If you're anything like me, your world has been turned upside down over the past few days. Everything is canceled, work patterns have shifted in strange ways, people aren't getting together - and all for good reasons.
That said, its slowly dawning on me how long this new normal might last for us. So what's a person to do to stay healthy during a pandemic? I don't have all the answers to that question, but a few good practices come to mind.
1. Limit Your Exposure To Media
It's one thing to stay informed with the most up to date news and guidelines from local authorities. It's an entirely different thing to consume so much media (social media, cable tv, that one guy's youtube channel where he makes fun of everything) that you begin to feel stressed out, depression, or that the world is going to end. Now, it's true that things have changed dramatically for many of us in just a few days, but I've found that my sanity relies on keeping my media consumption to a minimum. I stay informed through a few newspapers, and I check cdc.gov and michigan.gov at least once a day for any new COVID-19 updates. If I need analysis, I turn to NPR. But I can only take so much. If you're feeling weighed down by overconsumption of media, turn it off, and then do something listed below. Also, I highly suggest that you practice a media-fast one day each week. I’ve been doing this, and it’s a great reset for my mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
2. Go For A Walk Outside
You need to move. You need fresh air. Even if you live in a crowded city, there is likely a park within walking distance where you can sit under a tree, walk a path, or just get some fresh air. Whenever I'm feeling down, even in the long and coldest of Michigan winters, I go outside to move my body. I feel better to some degree 100% of the time. If you need a more rigorous workout at home, try the scientific 7-minute workout.
3. Read A Book
You know that stack of books sitting on your nightstand? Or that novel you've been telling yourself you'll read *someday*? Well, now is your chance. Reading, like most things worth doing in life, takes a bit more effort than, say, watching Netflix, but the payoff in both engagement and the potential for healthy stimulation is worth it. We’ve been reading the Wilderking Trilogy, and The Wingfeather Saga as a family, which are both wonderful choices to get lost in a fun all-ages novel. I’ve really been enjoying The Leader’s Journey for my own personal reading. Reading not only makes you feel smarter, but it may just put you to sleep, which leads me to...
4. Take A Nap And/Or Get 8-9 Hours of Sleep Each Night
Sleeping is healing, as my nutritionist says. Getting plenty of sleep is the best thing you can do for your body as you try to heal from all sorts of abuse our bodies go through when we're stressed. Regular exercise (see number 2 on this list) is right up there too. Get plenty of rest, so your body can heal itself. I’ve been feeling run down at the end of the day for the past few days. I’ve been sleeping from 9pm to 7am, and it’s done me so much good. Get plenty of rest, my friends.
5. Eat Healthy, Balanced Meals
I'm of the mind that Michael Pollan is on to something when he says "eat food, not too much, mostly plants." one of the best things you can do for you health right now is to put away the junk food, eat plenty of vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, fresh fruits, and generally anything that could be considered a "Real Food." Eating healthy food is the perfect way to take care of yourself right now. Become aware of your habits to eat when you're stressed (anybody else?), to over-indulge when you are feeling down or tired, or to snack the day away. Eat food, not too much, mostly plants. I’m making this for dinner tonight.
6. Phone A Friend
Stay connected to the people you love by calling them, setting up Facetime or Zoom calls, sending Marco Polo messages - whatever you need to do to stay connected. A phone call is better than a text message for many of us right now, simply because we're missing connection to people. The Marco Polo app is a great way to send a video message. Give it a try. Remember - isolation is a choice for many of us. Choose to stay connected with the tools that we have available to us.
7. Practice The Presence of God
Now more than ever our spiritual health will determine how you are able to endure this time of social isolation. Prayer is not something we perfect. It is something we practice. If you find yourself being bored or distracted during times of prayer, just remember this is normal. Start with a few minutes of silence, read some scripture, sing a song, pray for those you love, and the world around you, and end with a few more minutes of silence, asking God to speak to you during these times. If you need some assistance I’m making Daily Prayer videos on weekdays right now. I’d love to have you follow along.
What Happens Next?
I wish I could answer this question. No one knows, right? I guess we’re not nearly as in control of our lives as we care to think we are. I suppose that leaves space for us to cling to God’s Spirit, to invite God’s presence, and to grieve the loss that we may be feeling. God is close. God is near. You are not forgotten. Take care of yourselves, my friends. We will get through this.
Grace & Peace,
David