How are you MENTALLY escaping all the COVID-crazy?

Take Heart said:

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but i try to limit the amount of news/youtube vids related to this issue and watch movies/YouTube videos that Ive enjoyed in the past that has made me laugh or just happy. It helps me to unwind a lot annd of course, praying to Jesus, telling Him my worries and concerns and trying my best to let Him be God in my life and to put those things on His shoulders and not allow myself to carry all these anxious thoughts and concerns on my shoulders but to cast them on the only One Who is capable to handle it Himself and trade those worries for His peace when we let go of our anxieties.

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Yes, this reminded me of His Word when He Says that Jesus Speaks to us, and we learn and know His Voice, and will not listen to another voice (about the virus, for instance). We learn Jesus Voice. We learn the truth as Jesus Says, and not from the other voices (in the news).

But_First_Coffee said:

I could use some advice, some ideas, some pointers...

I am prone to generalized anxiety and depression which I fight via naturapathic means
like herbal supplements as opposed to xanax.
For someone like myself, routine, regime and stability are essential.
I like my 9-5. I like my morning commute listening to books and bible in the car.
I like my hour to wind down watching interesting stuff on my phone at night.
I need to have quality time with my spouse.
Keeping my son on his routine when I get home after work is helpful for me too.
I need church on Sunday.
I need my coffee in the morning.
I like to keep up with the chores on a schedule.
From day-to-day, I am fine.
If there is some discourse in my house, like an argument with my spouse
or a sick baby or a money issue, I get stressed out
but it smooths out quickly because I keep things stable around it,
like my routine I mentioned above.

When the whole world around me is thrown into chaos,
and everyone is buying up everything at the store and shutting down regular everyday
places and panicking and clouding the media with negativity and messing up my routine...

...try as I might to be an optimist or a good stable Christian woman,
I start to meltdown really fast.

Last night I struggled to fall asleep and kept waking up from small panic attacks, partially because I have an allergy cough that acts up at night but normally it doesn't cause panic.
Throughout the last 3-4 days, there are times my depression feels like it is physically crushing me.

I listened to good church podcasts, the bible, my usual books in the car, walked on the beach, tried breathing techniques....


....What else???

Click to expand...

Something that helps me is reading the bible every day on a yearly plan. In a little time, it gives you something to replace bad thoughts with. It's as Isaiah says;

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 (KJV 1900)

This also helps me;

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5) (KJV 1900)

We censor every impure or bad thought or imagination. And change the channel in our thinking on any thought that does not conform to obedience to Christ.

And we replace it with:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Knowing Jesus is God and God is love. So Jesus is Lord of our lives when love rules our thoughts and actions.

But_First_Coffee said:

I could use some advice, some ideas, some pointers...

I am prone to generalized anxiety and depression which I fight via naturapathic means
like herbal supplements as opposed to xanax.
For someone like myself, routine, regime and stability are essential.
I like my 9-5. I like my morning commute listening to books and bible in the car.
I like my hour to wind down watching interesting stuff on my phone at night.
I need to have quality time with my spouse.
Keeping my son on his routine when I get home after work is helpful for me too.
I need church on Sunday.
I need my coffee in the morning.
I like to keep up with the chores on a schedule.
From day-to-day, I am fine.
If there is some discourse in my house, like an argument with my spouse
or a sick baby or a money issue, I get stressed out
but it smooths out quickly because I keep things stable around it,
like my routine I mentioned above.

When the whole world around me is thrown into chaos,
and everyone is buying up everything at the store and shutting down regular everyday
places and panicking and clouding the media with negativity and messing up my routine...

...try as I might to be an optimist or a good stable Christian woman,
I start to meltdown really fast.

Last night I struggled to fall asleep and kept waking up from small panic attacks, partially because I have an allergy cough that acts up at night but normally it doesn't cause panic.
Throughout the last 3-4 days, there are times my depression feels like it is physically crushing me.

I listened to good church podcasts, the bible, my usual books in the car, walked on the beach, tried breathing techniques....


....What else???

Click to expand...

The most important thing we can do in this trying time is to abide in the Father's love. The scriptures tell us God is love and we are to love others. So, love! Let others feel the love of the living God coming through you! We are the Father's servants, filled with the power of the living God! What an opportunity we have to shine light into the darkness! Renew your mind daily, be light for God it is said is Light! May we all be filled with the light, love and spirit of our mighty God! Fear not, we are told, God's righteous right arm is with us. The Word is nigh we are told, in our heart, the center of our very being and in our mouth so we may do it! We must be doers of the Word truly believing in the depths of our selves that God is with Us! We are to be one with God and others, all One, as Jesus prayed in John 17:21. Spending time here with the brethren is a good place to be!

But_First_Coffee said:

I could use some advice, some ideas, some pointers...

