Practical Tips for Difficult Days

In the past month, life has changed dramatically. Many people find themselves facing challenges and frustrations they did not anticipate. I've compiled a list of ideas to help in these difficult days. Perhaps this list is weeks late, but maybe there are a few tips that can help through the weeks that remain.

1) Acknowledge the reality of the situation. There is a sense of national tragedy and world impact. There is legitimate loss in the lives of individuals. Many plans have been dashed and many disappointments introduced within a short space of time. It is normal to feel those losses. The body, mind, and spirit are interdependent; when one is weak or particularly challenged, the others are also affected. Some people are physically afflicted with illness or increased work demands, some mentally afflicted by information and decisions, and some spiritually/emotionally afflicted by isolation and separation from normal support such as church. All of these have impact, and it is unrealistic to expect no effect from what really are difficult days.

2) Limit the junk. There is already a continual impact on life. 24/7 news coverage and analysis does not help. It is necessary to get enough information to be informed about expectations and proper procedures, but it isn't healthy to be immersed in coronavirus coverage. Turn off the news. Stop reading and spreading Facebook rants. Don't read every possible article and story.

3) Do something calming. Read, cook, play games, sing, work on a project, do art, write poetry, decorate. Give yourself time and opportunities to lower your stress level through helpful activities.

4) Do something to release energy and frustration. If you have increased work pressures, if home schooling is a challenge, or if staying at home is making you crazy, you need to release that in safe ways. Seek physical activity that releases those frustrations. (There are scientific terms for this.) Do yard work, clean the house, do repairs, exercise, play an active game, develop back yard sports.

5) Sleep. Our bodies need sleep, especially in trying times. This isn't the time to stay up all night talking, reading, or watching TV. Don't oversleep, but give your body proper rest.

6) Laugh. Laughter is a gift from God and helps to alleviate tension and negative feelings. See the humor in situations that are currently out of proportion. Remember humorous times from the past. Share humor with family. Take in light-hearted input to counteract all the negativity; this might not be the time for a steady diet of war movies, but maybe Lucille Ball or Dick Van Dyke would be appropriate.

7) Connect with others as best as you can. Make this a special family time, doing activities together, talking with your spouse, teaching your children. Don't forget those outside your immediate family. Reach out to others. If you are alone, pick up the phone. Call people. Do video chats if possible so that you see faces.

8) Love. In difficult days, we especially need love. Hugs, touching, and even verbal expressions have much benefit. Cuddle extra with your kids. Hold hands. Do something special, maybe something creative for others in your house. Encourage others. If you are alone, this is harder, but seek ways to share love with others. Make cards, make phone calls, pray together, really talk and really listen. Be thoughtful and especially kind in the words you are able to share by phone or mail. And if you have to substitute hugs with a pet or stuffed animal temporarily, imagine who you want it to be.

9) Seek to learn and grow. God doesn't waste anything. He has purposes for you beyond simply enduring until it is over. Trials are intended to bring maturity. Don't stagnate. Don't drift away from God, even though you can't be in church. God can do His work in your heart, helping you to think and evaluate correctly, helping you to become more stabilized in your spirit, helping you to understand His truth more deeply.

10) Look for the bigger picture. There is life beyond coronavirus, both currently and when life returns to normal. Look for God's plan. Does He have work to do in your heart? Is this an opportunity for family adjustments that should be made? Can this draw your church closer together? Can this provide opportunities for the gospel? Can this open hearts of people around the world to turn to God? Is God using this as a wakeup call to Christians and to the lost, a time to re-evaluate and re-focus?

11) Choose verses to remember. Biblical input can and should be more than a single verse, but it can be helpful to have a few special verses that can be focused on and easily remembered throughout the day. Morning devotions can wear off, and frequent reminders are needed. Write a verse down to carry with you. Post verses in prominent places. Memorize. Meditate.

12) Pray for help. It's not wrong to ask for help, especially from God. He wants to help you. He honors humility and responds with grace. Pray for physical needs, social needs, practical needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs. Often change and help will come just because you ask.

13) Don't forget music. With churches closed or online, music may be limited or non-existent. Sing. If you play an instrument, get it out. Focus on special and meaningful songs, and play them over and over, allowing their truth to minister to you. Pay attention to the words.

14) Don't underestimate God. When the human spirit is struggling, and even when there seems to be no help from normal sources, God can be all the help you need. God can't give physical hugs, but intense time with Him can unusually replace what is normally considered a need to be met by others. If you are cut off from church and friends, separated from family, and even completely alone, God can be all that you need.