As the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continues to rise, Lifetime Adoption remains 100% available for birth parents, hopeful adoptive parents, and anyone with questions about adoption. We care about you and are here for you!
The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely uncharted territory. It’s in our nature to seek out security and predictability—two things the world severely lacks in the chaos of COVID-19. But the uncertainty does remind us of an important truth: our lives are mostly out of our control. Thankfully, we know Who is in control, and we have complete confidence in Him. We’re praying to Him on behalf of the babies, birth parents, children, and adoptive families we serve.
God’s Word grounds us as we respond to the effects of COVID-19:
“Do not be afraid of sudden terror… for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.”
-Proverbs 3:25-27
If you’re feeling a mix of emotions in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, we wanted to offer some practical suggestions to support your self-care. Our focus has been on physical health precautions, but let’s turn our attention to our emotional and spiritual care for a moment.
Anytime we go through a significant disruption of our lifestyle and routine, and we are bombarded with unsettling news, it is normal to go through waves of feelings such as grief, fatigue, anxiety, fear, sadness, confusion, frustration, and irritation. We find ourselves on high alert as our minds and hearts are trying to process what is happening and catch up to the new reality. We look calm and functioning on the outside, but inside, our hearts are disturbed and our minds unsettled.
These 10 suggestions may seem superficial at first glance when you’re so overwhelmed, but keeping them in focus as you move through your day will help:
1. Focus on and do the next thing, whatever that is
One thing at a time. If that is to brush your teeth, do that. If it is to eat a snack do that. If it is to do some work do that. Just do the next thing. Try not to let your mind run ahead of itself into the future.
2. Drink plenty of water
Cortisol, a stress hormone, clouds your thinking and makes it hard to remember things and multi-task. Water is the only substance in the world that flushes out cortisol.
3. Eat regularly
If food supplies are limited, try to choose small healthy snacks (peanut butter, a handful of nuts, or fruit, for example).
4. Establish a routine
Set up a simple routine for yourself and your family wherever you are right now. Establish a routine for each day, then do one thing at a time.
5. Rest and allow yourself to heal
You’re trying to process all that is going on around you. If you have been running on adrenaline, it will subside after four to five days. When it dies, you will feel the exhaustion. Rest when you can, and you will recover some energy. Go slow. Your body needs rest to keep your immune system strong.
6. Make time for reflection
Set aside time in your day, perhaps 30 minutes or an hour, to reflect on your feelings, but then get back to your individual routine and other daily tasks.
7. Let the sunshine in
Get 15 minutes of sunshine morning and afternoon. Breathe deeply and allow the sun to warm you. Sunshine is one of God’s natural antidepressants. Research shows 20 minutes of sunshine a day, even if in small spurts of time, can cut the impact of stress on your body by 50%.
8. Reach out and seek help, rather than withdrawing.
Call friends. There is comfort in talking with others who offer a calm, reassuring word. We all need safe places to be heard when we are confused. And remember to call and check on those you know you may be alone and need a reassuring word.
9. Turn off the news
Minimize the amount of news coverage you are watching to 30 minutes every 8 hours.
10. Pray
Vent your raw honest questions, doubts, and feelings to God. It does not matter what you say, nor how you say it, nor how long it has been since you have connected with God. He loves you and cares for you. Be assured of His grace and love through Jesus, our Lord. Jesus understands your pain, and His Holy Spirit will comfort your heart and guide you through step by step through this.
Here are some comforting Scriptures to focus on:
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
-Psalm 16:8
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
-1 Corinthians 16:13
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
-Hebrews 6:19
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
-Isaiah 43:2
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
-Matthew 6:34
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