10 Things Helping Me In the Midst of Physical Distancing
No one can deny that the world has changed in a month. We are all coping. Grieving. Some days at a loss for words, and on others, not able to shut up. The trauma, loss, fear, and anxiety attack us at different times, and we each have to find ways to handle it as best we can, and move forward. The following list is what I've found helpful. Maybe you are already doing some of them, or perhaps today is the day that you feel barely able to keep your head above the water. I hope something below will help.
Being honest about how I'm doing. With myself first. And my husband next. It's only been a few years since I learned the phrase, "I'm not okay," and I'm so glad now that I am know how and when to use it.
Practicing gratitude. It was already a part of our daily rhythm—to offer our lists to each other while tucking the kids into bed, but now it seems more important than ever. My circumstances may be challenging, but they are brutal for others. My situation may seem complicated, but not nearly as hard as what others are facing. Remembering how much I have to be thankful for has become even more necessary.
Making space to be alone. Anyone else find that they need to "physically distance" from their family in the past couple weeks? This is harder to do in a small space, and I've had to get creative. Luckily, we are in the south, and somewhere that we can get outside and walk for miles. I also use headphones and a closed door.
Scheduling time for people. FaceTime chats, phone calls, text threads. I've sat and listened to some cry and allowed myself to do the same. It's been so freeing, so healing, so needed.
Praying. At the beginning of the day as a family. At mealtimes. At regular intervals as needs come to us, or when we feel overwhelmed. It's safe to say that I've prayed more consistently in the past couple of weeks than I have in a long time.
Putting my phone away. Or on silent. Limiting my social media usage and asking my husband to listen to the briefings and news reports in another room. I don't have any news apps on my phone currently, and I'm enjoying the quiet.
Protecting my body. And no, not from germs. But, from becoming sluggish. We walk several miles every day. We add stretching, light workouts, and bike riding (for the kids). We drink plenty of water, take our vitamins, leave the diffuser running 24/7, eat foods that are good for us (along with some that aren't), and we try to get plenty of sleep (even on the weekends—which look the same as the weekdays actually).
Allowing myself grace. To finish a 1000 piece puzzle in 24 hours. To read in the middle of the day. To not be okay. To eat carbs or chocolate. To not homeschool for a day. To rewatch the Office for the 100th time and laugh.
Asking for help. Luckily, we have great neighbors who are willing to pick up extra eggs or flour at the store and leave it on the steps when they return. And we’ve done the same for them. They regular texts are a highlight to my day now: “we are headed to ____, do you need anything?”
Focusing on what is in front of me. This situation is terrible, but the opportunity before me is precious. As a family, we may never have this much uninterrupted time together ever again (with my husband home for the unknown future). We've been baking and walking together, creating and reading and watching movies, and seeing this time before us as a gift.
I pray that you are well, friends. Not just physically, but mentally also. The physical might be the most pressing concern for many, but how we fare emotionally, economically, mentally, and relationally may be the lingering issues. I pray you are encouraged with something from this list. And, if you need specific prayer, please don't hesitate to reach out via email. Physical distancing isn't the same as social distancing—we need each other now more than ever.