"Over the next two weeks, we are going to explore some different strategies that will help you manage and even thrive in these uncertain times."
Wondering how to thrive in the midst of our current COVID-19 Restrictions? Over the next two weeks, we are going to explore some different strategies that will help you manage and even thrive in these uncertain times. You'll find below 4 key strategies to put in place or to reflect on in light of your current practices to help us all not simply survive but thrive in these current times:
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Look to God Your Father - God is our Father who loves us and is faithful to us (Deuteronomy 7:9). He instructs us to cast our anxiety on him and turn to him in times of strife (Philippians 4:6-7). It is through regular communication with God via prayer and reading the Bible that he will comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3).
Keep to a daily routine - God made the world with a natural rhythm (Genesis 1) and we would be wise to take note of this, and practice likewise. Maintain or modify your previous routine. Go to bed and wake up the same time, eat your regular meals and keep a clear boundary between your work and home hours.
Exercise regularly - God described our body as his temple (1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20), and we need to treat it with respect. Further, it has been shown that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and help improve your physical health; all it takes is 30 minutes of brisk walking, five times per week.
Have compassion for yourself and others - It is important to recognize that this is a challenging and confronting time for humanity globally. It is normal and understandable for you (and others) to have a variety of emotional responses. God calls us to “love our neighbour as [ourselves]” (Mark 12:28 - 31) and “be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Some particular ways to demonstrate compassion to yourself (and others) can include watching the language you use to describe yourself and others; treat yourself the way you treat others or practice techniques (for additional information about self-compassion see this article on God's love as our self-compassion source. And if you want some techniques, go to this site here and particularly use the "Practices" tab)
Written and sourced by our Hospitality Leader, Ashleigh Crosilla (who is also a qualified Psychologist).