I am prone to generalized anxiety and depression which I fight via naturapathic means
like herbal supplements as opposed to xanax.
For someone like myself, routine, regime and stability are essential.
I like my 9-5. I like my morning commute listening to books and bible in the car.
I like my hour to wind down watching interesting stuff on my phone at night.
I need to have quality time with my spouse.
Keeping my son on his routine when I get home after work is helpful for me too.
I need church on Sunday.
I need my coffee in the morning.
I like to keep up with the chores on a schedule.
From day-to-day, I am fine.
If there is some discourse in my house, like an argument with my spouse
or a sick baby or a money issue, I get stressed out
but it smooths out quickly because I keep things stable around it,
like my routine I mentioned above.

When the whole world around me is thrown into chaos,
and everyone is buying up everything at the store and shutting down regular everyday
places and panicking and clouding the media with negativity and messing up my routine...

...try as I might to be an optimist or a good stable Christian woman,
I start to meltdown really fast.

Last night I struggled to fall asleep and kept waking up from small panic attacks, partially because I have an allergy cough that acts up at night but normally it doesn't cause panic.
Throughout the last 3-4 days, there are times my depression feels like it is physically crushing me.

I listened to good church podcasts, the bible, my usual books in the car, walked on the beach, tried breathing techniques....


....What else???

Click to expand...

Avoid the news, avoid those who want to engage in negativity...

If your normally watch the news, skip it with the weather exception and watch an uplifting show instead. (I've lately seen some ads for a streaming service called Pure Flix which looks good, if you do streaming)

If your freinds at work are talking about the illness, walk away and do something else.

Just avoid it. When you go to the store and it looks raided, just keep your trust in God and buy what you need or are able.

Might take a few adjustments, but avoidance is going to be your best bet... let your spouse keep up on the essentials of knowing what the government is doing...

But_First_Coffee said:

I could use some advice, some ideas, some pointers...

I am prone to generalized anxiety and depression which I fight via naturapathic means
like herbal supplements as opposed to xanax.
For someone like myself, routine, regime and stability are essential.

Click to expand...

I really need routine to be happy in my life. So right now I'm off for 2 weeks for Spring Break and now just found out we won't be back to school (I'm a teacher) until after Easter. IT IS STRESSING ME OUT.

I like my 9-5. I like my morning commute listening to books and bible in the car.
I like my hour to wind down watching interesting stuff on my phone at night.
I need to have quality time with my spouse.
Keeping my son on his routine when I get home after work is helpful for me too.
I need church on Sunday.
I need my coffee in the morning.
I like to keep up with the chores on a schedule.
From day-to-day, I am fine.
If there is some discourse in my house, like an argument with my spouse
or a sick baby or a money issue, I get stressed out
but it smooths out quickly because I keep things stable around it,
like my routine I mentioned above.

Click to expand...

It sounds like you know a routine that works for you. I'm creating a routine that is similar to my work routine:
6 am - Get up and have coffee, mess around on my phone
7 am - Watch some TV/do some chores around the house
9 am - Divine Office at Catholic TV
9:30 am - Daily Mass at Catholic TV
10:00 am - Rosary at Catholic TV
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Chores around the house, bill paying, online time
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - I'm packing up my apartment since we are moving this summer
After 3, I spend time with hubby.
Online learning starts on Monday - so I have to be available 8:30 to 3:30 to host at least 1 class time during the week, grade, attend faculty meetings, etc. I will adjust as needed.

Last night I struggled to fall asleep and kept waking up from small panic attacks, partially because I have an allergy cough that acts up at night but normally it doesn't cause panic.

Click to expand...

I had a hard time last night - I posted something at FB that I think had a red flag and my FIL called me this morning to see how I was doing. I am honestly OKAY, but this is scary, this is different, this is stressful. My husband can't understand why I'm so worried: I can stay home and teach (I'd rather be at my job with my students).

I'm reminding myself: 1) I have a place to live, 2) I'm healthy right now - for today, 3) I have food, 4) I have medicine, a hospital, clean water, and a way to distance myself to stay healthy, etc. While this is so different from our normal routine, we are okay.

If you find you need to get out, find a local park and go for a walk. Close yourself into a room, and pray, relax, or do some kind of workout (even walking in place can be great).

Take Heart said:

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but i try to limit the amount of news/youtube vids related to this issue and watch movies/YouTube videos that Ive enjoyed in the past that has made me laugh or just happy.

Click to expand...

I had to turn off all of my Teacher facebook groups for 30 days. I just can't deal with the panic they are posting about.

gospels said:

I'm being normal as I'm usually strong, I think. I just rest in the faithfulness of my heavenly father and live for today. Life or death, I rejoice. Nothing gets to me in any way.

Click to expand...

