Does the current state of the world have you feeling a little stressed? You are not alone. Whether it’s concern over the health of a loved one, uncertainty in the economy, or wondering how you’re going to maintain sanity while juggling homeschooling and work, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyone in different ways. The question is: what are you doing with the stress?
Here are a few suggestions:
- Seek God’s Presence: Amidst the chaos of his life on earth, Jesus often sought a place alone to pray. (Mark 6:45, Luke 6:12, Matthew 26:36-45)
- Rest in God’s Promises: God’s Word never returns void and he promises “Those who love your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” (Psalm 119:165)
- Do God’s Work: IF you are able, take care of your neighbors. Taking the focus off ourselves helps shift perspective and lighten our spirits. “Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40-45)
- Take care of God’s Temple: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
We are going to focus today on taking care of God’s Temple – YOUR BODY – and how doing so, can bring, not just physical, but emotional rewards. Physical activity is a super healthy way to give your body a surge of endorphins and regular exercise actually increases emotional resilience.
ANY form of exercise can act as a stress reliever. You don’t have to be an athlete to make a little exercise go a long way. Taking your mind off the many cares of this world and focusing on movement truly helps you clear you head and be more focused when you are done. It can also increase self-confidence, help you relax, and improve sleep!
Here are a few suggestions for how to get your blood flowing—while maintaining social distancing:
- Walk, run, hike or bike.
- To take it up a notch, listen to an encouraging audiobook or podcast while you’re moving.
- Hula hoop or jump rope: It’s not just for kids, but you might just feel like one while you are doing it!
- Jump on a trampoline!
- Online workouts: Gym temporarily closed? No problem! There are tons of free apps and workout videos online.
- DANCE PARTY: Even if it’s four minutes while you are heating a frozen meal, have fun and try some new moves.
- Master a headstand: Sooo many benefits to doing headstands. They strengthen all kinds of muscles, improve digestion, reduces hair loss and stimulates blood flow to endocrine glands.
- Play outdoor games: Shoot basketball, play foursquare, try tennis.
Bonus points for any parents out there who do these activities with their kids. Please consult your physician before trying any new exercise regimen. And to top off the activity, make healthy eating choices. We hear Costco has avocados AND toilet paper (if you get there early enough!)
