WITH millions of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide, more people are worrying and weeping day and night.
Who does not have any fear, and whose heart does not bleed for COVID patients and infected frontliners? No matter how painful and stressful things are, we need to take care of our mental health. We cannot allow our hearts to sink. We need to find glimmers of hope and ways of making our burdens bearable.
Reduce the time that you allot for news and statistics. Use the time that you save to take care of yourself and your loved ones, to enjoy life even in quarantine, and to pray for COVID patients and their families, government leaders and policy-makers, researchers, doctors, nurses, and other frontliners.
Listen to inspiring songs. Prepare a playlist of songs that make you happy and enthusiastic. Music relaxes and heals. It has amazing benefits to a person’s mind and body.
Remember that different companies have been working hard to develop a COVID vaccine. There are also recoveries even among very old people. There is hope! We just need to be more vigilant and patient.
Think of simple ways to encourage a relative, friend, patient, or frontliner. Everybody needs a little inspiration. When the focus is shifted from the “self” to another human being, there is a sense of purpose and a certain happiness which selfless and generous people know so well. They also have problems, but they have no time to wallow in their misery.
Take time to laugh. “Laughter increases the number of antibody producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress” (Scott, 2011). Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.”
Watch funny videos. Recall good jokes and funny moments.
Stop worrying and imagining scenarios. Worrying will not prolong your life or your loved ones’ lives. Just do what you can as far as observing proper hygiene, physical distancing, wearing masks, and boosting your immune system are concerned. No one else can do that for you. Strive to become physically and mentally strong so that no virus, no fear, no heartache, and no uncertainty can defeat you.