I think of Psalm 112.6b-7:

"...the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord."

I don't listen to the news or have it on. That's how I am "escaping" this madness.

JesseRBassett said:

I don't listen to the news or have it on. That's how I am "escaping" this madness.

Click to expand...

I'm doing that too. I only watch DVDs or game shows. I stay as far away from the news as possible.

Having music on is key right now or watching good movies, etc. Not the news.

nvm

I am enjoying doing the usual at home,watching movies
doing diamond art and playing video games. I love going to church
on wednesdays and sundays but might not be able to for a while.

But_First_Coffee said:

I could use some advice, some ideas, some pointers...

I am prone to generalized anxiety and depression which I fight via naturapathic means
like herbal supplements as opposed to xanax.
For someone like myself, routine, regime and stability are essential.
I like my 9-5. I like my morning commute listening to books and bible in the car.
I like my hour to wind down watching interesting stuff on my phone at night.
I need to have quality time with my spouse.
Keeping my son on his routine when I get home after work is helpful for me too.
I need church on Sunday.
I need my coffee in the morning.
I like to keep up with the chores on a schedule.
From day-to-day, I am fine.
If there is some discourse in my house, like an argument with my spouse
or a sick baby or a money issue, I get stressed out
but it smooths out quickly because I keep things stable around it,
like my routine I mentioned above.

When the whole world around me is thrown into chaos,
and everyone is buying up everything at the store and shutting down regular everyday
places and panicking and clouding the media with negativity and messing up my routine...

...try as I might to be an optimist or a good stable Christian woman,
I start to meltdown really fast.

Last night I struggled to fall asleep and kept waking up from small panic attacks, partially because I have an allergy cough that acts up at night but normally it doesn't cause panic.
Throughout the last 3-4 days, there are times my depression feels like it is physically crushing me.

I listened to good church podcasts, the bible, my usual books in the car, walked on the beach, tried breathing techniques....


....What else???

Click to expand...

Faith is the opposite of fear. Jesus said fear not and don't worry. God is sovereign. People live, get sick and people die. We do what we can to stay afloat, but remember Paul said he can be content with nothing or content with a lot. If we lose it all, we still have eternal life. Our life's purpose was to reconcile with God through Christ. We did, we are in. If you died tomorrow, you'd be with Jesus in a perfect place and would not want to come back. We all have hopes and plans depending on our age. It is truly difficult to see too far into the future in a world like we live in and the more you think about it, the more overwhelming it can be. Just take one day at a time. Get up, do what you do, enjoy the moment. Many people can't do that because they are either stuck in the past or thinking about where they are going. One pastor I heard taught that we get a glimpse of heaven when we are living in the moment. That's all we really have, is the moment.

One thing I found that helps me take my mind off this mess.

LEGO.

Yep good old building sets.
Just finished this one.


You have to focus to find the parts.
Can take hours if you don't rush.
And is a bit like a puzzle in the calming effect of building.

But_First_Coffee said:

I could use some advice, some ideas, some pointers...

I am prone to generalized anxiety and depression which I fight via naturapathic means
like herbal supplements as opposed to xanax.
For someone like myself, routine, regime and stability are essential.
I like my 9-5. I like my morning commute listening to books and bible in the car.
I like my hour to wind down watching interesting stuff on my phone at night.
I need to have quality time with my spouse.
Keeping my son on his routine when I get home after work is helpful for me too.
I need church on Sunday.
I need my coffee in the morning.
I like to keep up with the chores on a schedule.
From day-to-day, I am fine.
If there is some discourse in my house, like an argument with my spouse
or a sick baby or a money issue, I get stressed out
but it smooths out quickly because I keep things stable around it,
like my routine I mentioned above.

When the whole world around me is thrown into chaos,
and everyone is buying up everything at the store and shutting down regular everyday
places and panicking and clouding the media with negativity and messing up my routine...

...try as I might to be an optimist or a good stable Christian woman,
I start to meltdown really fast.

Last night I struggled to fall asleep and kept waking up from small panic attacks, partially because I have an allergy cough that acts up at night but normally it doesn't cause panic.
Throughout the last 3-4 days, there are times my depression feels like it is physically crushing me.

I listened to good church podcasts, the bible, my usual books in the car, walked on the beach, tried breathing techniques....


....What else???

Click to expand...

We need to remember
it ain't the Plague
God has his hand on everything
we rest in Him.

Life will bring with it
much bigger problems
we should always be ready
to finish the good race.
M

-There is too much hysteria right now. Even I have become affected by it today mostly. I am going to try and stay away from the threads that are causing fear and hysteria from now on and close an ear to all of the hype on the tv. I was calm until now. It doesn't pay to let the world inter your psyche.
Blessings, keep God in your heart, mind and soul.