As the majority of American’s world has turned upside down over the past two weeks, you may have experienced a range of emotions and found it hard not to allow the panic and hysteria to affect you. Today I’m sharing How To Find Mental Peace And Clarity During A Global Pandemic to offer a few practical tips on finding peace amid a storm.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or maybe even panicked by all the craziness on the news? Me too, friend!!
That’s why I created the Mom Survival Kit. It is a simple guide to help you stay positive, healthy, and sane during a global pandemic.
Get your FREE copy here.
On March 11, 2020, the coronavirus became real in my life. Up until that point, it was just something I kept hearing about on the news.
I waltzed into the gym that morning looking forward to getting my workout in and as I entered the locker room, I felt a strong sense of panic.
Everyone was talking about the virus spreading and there were rumors that school was going to closer. At that point, I thought there was no possible way that school would close but everyone seemed certain of it.
Since that day I have experienced a wide range of emotions. Fear, panic, apathy, peace, and conspiracy theory have all consumed my mind at some point.
Then one night I realized that I needed to stop the toxic cycle and find a way to ground myself during this uncontrollable storm our country faces.
Because that’s what the majority of the news is…….. Fear-based media that is completely out of your control.
Today, I want to share my strategy on……..
How To Find Mental Peace And Clarity During A Global Pandemic
Be Strategic About What You Consume
Human beings were not created to scroll on their phone reading bad news after bad news every day. And that’s what so many of us are doing and for good reason.
Right now, everywhere you look is like a terrible car accident that you just can’t seem to look away from.
Become proactive in choosing where and when you are going to receive information from.
I recommend staying informed through the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and the CDC and having set times each day that you check in with them.
Separate Facts From Thoughts
The facts are not where the fear stems from. It’s the thoughts created after reading or hearing those facts that begin to develop fear.
So during this time of uncertainty, become aware of the facts and separate them from the thoughts causing fear.
Journal All Your Thoughts And Feelings
The good, the bad and the ugly, it’s important to be realistic about how this pandemic is affecting your mental health.
If you are struggling with fearful thoughts denying them can make it worse. It’s really important, to be honest, and work through how you feel.
Keep a daily journal of three things you are afraid of and three things you are thankful for. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is SO therapeutic and identifying things you are grateful for has a plethora of benefits!
You can get a copy of my daily journal here.
Bring Every Thought Captive
During this time of so much uncertainty, it is so important to be vigilant about what you think about.
When you feel plagued by fearful thoughts, take them captive and don’t allow them to manifest into something bigger.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:5
Focus On What Is True
As I am sitting here writing this post, the sun is shining, my family is healthy, and my husband is working.
So while the world around me is going through a crisis, it’s important to focus on what is true. That’s not to say that I don’t care that people are suffering and there are a lot of unknowns, but I can’t fix many of the unknowns and what I know to be true at this moment is that everyone around me is happy, healthy and thriving.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Ask Yourself How You Can Be Part Of The Solution
While there are so many things you cannot control during this time, take a moment to ask yourself how you can be part of the solution.
- What can you do to prepare your family?
- What can you do to serve those around you?
- How can you better yourself for the future?
There is something very calming about being able to help others and give back.
Refuse To Let Someone Else Determine How You Feel
I walked into the grocery store with my list on hand feeling cool as a cucumber….
…..until I turned the corner and saw the toilet paper ransacked.
And even though toilet paper wasn’t on my list, I found myself grabbing the biggest pack of Charmin I could find. I left the store feeling a little afraid we were going to run out of toilet paper in the next week.
One week later I went to the grocery store and there was plenty of toilet paper to go round. I’d been duped.
Before I walked into the store, toilet paper was the last thing on my mind. But I allowed other people’s actions to determine how I felt about toilet paper which made me feel a little panicked.
Decide how YOU FEEL about a situation and don’t allow others to dictate your feelings.
In Conclusion:
During this global pandemic, it’s important to take a moment to find mental peace and clarity, be strategic about what you consume, separate facts from thoughts, keep a daily journal, bring every thought captive, focus on what is true, contribute in your unique way, and be the decider of your feelings
Xoxo
Colleen
P.S Don’t forget to get your FREE copy of the Mom Survival Kit. It is a simple guide to help you stay positive, healthy, and sane during a global pandemic. Get your FREE copy here.
Then head over here to read: 4 Simple Tips To Thrive During The COVID-19 Pandemic