With this coronavirus outbreak we have and are having to face new challenges that we haven’t had to deal with before. For some this is causing a lot of fear and anxiety while others are just going with the flow. We are all different and handle situations in different ways to each other. As Christians we are lucky that we have a hope and know that Jesus is with us ever step of the way.
To help surviving the lockdown I thought that I would write down some ideas to help get you through:
- Firstly some of it is about looking at the situation from a different perspective or point of view then we otherwise might. We know that the mind is a powerful thing, so for some of us it might be about trying to look at this situation in a new light. View this as a “staycation” rather than being stuck and that maybe we have been given this time for a reason. This will help us to cope easier.
- Create lists- if you have to work from home, write a list of what you need to do so that you remain productive. Personally I am more productive in the morning than in the afternoon, when I am working from home- so I do most of my work in the morning. You could also create a list of what things you could do while at home such as projects you have put aside for years because you haven’t had the time or things you should do like clean your car!
- Another list to create is activities to help you stay occupied and productive during this time, as this will help ones mood. If we stay in bed or in front of the TV it will create our mood to be more depressed and flat, which wont help for survival during this time. It also doesn’t help ones health. They say if you get up and make your bed you are more likely to be productive and enjoy your day.
- Some people are realizing that they don’t have any hobbies that they can do at home. This might be the time where you can learn new hobbies via online courses or YouTube. For those who have had hobbies in the past- you can relearn or pick it up again such as learning an instrument.
- Learning new skills is always great. We often don’t have time for this but now is a perfect opportunity for us to do it. There are a number of places offering online courses. You can do a range of courses and even spiritual courses to help grow your faith too. They say- knowledge is power!
- Exercise- it is important to keep exercising, as the body needs it and to maintain ones health. Exercising helps with anxiety, worry and depression- very important for ones mental health. There are YouTube videos showing different workouts you can do at home (inside and outside). Also don’t forget to get outside in the fresh air- walk, run or bike.
- Stay connected with others- this is so important as we are created as relational beings. We are called to help encourage each other and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11) for it isn’t good for man/woman to be alone (Genesis 2:18, Ecclesiastes 4:10). It is especially important to keep in touch with those who are on their own or elderly. Loneliness affects ones mental health and increases things such as suicide rates. It is super important to stay connected with each other and especially to help ones faith stay strong. #weareallinthistogether
- Staying connected with God- this is the time that we need to stay even more connected with God than ever, not lax in our faith. God is the provider who says that He will meet your needs and fight your battles (Philippians 4:19, Exodus 14:14). He will look after you as you claim His promises (Isaiah 46:4, Psalm 91). God out of His love has forewarned us that things like this would happen before His coming (Matthew 24: 7). Some ways to stay connected and to grow in faith is keeping regular devotional times, praying, Bible studies on your own or with others via video chat (zoom), Bible courses online, listening to sermons, Christian music, keeping church via zoom every week (my church is doing this), memorizing scripture, create your own spiritual studies, videos, blog site or podcasts.
- If living with family- this is a special time where you can bond even more strongly together. Have games nights- board games, charades, and croquet, create videos for sharing, competitions, or doing a jigsaw puzzle together.
- Spring clean- this is the perfect opportunity to do a clean of all cupboards and de-clutter. Create a pile for rubbish and a pile for the second hand store to donate. This will certainly make you feel good afterwards- will I know that it does for me. Those of us in first world countries have way too much stuff- more than we need.
- Get cooking- often with busy lives we don’t have time to try new things like healthy food or baking. Now is the time to try those recipes you’ve been wanting for a while. You could even have cooking competitions with friends or a bake off. One thing I have wanted to do is make bread- so this is something I am going to give a try during this lockdown.
- Create a blog- time to put those creative thoughts out there for others to see. It could be on anything such as food, travel, fitness, crafts or a ministry.
- Pamper night- have fun looking after your skin with face masks or a candle lit bath.
- Keep immunity up- it is so important to look after your health. This can reduce the chances of getting sick or even if you do get sick you will recover a lot faster. Nutrition is super important so make sure you have lots of fruit and veggies, have high antioxidant foods, smoothies, or try a plant based diet as this is more healthier for you. I am not sure how many people realize that a lot of diseases like coronavirus came through the consumption of eating meat. Having a good sleep- not going to bed too late and having a regular sleep time helps you to not get run down and to maintain your health. Try also having a rest day every week- my rest day is my day of worship where I go to church and reconnect with God and others of like faith as it says we should in Exodus 20: 8-11. This will also help with stress and anxiety, as stress is harmful for your health.
- Other ideas one could do to survive this lockdown could be read a book, create a photo book, learn hand lettering, paint, make bath bombs, write letters, gardening- planting veggies.
These are just some suggestions to help inspire you and to give you some ideas.
Stay safe and keep looking up!
Much Love.