Staying Healthy & Happy in Stressful Times
How did you know I needed that? My two year-old granddaughter shrieked, screamed for joy, laughed and giggled on the phone in between me asking her questions. After several ‘answers’ like that, I joined in and laughed with her. I hung up, in a lighter mood. She didn’t know she’d lifted my spirits.
Just as the frog in the pan doesn't know the temperature is rising steadily until his feet are burning, we are exposed daily to dreadful news, accusations, and general negativity on the news and media. As I drive through town, I notice several stores have a ‘for rent/sale’ sign in the window. They now sit empty, perhaps due to the Covid shut-down. We can’t control the world, but we can control the information that is coming into our eyes and ears. If we spend time in negativity, immorality and lawlessness, our thoughts will begin to dwell in those areas.
It takes a concerted effort to view the craftiness of the world as just that, a striving after those things that will perish. And it takes a concerted effort to think on the good things. Sometimes it's the little steps that get you on track. Take the time to contemplate and think on verses that speak to your heart; take a walk; look at photos of loved ones or beautiful nature landscapes. These are some ways to calm your mind and redirect your thoughts. Just like the weather, circumstances don't last forever.
Keep a child’s wonder near you and remember to laugh, it does wonders for your mental state of being…
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”
II Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:25-26 (ESV)
Thank you for stopping in from your busy day to read.
Some resources for your perusal: