Everyone’s world has changed dramatically during the last couple of weeks. And, there are probably more changes coming in the weeks ahead.
Who could imagine that 2020 would bring a worldwide pandemic that would cause businesses, cities, and even countries all over the world to shut down? It’s a crazy situation that has everyone watching the headlines and wondering, What is going to happen next?”
For a lot of people, the hardest thing to wrap their minds around all of this is the uncertainty surrounding the future. We just don’t know how long all of this will last or how bad it will get. And anytime we don’t have answers, the uncertainty can open the door for fear, stress, and anxiety to enter our lives.
So, what do we do? What are some steps we can take to reduce our anxiety?
5 Steps To Help You Cope with Coronavirous Anxiety
1. Know the Facts
It’s easy to begin focusing on something that is scary and unknown, and to inflate the risk of it actually happening to us. Things that are big and scary usually get our attention!
The best thing to do is make sure you know the facts. Although the Coronavirous has been labeled a pandemic, that term doesn’t describe the deadliness of the disease. It simply describes how wide-spread it is. Although the illness is obviously serious, the CDC reports indicate that 80% of those infected experience mild, flu-like symptoms. Most serious cases have affected older individuals and those with compromised immune systems.
One thing you can do to help you cope with anxiety is to make sure you know the facts.
2. Don’t get “Messed up Media Mind.”
The longer you watch tv, or the more times you click on something, the more money networks and companies make. Also, a lot of information is sensationalized as networks and news organizations fight for market share.
The best people to listen to are the organizations that we all trust our health and well-being to. The CDC and World Health Organization aren’t competing for market share or earning money based on viewership or number of “clicks.” Make sure you are getting your information from reliable trustworthy sources. Confidence in your sources will bring your stress level down.
3. Take Normal Health Precautions
We have a sign in the bathroom of a cabin we own that reads “Wash your hands and say your prayers, because Jesus and germs are everywhere!” That’s actually great advice to help reduce anxiety over the coronavirus.
Colds, the flu, and the coronavirus all spread through everyday contact. So simple things like regularly washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and practicing social distancing when possible are all good ideas.
4. Do the Basics
A healthy body is one of the best defenses against contracting illnesses and fighting them off if you do get sick.
A healthy body and immune system requires you to eat right, get the right amount of rest, and exercise. (You just can’t get away from those three things!) When your healthy to begin with, you are stronger both physically and mentally.
5. Trust God
The Bible tells us that “perfect love casts out fear.” It also tells us that God has given us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Regardless of what is going on around us, we can always have the confidence of knowing that God is in control and is never taken by surprise. He knows about the pandemic, and He knows you. If you will trust Him, He will let you cast all of your anxiety and fear on Him.
Well, the list isn’t an exhaustive one, but I believe these five things can help you cope with the fear and anxiety associated with this pandemic.
What do you think? Do you have some things to add to the list?
Thank you so much! We are all anxious with the uncertainty and media driven chaos. Sticking with the basics and leaning on God and his promises.
Thanks, Ed! Great advice, wisdom and spot on!
Great steps that needs to be taken here. Of course this pandemic comes right in the middle of allergy season also, so I have heard people getting scared because they think it might be the virus. One pharmacist ask me yesterday if I was scared or going crazy with this virus. I told her other than a few precautions, I am going about my normal routine and trusting God that he will lead us through this. This to will pass! Thank you pastor Ed for the great words here.
As a person who suffers from anxiety 24-7/365 this is one thing I’m not stressing over. I know God is in control, I know he’s on His throne! I’m actually praising God for this time of slowing down and extra time with my family. God always gives us what we need and right on time. I’m seeing the good. Now if you’ll excuse I’m gonna go wash my hands. 😂😊💜
Thank you Pastor Ed! God promises to always be with us and He always makes a way! No better time to be His hands and feet!
I’ve definitely been on edge lately with everyone panicking around me so this touched home big time. Thank you!
Wonderful list, Ed! An additional scripture that\’s a blessing… from 1 Corinthians 14:33: \”God is not the author of confusion, but of peace….\”
Thank you, this is a great way to stay in touch, too 🙂
Thank you Pastor Ed for all your words of wisdom throughout the years! Continued prayers for your family and our church family. God isn’t surprised with what is going on in this world and He has already gone before us and made a way, we have to have mustard seed faith and trust in Him through it all!
Great list Ed! So many things going on in my life right now so my anxiety is higher than normal so reading your passages has helped me keep focus on leaning on my faith and belief that God is the answer! Thank you, many blessings!!