I've been on social media more to encourage others, offer prayer, and reach out especially to women and families experiencing heightened anxiety, depression, and other challenges at this time. (That is a big motivation for me as I become Dr. Stacie.) It is normal to feel such a range of emotions at this time. Many people feel uncomfortable with normal change -much less such sudden, unprecedented national/international changes.
Many women may even experience flashbacks to past trauma as a result of the current events and breaking news. So let's talk together about how to cope with God's help at this unique time in history:
It is important to maintain contact through technology with your pastor, your church family, your Christian mental health provider/Biblical counselor, etc.
It is also important to address any unmet physical needs or physical health problems you may have which prevent you from feeling able to relax. For example, do a brief check: Are you hungry? Are you rested? Are you experiencing any physical pain? If so, please address those needs with your care team, message your primary care physician, etc.
Get sleep. (I totally smile and understand why some will laugh when they read that, but there's no sleep replacement. At least explore ways to brainstorm how to get more rest.) Limit caffeine consumption. Keep your sleep environment free of screens, light, and anything uncomfortable. Listen to the Psalms through an app like Dwell or Biblegateway. Use your earbuds at night to avoid waking loved ones. Keep a gratitude journal next to your bed where you write things for which you thank God.
Eat nutritious, protein-rich foods (e.g. salmon, dark chocolate, probiotic-rich products like yogurt, kefir, etc.) to help your mind and body stay strong. Being low on vitamin D can also be problematic right before spring. If possible and if your doctor approved it, supplement your diet with cod liver oil, sublingual B-12, vitamin D, etc.
Limit screen time (e.g. TV/Netflix/whatever you watch or play on your phone). Instead, do something different and use your hands for multi-sensory activities. Plant an herb garden, bake bread, or do a craft with kids. Then give the craft to elderly/vulnerable loved ones who are under quarantine.
Schedule Facetime with your loved ones in nursing homes.
Get creative about using your God-given talents instead of allowing your creative mind to create pictures of worst case scenarios. Ask the Lord to help you with this. Bring every thought captive to Christ.
Open a window and listen to birds or take a walk, if possible.
If your primary physician approves it, get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day in order to help your body physically cope with the stress.
Listen to solid, upbeat Christian music.
Sandwich your prayer requests with praises. Offer sacrifices of thanksgiving at this time.
Pray for others and message/call them to pray.
The point is that we must discipline our minds with the Lord's help and use the good things He's given us (e.g. any medicines, nutritious foods, or healthy habits). The brain cannot entertain two thoughts at once, so we must replace bad thoughts with Biblically positive thinking (e.g. Philippians 4).
In closing, I want you to know that I care. But, more importantly, He cares. He loves you. He's got you, my fellow sisters in Christ. Remember this fact: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]" (2 Timothy 1:7).
I also urge caution about utilizing sources that are not Biblically-based and solidly researched.
You are loved. You are irreplaceable. God sent His Son for you. Think about that. And remember that John 3:16 is a fact -not a wishful thought. It's a fact: "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." Let's repent and rely on Him and He will carry us through victoriously. With His help, we'll win!
-Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski,
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with Biblical Counseling)
Master of Science in Psychology (Christian Life Coaching) and
PhD student (Organizational Psychology)