A New Year a New Chapter

We have entered the year of 2022. Yet, some things have not changed. Yes, I am referring to the coronavirus disease 2019 virus (COVID 19). “COVID 19” indicating the year of 2019 and we are now in 2022. People are struggling with isolating. The media forecasted that during the holidays there would be a spike in the cases of the virus. Now there is a new variant, the Omicron Variant, a more transmittable variant. Due to the pandemic, people may feel their lives are out of their control. People are struggling with isolating. Is there an end to this chaos? Nevertheless, there are effective decisions we can make. 1. Trust God 2. Get the vaccine 3. Social distance 4. Mask up when in public 5. Adequate and frequent hand washing and use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

COVID-19 brings challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health recommendations are necessary to reduce the spread of the COVID virus. However, these recommendations of quarantine can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation. Thus, feelings of increased stress and anxiety. 

According to a Centers of Disease Control (CDC) online survey, young people between the ages of 18-24 are more likely to suffer mental health problems during the pandemic than any age group. This survey indicates that 63% of young people are suffering significant symptoms of anxiety or depression. Their experiences complicate the formulation of choices about higher education, careers, building relationships or deciding when to start a family. 

Most reviewed studies reported negative psychological effects including post-traumatic stress syndrome, confusion, and anger. Long quarantine duration, fears of infection, boredom, inadequate supplies, inadequate information, financial loss and the stigma of being infected with the virus contribute to the negative emotional effects of the COVID quarantine in all ages.

To compound the problem, depression and sadness are often problems in the US Eastern and Midwestern states during the winter season. Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common type of depression related to changes in seasons. The symptoms begin and end at the same time every year. According to the National Health Service (NHS) here are signs and symptoms of SAD.

• A persistent low mood.
• A loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities.
• Irritability
• Feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day.
• Sleeping longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning.
• Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight

These symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on daily activities. 

Sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity are proven to negatively affect our health, feelings of well-being and quality of life. Physical activity and relaxation techniques are valuable tools to help us remain calm. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 170 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week or a combination of both. As always, it is advised that you consult your health care professional before beginning an exercise regimen. In addition, seeking the advice of a health care professional to evaluate the complexity of anxiety and (or) stress is prudent. 

Relaxation techniques are recommended therapy for minor to moderate forms of stress and anxiety. Relaxation will not help with inadequate supplies or a lack of information. But there are agencies that are available to help with supplemental provisions and information. Call 211 for Essential Community Services. Additional agencies, i.e., Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners may be helpful as a supplemental food resource. Consider, Neighborhood Service Centers which have resources for senior services, access to utility and rental assistance, veterans’ benefits and assistance, small business support, as well as other valuable resources.  

Therapies that may help with Relaxation are deep breathing, guided imagery, mindfulness meditation, repetitive prayer, aromatherapy, music and art therapy, massage therapy, Yoga, Tai Chi, just to name a few. Dancing is also a form of exercise that can relax the body and mind. Pursue the therapy or therapies that are beneficial for you, including psychotherapies with a trained professional.  

Christian values emphasize knowing the truth (the Bible) which professes that Jesus came down from Heaven to rescue and save us from our broken lives and this fractured world. The Bible is reassurance that we are not alone in this struggle. The beauty of His sacrifice is that there was nothing we could do to save ourselves. Therefore, He paid the ultimate price for us, his life. Jesus is our sacrificial lamb who came from Heaven just because of our Heavenly Father’s love for us. John 3:16-17 NIV, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” God sent his son to save the whole world. No one is excluded. Our responsibility is to believe and accept His Love. Believe that Jesus is the son of God and accept His sacrifice for us. 

Our God is a Triune God. God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are one. John 1:1 (KJV) 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus, the son of God is the Word. 2 Corinthians 3:17, (NIV) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” We are free from sin and death. God’s promise to those who believe is ever lasting life. 

It is Christian belief that God is three persons—the father, the son who is Jesus, and the Holy Spirit which is the spirit of God’s Grace. Therefore, when God sacrificed His son, He indeed sacrificed Himself. When Jesus ascended to heaven, Holy Spirit was sent to dwell within us. God’s Holy Spirit is God’s loving kindness, His Grace, coming to live within us. God’s Holy Spirit will comfort, guide, and advocate for us. One of my favorite scriptures states that God’s Holy Spirit is not only within us, but alongside of us to fight our battles. 

Meditating on God’s promises, in His Word, is a form of relaxation therapy. Knowing who we are and God’s plans for us is empowering and freeing in a time of disorder. As the pandemic continues, we need God’s Spirit to sustain us. Christian music generally incorporates scriptures from the Bible. Listening and singing to the music is another method of meditating on the Word of God. Worship and praise or thankfulness Bible verses help to relax our minds. 

Psalm 34:1-9 (MSG) is a David Psalm, 1 “I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. 2 I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:  3 Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. 4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.  5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.  6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.  7 God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.  8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. 9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.”

God wants to be good to us. However, if we don’t read his Word, we will not know His intentions for us. He will not force us to seek Him. This is where free will comes into play. But, when we seek Him, He is always there for us, in us and with us. Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG) “Be strong. Take Courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He is right there with you. He won’t let you down He won’t leave you.”