Currently Covid -19 is one of the most talked about topics across the globe.  Our world has been broken by the pandemic. People told to stay home and stay safe. Life has changed for billions of people. Many out of work and too many lives lost. Depression and increased anxiety and fear is higher now than ever. For those who already experience anxiety and depression it’s much worse.

How do you cope with hope and calm anxiety and fear during these unprecedented times?

Be kind to yourself and practice daily self care.

This is the first most important step in developing coping strategies to deal with rising anxiety.
If you don’t take care of yourself everything is more difficult.

• Relaxation breathing helps trigger a calm response decreasing anxiety symptoms.
• Do things that help you feel calmer.
• Be aware of your thoughts. They can help or hinder.
• Exercise to burn off adrenaline that comes from the anxiety.
• Put good content into your mind. Avoid information that triggers anxiety.
• Eat properly and get plenty of rest helping you to maintain a strong immune system.

Resist consuming too much media

Information about the pandemic can be found everywhere.
If you feed on this topic all the time this is what grows in your mind.

I can’t start my day and end my day digesting all the news.
It is so toxic and anxiety producing!

Instead limit time spent on this type of content.
Focus on what lifts you up and keeps you calm.

Create a list of things to do

I think I’ve been busier during this pandemic than other times I can remember.
The additional things to do have made it seem that there is not enough time to get it all done.

Others have said they are bored and don’t know what to do with themselves.
While many have adjusted by creating daily things that they can do each day.

It doesn’t matter how big or small these action steps are…
More important to have that sense of purpose each day.

Pray and meditate

The emergence of a deadly virus that became a pandemic is out of our control.
Something greater than what we can do to fix it.

Leaning in and resting in the peace that comes from
a power greater than the world and ourselves helps!

Keep a prayer journal.
Read God’s word.

Attitude of gratitude

In all that seems wrong it’s helpful to see also what is right.
Be thankful for the things that are going well.
See the beauty amid the mess.

Where there is pain there is opportunity for growth.
Water you life and world with gratitude.
Helps so much.

I keep an Attitude of Gratitude Journal to keep me concentrated on the good things.
You’ll discover even in your darkest hour there people and things to be thankful for.
What are they for you in this time?

No matter how big or small it is significant.

Connect with others

In the disconnect we feel not being around our loved ones and friends right now…
many are feeling isolated, confined, and alone.

I connect each day via video call with friends and family.
It’s a great way to stay in touch and feel less alone at this time.

We were not meant to grow in isolation.

Conclusion

Friends, as bad as it may seem this too shall pass.

Stay well.

Stay safe.

Be blessed with peace.

Cope with hope.

 

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