Stressed Out?
How is Covid impacting your family right now?
The list of ways Covid is impacting our families could probably be as long as my arm and I have long arms.
If I were to ask you how you are doing right now, many of you may reply with the words “stressed out.”
On average, most people don’t like change…especially change that has been forced on us. Many of us had to find new ways of doing life or are in the process of figuring things out. We are holding onto future plans loosely. This change, this uncertainty leaves us feeling stressed.
Did you know that taking 5 minutes a day to do something that refreshes you has been shown scientifically to help with your stress levels?
Today, I would like to challenge you to pull out your calendar and schedule 5 minutes a day to do something that refreshes you. Treat it like a doctor appointment that you wouldn’t miss or reschedule.
Here are four FREE ideas that can be done in 5 minutes:
Deep Breathing – This effective relaxation technique significantly reduces stress levels. There are many techniques to choose from and they are very effective.
Meditate – Specifically, meditate on God’s word and the character of God. God is constant. He is unchanging. Nothing that is going on is a surprise to Him and He is in control.
Refocus on Gratitude –Yes, there is a lot of hard but there is also a lot of good change that is happening. For example, many families are less busy and are spending more time together than they did before. Each day, come up with three positives that you can be thankful for that day.
Laugh – You have probably heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Save funny comics or links to funny videos on your computer. Intentionally seek opportunities to laugh even if it is a little silly or is at risk of being met with an eye-roll.
I don’t know about you but I can just feel the stress melt off of my shoulders when I have a good laugh.
So there you have it. Four things that you can do for free and that can be done in 5 minutes. The REST is up to you… no pun intended. Before you click that x to close this screen. Pull out your calendar and schedule 5 minutes a day each day next week and plan what you are going to try. Don’t put it off. This is important for you and for your family.
Written by Jonathan McGuire
