Faith is defined as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something” and “a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension…”
Personally, I don’t know what I’d do right now if I didn’t have faith. If I didn’t believe in God, and if I didn’t have confidence people were working to make sure we’re safe, I’d be paralyzed.
Three Ways I Keep the Faith – In Good and Challenging Times
I am the first to admit it’s not always easy to have faith when life is up in the air. What I do know for sure is committing to three actions daily help me keep my faith:
- Meditation/Prayer
- Practicing Gratitude
- Exercising
Meditation/Prayer
In the link below, Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier and Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics, shares insights on meditation. He discusses meditation is about “focusing the mind for nanoseconds at a time and when you are distracted notice then focus again and again.” Even practicing one minute of medication can help relieve stress.
When I take the time to sit back, be present, and clear my mind, I feel a sense of peace and realize things will be okay. I know right now you have one minute to spare and start practicing how to decrease your stress and anxiety.
Practicing Gratitude
Remember, there is always something to be grateful for: sun shining, flowers blooming, and extra time with family. Also, most of us have internet access and can connect virtually with friends, family, and business associates. Most of us are in good health, and have the ability to go outside and walk (socially distant, of course).
Do you usually see the glass half full or half empty? Do you make lemonade out of lemons? I can honestly say since I started practicing gratitude it’s easier to focus on the good stuff. When I’m stressed, scared, or feeling out of control, I consciously focus on what is good about right now. I’m grateful for my health, my ability to go out and walk, my ability to work from my home office, my family, my home. It doesn’t matter how trivial your gratitude list might seem, it adds up when you practice daily. Even better, when you write down what you’re grateful for, you can go back during times of stress or sadness and remember everything good!
Exercising
Yes, exercise. It’s a known fact exercise improves mental health, can help chronic illnesses, and decrease stress. Two years ago, an article in Psychology Today reported (before the outbreak of COVID-19): “rates of depression and anxiety are at their highest recorded levels…” Imagine what the rates of depression and anxiety are today.
Exercise is one way we can control what’s happening. Find something you like to do and make it happen. Take a walk each day, walk up and down your stairs, work in the garden, and “dance like no one is watching.” Your mental and physical health will thank you.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, before the virus broke loose, meditating/praying, practicing gratitude, and exercising tremendously decreases my stress level. What are you doing in this time of social isolation and uncertainty to keep your faith?
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