4 Simple Ways To Live With Hope And Not Fear During COVID-19
No one has any idea of when life will return to any sort of normalcy. Some are saying it will take at least 18 months because we can't be around others until there is a vaccine. Others will argue we have to hit "herd immunity" before we can open things back up (while no one really knows what percentage of people need to have had the virus for that to happen). Still, others will say we should start getting back to normal now because the impact of shutting down our country will have a more negative effect than the coronavirus itself.
In other words, no one knows how all of this is going to end. And all of us are worried. But what can do to live in a way that isn't controlled by fear? Better yet, what can we do to experience hope during this time?
Below are four simple things you can begin to do today that will help you live with hope instead of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Significantly decrease how often you check the news
One of the worst things I did for about 3-4 weeks when the coronavirus really began impacting how we live was check the news multiple times a day, every day. Even without a pandemic going on, checking the news every day is not something that seems wise. Throw in the fear of a global virus, and it just makes things worse.
So I eventually went a full week without checking out the news (either local or national) even once. I figured if something significant happened I would hear about it from someone or on social media anyway. This was one of the best things I have done during the coronavirus.
Now, I check it about once every other day and that's it. While it is helpful to see what is going on, we can't forget that the news is driven by it's ratings. Highlighting a personal story of someone who died from the coronavirus will get views. And so all we are seeing is the negative which only makes us live in even more fear.
If you have been particularly anxious during this time, I would be willing to bet you are keeping up with the news way more than you ever did in the past. Don't let your fear of missing out on every little development in regards to the pandemic drive you to an unhealthy place.
Start checking the news less, and you'll experience a lot less fear.
2. Follow a (new) schedule
When the coronavirus began shutting everything down, it had a big impact on all of our schedules. Most people now pretty much work entirely from home, if at all. And so the normal routines of life have been significantly altered. And while that is going through us all for a loop, we need to create a new and different type of normal if we want to start feeling better.
While your routine looks different now, having a routine is paramount in effecting how you feel. Regardless of how different life looks for you right now, we all need structure.
For me, I haven't been getting up as early as normal and my evening certainly looks different now that we have less going on. That said, getting back into a new rhythm (even if it is more laid-back) has been helpful in keeping me productive and feeling less anxious.
Create a new schedule and make yourself follow it. After a couple of days you won't need willpower to keep your schedule, you'll desire it to keep you healthy and in good spirits.
3. Commit to a spiritual discipline
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed to us what has always been true; we are not in control. Because of that, if we don't want to live in fear, we need to follow and stay connected with the one who is actually in control. Spiritual disciplines, while the words may sound stiff, boring, or obligatory, are actually not something we do for God but something we do for ourselves.
Whether it is consistent time in Scripture, prayer, fasting, meditating on God's word, journaling, generosity, etc., committing to a spiritual discipline in this season is the best way to experience hope.
My hope is that this season shows us that God invites us into a relationship with him, and when we pursue him, he really does comfort and encourage us more than we realize.
The best thing you could do right now is to commit to one small spiritual discipline and allow God to comfort you doing this time. And if you are looking for faith-based content, I'd love for you to connect with us at New City Church online via Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram during this time.
4. Be honest with others about how you are feeling
Here's what we know: all of us are feeling more anxious, stressed, and worried right now. All of us. This means being honest about how we are feeling with others is not something we need to fear. And it is not only helpful for you, it's helpful for those with whom you share because it will also encourage them to be honest about how they are feeling as well.
And here's the thing, talking out loud with others about what we are thinking and feeling often reveals to us that all of our "worst case scenarios" we are thinking about are unlikely to happen. In fact, you might find yourself realizing what you're saying sounds crazy even before someone else has to say it.
Because God is a relational God, we are relational beings. If you are experiencing a lot of fear and overwhelm right now, does any else know? My guess is the more fearful you may be feeling right now, the less you have communicated how you are doing with others.
Don't be afraid to be honest, your friends are feeling the same way as you anyway. They just need someone to start the conversation.
This won't last forever
Here's the good news: this pandemic will pass. Businesses will open back up. Jobs will be created again. We don't know when, but it will happen. While we may need to give up some of the old ways of doing things, we should not give up.
Author and speaker Jon Acuff has been tweeting this everday, and I couldn't agree more:
Something good is going to come out of this season. If you asked me to prove it, I couldn't. Not yet anyway. I don't have evidence. All I have is faith, this small, barely there at times, glimmer of belief. But that's more than enough for today. (Expect to see this tomorrow too!)