaths. It is common for one death to not mean as much when one becomes one hundred, and one hundred becomes one thousand.
During this time, it is important to find some form of balance in the middle of the storm, and use this time to self-reflect, and grow deeper internally to prepare you for your next season. There are a few things that you can do to help with this process on your journey to balance:
1. Have a Routine
For many of us, we are used to routine, whether it be the school run, an allocated hour for lunch or a specific bedtime. During a time like this where routines may not be as fluid due to changes within the foundations and systematic structures of your life, days can easily become a blur, which leads into another day of blur, and ultimately into a week of blur, where days no longer have names. By creating a routine for simple tasks, you will give your life some form of purpose and order within this season of disorder. A routine can also help one to feel purposeful and create an internal feeling of control.
2. Pray/Meditate
If this virus has demonstrated anything, it is firstly how connected we are to one another without even realising it, how disconnected we may be to ourselves and God, and that we as humans, while incredibly innovative, are not in control. By taking the time to Pray and Meditate, we can bring some calm, and clarity to our moment, while also seeking direction from something larger than our science, and trial and error systems. This opportunity has gifted us with the time to be still, be grounded, and perhaps consider that which is important. It is also an opportunity to consider how we can be of more service to those in need during and beyond the pandemic. By being still and feeding our internal, we are better prepared to impact our external.
3. Stay Active
It is no secret that exercise is a great tool for physical and mental health. By being active for even 10 minutes per-day, we get the blood flowing and our lungs moving, taking in new air consciously, which can itself bring healing to the body. Activity also gives us a sense of purpose and aliveness. Try to include some physical activity into your routine each day, though conditions may not be ideal.
4. Be Creative
Being confined can often leave one feeling trapped without space to express themselves. Within your routine spoken of above, get creative. Bake a cake, draw a picture, read a book, write a book, do some arts and crafts, redecorate your home, move some furniture. Do something new. You do not have to create a masterpiece, but you can do your best. I’m reminded often that some of the greatest things are birthed from the worst of places. Maybe this season is the season where you redefine who you want to be in the next season of your life. Maybe this is the start of a career change, or the marking of a new path to walk, or maybe it is just to pass time. Whatever your reason, give yourself space to explore and express some of your internal thoughts and feelings.
Lastly, I want to say that I am continually praying for you and your family, your well-being and your good health. I do hope that we all come through this stronger than before we entered and that we prioritise our health, well-being and purpose beyond it.
Stay Safe, Stay Home and Stay Balanced.
This is not how your story ends;
I wish you Better Days
Steve Whyte