emotional Health Advice During Covid-19

Keys to Emotional Health and Resilience

• Remember that emotions and feelings are followers, not leaders. We experience a certain emotion in response to two things. First, a situation that we encounter in life. Second, what our core beliefs are about ourselves, about life, about others, about God. So, when an emotion surfaces, ask God to show you his perspective on the situation and what your beliefs are that contribute the emotion you are feeling. Sometimes our beliefs are based our perceptions, not on truth – and this leads to much fear and anxiety that is unnecessary. It is critically important then that you get facts on Covid-19 from reputable sources, not from inflammatory headlines or blogs that overstate or understate the risk in your neighborhood.

• Don’t fixate on the daily news cycle. While it is important to stay informed, spending significant amounts of time digesting the latest bad news or crisis will wear on your spirit and drag you down. Instead, focus on the good things God is doing and has done in your life and the lives of those close
  to you. For example, the brightness of the sun, the affirming note from a friend, the food that you are receiving to eat each day. Keep your news digesting to a healthy minimum. Paul writes in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

• Cultivate a daily habit of thankfulness. In Psalm 92 we read, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.” Gratefulness for what we have, instead of fearfulness or bitterness for
  what we might not have, is a mindset that will bring peace and grace into your life, and a habit to seek after always. Thanking God that you are not experiencing disease is much more rewarding that worrying that you might possibly get ill.

• Ask the Lord how you can bless and give to others. Think about people truly vulnerable and isolated, your parents or grandparents over 70, your friend with asthma, your neighbor who is undergoing cancer treatments, your small group member who doesn’t have internet, your co- worker who just got laid off, or someone you know who is short on toilet paper! As we give to others, God will give back to us, we will feel better, and God’s kingdom will grow.

• Develop healthy habits and routines to keep your mind off the bad news and on the good news. Here are some other activities to consider putting into the routine of each day:

  • Love to Laugh! Share some jokes with your friends, pull a practical joke on someone, watch a funny movie, liven things up with laughter! A recent news article mentions that “according to the Mayo Clinic, laugher can be a great form of stress relief, stimulating circulation, aiding in muscle relaxation, enhancing the intake of oxygen, increasing endorphins released by your brain, even improving your immune system.”

  • Pet your pet! There is a reason why therapy dogs are popular. Studies have show that just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat can reduce levels of stress hormones in your body. So stay close to Fido! And no, he’s not in danger of giving you Covid-19.

  • Walk, Jog, Bike, Hike! Daily exercise is amazingly powerful in reducing and releasing stress, with the bonus that it will help you stay fit, lose weight, and make you feel more alert throughout the day. And viruses do not hang out in your streets, parks and bike paths! Added bonus: you can watch the seasons unfolding before your eyes as flowers bloom, trees bud, and grass starts greening up!

• Sojourn also has people and programs that can also give you additional help and guidance if you need additional support and help. Please reach out to your small group leader or to one of our pastors. Or email us at contact@sojourncampuschurch.org for more information.