Anxiety is F.E.A.R.

At some point, all of us have worried about the basics of life through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our anxieties often involve fundamental things: fears for our health and those we love, how we will make a living, securing supplies, and how to handle previously anticipated events and celebrations. In all these concerns, the issue is one of faith and trust in God. Ultimately, if you assume that you are the one who is in charge of your life, then you will battle anxiety and fear.

Anxiety is F-FALSE, E-EVIDENCE, A-APPEARING, R-REAL.

Have you ever watched a mouse running inside a wheel? The faster he runs, the faster the wheel moves — but he doesn’t make the slightest progress. He does not even have the sense to get off the wheel. This is exactly what anxiety does to you. As fearful thoughts fill your mind, you begin to run faster, trying harder to meet the demands of others or to prevent an uncertain disaster. Unfortunately, many of us remain on the wheel, spin after spin after spin after spin, and so on, and so on.....unable to breathe.

Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed:

1. Seek spiritual guidance and prayer

2. Take a time-out

3. Eat well-balanced meals

4. Limit alcohol/caffeine

5. Get enough sleep

6. Exercise daily

7. Take deep breaths

8. Count to 10 slowly

9. Learn your triggers

10. Seek professional help

Resilient thinking and your spiritual beliefs are key to overcoming such fear. Try adapting to change and overcome fearful thinking about things that may never happen. Remember to enjoy each day and stay in the present. When you stumble, get back up and start again.

Your turn.......Get Ready, Set,, GO.....