According to the oxford dictionary, control is defined as the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events.   Many circumstances in life remind us that control does not belong to us.  What belongs to us is the ability to align and balance our core.

1. Acknowledge your stress due to this epidemic
2. Understand people process stress differently – don’t compare yourself or anyone else
3. Begin to journal your thoughts – encourage your children to do the same
4. Try to keep yourself occupied with activities
5. Realize you are not alone
6. As Christians GOD is not trying to make us prove our faith to Him, He already knows our faith level.
7. Begin to realign and center yourself back to your core

Acknowledging Stress

Try not to prolong the state of stress because It is a human instinct to have feelings of stress.  Hiding or denying feelings of stress can cause serious effects on the body.  Stress can alter blood pressure,  breathing speeds up, the digestive system slows down, immune actives decrease, tense muscles, less sleep.  All these have an impact on the health of the body.  Acknowledging stress gives the ability to identify stress influencers.

1. Place limits – Though being informed is vital, but do not be consumed with minute by minute reporting if it is not mandated.
2. Body Talk – pay attention to the signal the body is relaying. It is important to remain in the healthiest condition.
3. Don’t ignore feelings – disregarding the emotions can lead to poor decisions and reactions to situations. Ignoring can also lead to illnesses such as depression.
4. Talk to someone with a better outlook on this situation.
5. Seek professional help – Religious leaders, counselors, etc

Different Stress Tolerance

We are all wired differently.  Some of these differences include:  Some have a high tolerance level; others may have a more precise decision-making mechanism; while others have more empathy for a situation; others still have such an acute sense of the “bigger picture”.  Comparing stress level benefits no one, everyone has their area of weakness and strengths. Remember everyone has their tolerance level. Fretting about this can cause extra stress.

Journaling

Writing your thoughts on paper helps clear the mind and allows for an analysis of thoughts. It allows for problem-solving and not focus on the problem.   Journaling help declutter the mind and emotions.

Occupy Time

Find activities that are joyous and keep from focusing on the issue. Family time, reading a good book,  complete that project, just to name a few.  Get to know yourself and your family more.

Not Alone

A worldwide pandemic, many people are experiencing the same thoughts and feelings as you.  You are not alone.  Think of ways to unite ourselves over the internet or phone.   Don’t feel it is a problem that can be solved alone.  Be thankful for what is available and things of others who have less.

Is GOD testing you

I feel that GOD  is not asking us to prove our faith or trust in Him. Ignoring the government warnings and precautions only put more at risk. We put our trust in Him that He will see us through as His words declare “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV).