By Jennifer Pinto –
So we’re now in the thick of the Coronavirus situation and everyone is struggling to do their bit. Nations, governments, citizens, we’re all trying to see our way out of this bizarre, uncertain predicament we’re in. Millions are in lockdown, stuck at home with little to do. That’s not so much the problem. The problem is most of us are not used to this kind of ‘sit-at-home-and-wilt’ kind of thing. Let’s face it. We love going out, socializing, even going to church. We need to be around others. This sort of isolation, in the long run, will take a toll on all of us emotionally & spiritually. There are many out there telling us what to do and what not to do. Read those articles, watch those videos. But after that, it’s up to each one of us to choose the next steps to put into action.
This isn’t a time when we should be arguing and riling each other (and ourselves) up about what is wrong and what is right. Let us remember to stay calm. There are many simple yet profound things we can and are called to do. We are the followers of Christ and as such, we are equipped with much more to handle these challenging days.
Here are some ideas and thoughts that might help. They may be similar to what you have already heard. But they just go to reiterate how we can deal with our current situation.
- Stay calm. Whatever the situation is. Being anxious will not sort out problems. Anxious thought patterns are a downward spiral. They feed on what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. “What if the Coronavirus is unstoppable? The economy is sliding. I’ll lose my health. I’ll lose my job. I’ll lose it all.” Staying calm and low on emotional outbursts will help you maintain clear thinking, especially in an emergency. St. Paul says “…The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” Phil. 4: 6 (NABRE)
- Be kind. Kindness in these strange times is what will propel our race forward. Be kind to the person in the supermarket trying to find something. Don’t push and shove when you’re trying to check out. Ask your neighbor if they need anything while you’re out that you can pick up for them. Remember, we are the Light of the World, we carry HIS light. We are called to set an example. In the previous scripture reference, the verse immediately preceding is, “Your kindness should be known to all.”
- Be good to yourself. Eat, rest, exercise, take your medicines…In these times of stress and lockdown, movement is still needed to bring down our adrenaline and cortisol levels. Taking care of our body is important. It is the Temple of the Holy Spirit and God would have us look after it. 1 Cor 6: 19-20 (NABRE)
- Pray. Pray quietly and in a systematic way. Spend time talking to the Lord and telling him how scared you are. We need not pray frantically but we must pray. If we see all the stories of victory in the Bible, we see a lot of prayer going into it. If you feel anxious thoughts, pray: “Lord, there is an intruder at the door! Please take over!” You don’t have to fight anxious thoughts but you can ask the Lord for help.
- Seek support. If you just can’t manage, talk to someone. Call a friend and catch up but don’t discuss fearful things. If you’re someone who has been in therapy with a counselor, continue your therapy. Don’t disconnect.
- Lastly, if you’re someone who has contemplated seeking help from a counsellor for anything, feel free to message me and we can set up a mutual time and date and work out a session. You don’t have to hesitate getting help….I am just a phone/zoom/whatsapp call away.
Until then, stay safe & calm, pray more & spread love.
Jennifer Pinto is a qualified counsellor & freelance corporate trainer. She can be contacted at [email protected]