Overcoming Anxiety Day 8: Finding peace of mind when you're restless.

Are you restless?

Have a minute?  Have a listen:

Or read the blog post:

If you are anything like me, you’re feeling pulled in many different directions.  You are managing your job or trying to find a way to bring income if you’re not able to work right now.  You are trying to keep your kids busy and engaged, maybe with online schooling or homeschooling. You’re trying to make sure your family has what they need with limited supplies.  All while trying to keep the peace in your home while everyone is in such close quarters.

This sounds exhausting, because it is.

Anxiety causes your thoughts to go into overdrive, which can make it difficult to focus and make sound decisions. 

Did you know you were created with a sound mind?

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.”

Today, I want to encourage you to take a step back and give yourself some kudos.  You’re doing the best you can right now in a challenging situation. 

There are a few practical things you can do to alleviate your mental load:

1)  Breathe. Take 5 to 10 minutes in a quiet place (or use noise-cancelling headphones).  Close your eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths.  Feel your lungs expand as you breathe in for a few counts.  Open your mouth slightly and exhale for a few more counts through your teeth as your lungs collapse.  

2)  Brain dump. Make a list of everything that’s on your plate.  Make a to-do list for every area of your life—work, kids, housework, etc.  Highlight the tasks that are urgent and important.  Schedule the items that are not urgent but important.  Ask for help with the items that are urgent but not important.  And cross off anything that is neither urgent nor important.

3)  Believe.  Decide that you are going to believe you are doing the best you can, and give yourself some grace.  Believe there is good happening in the world and make it a point to highlight it each day.