A time unlike any other, the season we find ourselves in right now is filled with many uncertainties. As COVID-19 (coronavirus) begins to get closer to home, we have been urged to stay at home in an effort to derail it’s acceleration.

For all of us, this past week has been a time of adjusting and figuring out day-by-day what our new norm looks like. While some embrace it – looking at you, homebodies! – others might find themselves struggling with what an unpredicted amount of time at home might look like.

Either way, this is a new thing for us all. Though we truly believe God knows how every day will unfold and that He has already planned how this all will end, it’s important for each one of us to do what we can to maintain a good headspace by focusing on our mental health in this season.

Listed below are some helpful suggestions for you to include in your day as you process what this time at home will look like.

1. Structure your time as best you can and give yourself breaks to reset your thinking and focus.
   • Watch a show or movie that’s completely unrelated to the news.
   • Put on a calming/uplifting playlist. We recommend this one!
   • Turn on some comedy or something lighthearted. Laughter is still a really good outlet, but exercise discernment, caution, and sensitivity when it comes to passing on memes on social media.
2. Acknowledge the emotions as they come.
   
   Some will be positive and others will be more draining. It’s okay to cry out and ask God some tough questions. Click here to watch Pastor Aaron’s message on asking God WHY and what it means to lament.
   
3. Reach out to someone when you’re feeling low or alone. 
   • Utilize video chats and phone calls (group or one-on-one).
   • Hop on a Zoom call with your Community Group.
   • Engage in the Live worship experiences with our team.
   • Send in prayer requests or call in to talk to someone.
   • Reach out to your counselor or therapist and see if she/he can provide video or phone sessions. 
4. Pray about how you can engage with or serve others. 
   • Ask for wisdom and take precautions in alignment with our governing officials’ mandates.
   • Click here for ways you can be serving others in our church and community during this time.
5. Realize we’re all going through what could be described as a “grieving process.” 
   • One reality is gone and a new one has come – at least for the time being. Even if we feel adjusted by the end of a day, when we wake up the following morning, we’re facing “new” all over again. Exercise compassion for yourself and others, give loads of grace, and don’t judge how others are processing this new season and reality.
6. Pray and think about new opportunities to create. 
   • A lot of us now have time that we didn’t before, and we can engage projects and ideas that we couldn’t a couple weeks ago. Give yourself that outlet and and chance to be productive. What could you create now that might bless others in the future? What could you do that would make the most of this unexpected opportunity?
7. As your mind wanders and probably jumps back-and-forth, shifting around incoherently at times, try to take every thought captive. 
   • Acknowledge your fear, uncertainty, annoyance, etc., but fix your mind on God’s steady character.
   • Recall all the positive things you can see Him doing in the midst of this season.
   • Journal about your day and write down moments that brought you hope and joy. Years from now, this journal will serve as a reminder of His faithfulness, His goodness and His steadfastness, even in a time that seems so uncertain. 
8. Get outside. 
   • Breathe in some fresh air, take a walk, and see if being out in creation brings any scriptures to mind.
   • Participate in some physical activity that will get your blood flowing. Whether it’s a good hike, some biking, or a peaceful walk, physical exercise has been proven to help with mental health.

These are just a few ways you can maintain a good headspace while you spend your time at home in the coming days and weeks. If you find yourself in a place where you are working through thoughts that are too heavy or dark, PLEASE don’t carry them alone. This season could be isolating for many, but we are in it with you.