The Coronavirus Stay-at-Home Directive: How to Remain Healthy and Positive While at Home

It was only a few months ago I sat at my desk anticipating what I would do in 2020. Never in my wildest imagination did I think surviving a stay-at-home directive would be an accomplished task. Yet here I am mandated to remain at home to keep myself and others safe.

The stay-at-home order befits us globally, individually, not so much. It’s easy to become pessimistic during times like these.  After a week of staying home, stir craziness creeps in and we look for ways to remain sane.

Since governing officials mandate us to remain inside, we must engage in activities that will sustain growth and development. Learning to rest, spend time with God, and with family are three ways to thrive.

Learn to Rest

And on the seventh day, God rested.

If the all-powerful sovereign God realized the importance of rest, why is it we as humans have a problem with it?

We have been deceived into believing that busyness equates to success and prestige.  We fill every moment of the day thinking busyness glorifies us but it’s dehumanizing.

When I ask my friends and co-workers how they’re feeling, the most common response is “I am tired.” As a nation we are drained physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. No one can continually live like this without having negative consequences.

This lifestyle has resulted in high blood pressure, heart conditions, and stress-related illnesses. We are impatient with each other, which results in arguments and poor relationships. An increase in road rage and falling asleep while driving is also the outcome of tiredness.

 

Relaxing during stay-at-home

Yet, we will not stop on our own accord and rest.

Because He loves us, sometimes God will interfere and act on our behalf.  I believe this stay-at-home order is one of those times. Coronavirus has caused many of the events in our lives to come to a standstill.  Life as we knew it has ceased.

Use this time to rest. Take a nap. Watch a movie in the middle of the day. Hey, why not step out on a limp and do absolutely nothing for 30 minutes?  It’s okay. Resting does not make you weak or vulnerable. It does not mean you are lazy or unproductive.

Instead, by resting, we can restore ourselves. Relaxation is therapeutic. It allows our minds and body to reset. It strengthens us and sharpens our minds. It helps us to see things clearer.

Rest is a valuable gem which society has taken for granted.

 Family Time

I overheard a conversation in which a co-worker asked her son, “if he still lives here?”  I get it. Because of the stay-at-home order, my son has spent more time at home since he started college.

Family time during stay-at-home directive

Family time is not what it should be.  We barely have family dinners. Even if everyone is at the dinner table, you can bet someone has their trigger figure on their cellphone.

It seems like we must chase after our younger family members to talk to them. When they are home, they spend considerable amounts of time in their room on their devices instead of interacting with family.

Since we are spending more time at home, let’s try to reunite with our loved ones. Let’s bring back family time. Try sitting at the dinner table and talk with each other.  Once or twice a week have games and movie nights.

Develop meaningful ways to spend time with each other. It tickled me when one of my coaches posted pictures of her and her daughters taking funny family pictures in their yard. This was their way of spending quality time with each other.

We keep so much bundled up inside and suffer in silence.  Sit down and talk about what’s going on in your lives. This is a wonderful time to help one another.

I realize this will not work for everyone. Not all families are at that level of communication. For you, this may be the time of prayer and ministry for you and your family. You don’t have to gather them into a circle and speak to them. Instead, go into your prayer closet and pray for them.  Anoint them if possible. If not, anoint the door to their bedroom.

This is an exciting time to begin the healing process. Ask God to restore your family.  Be aware, He may direct you in ways you weren’t expecting.

Get Still Before God

Because of our lifestyles, very few of us spend adequate time with our Heavenly Father.

The demands that robbed God of our attention are now on hold.   This is a perfect time to be still and allow God to minister to us.  A perfect time to read and study the Bible.

Time with God during stay-at-home directive

Many of us do not know how to comprehend what is happening in the world today. I believe the reason for the coronavirus is beyond human comprehension. When situations occur, which leaves me confused, I learned to ask God these questions:

• What do you want me to learn from this?
• How can I grow because of this experience?
• How can I help someone else grow?

The Word of God tells us sometimes we need to be still and see the salvation of God. I believe this is one of those times. Use the stay-at-home to connect and commune with God.

Masks for stay-at-home directive

Coronavirus and its effects are beyond our control. Yet, if we try hard enough, we can develop some positive results from this situation. When given lemons, make lemonade.

Not all challenging situations are meant to defeat us. Take the time to learn how you can better yourself and your family’s life.  With the correct attitude, we can excel in any situation.

These are some of my ideas to stay positive and healthy during the stay-at-home mandate. What are some of yours?