Do’s & Don’t During Isolation

I promised God that whenever I write, I’d be authentic. For decades I pretended all was well when it was not.

So here it is: I kind of fell into a funk when I heard the isolation procedures are to stay in place for another month.

It wasn’t a surprise and it’s wisdom. But that super faithful part of me thought maybe, just maybe, we’d be back to business by Easter. It was a bit of a gut kick to see it in writing that it isn’t the case.

When I woke this morning, I felt the need to pray for those who struggle with depression and anxiety, and lift up those who are battling toxic thoughts to harm themselves. I know enough about the true defeated one to know he’s desperate to shift his future on us. He’s out to not only defeat, but destroy.

I thought I’d blog a bit about things we can do, and avoid to stay strong and connected.

Today I’ll focus on the DO.

DO follow the rules. For me, when I can see the light at the end of the tunnel but it isn’t quite there, I want to quit. I tried this when my fiance lived in another city and was moving back. We had two weeks to go and I couldn’t take it, so I tried to break up with him. He never got the email and we’ve been married 23 years.

Now isn’t the time to throw together some friends for a game night or whatever at your house. It’s not smart to have playdates. I remember the days as a mom with young children and they suck the life out of you. I cry with you. But you put so many people at risk when you feel desperate and ignore the restrictions.

DO get outside. Fresh air is the cheapest mental health help we have. I live in NE Ohio, a place so cloud-covered the military used the area in WWII because it mirrored the atmosphere of our enemy. Sun is rare. Unless the wind is biting, my husband and I have taken a walk with our dog at least three times a week. We’ve been caught in a downpour and had one walk where it was a cold drizzle the entire time. But, we got out. It helped re-frame my thoughts and killed time. It’s good for the body, it’s good for the soul.

DO be honest. It’s okay to text a friend and admit you’re having a bad day. It’s smart to sit down with your spouse and ask for help. I’ve done the martyr act and no one wins. It’s a waste of time. Be specific in your needs. I’ll say I just need 20 minutes to vent. I don’t need fixing, I just want to get it out.

DO take advantage in the good things technology can bring. I’ve enjoyed game nights with our youth group via Zoom. I’m part of a group chat where we pray. My home church streams live Sunday and to see our lead pastor deliver a message of hope, it helps so much. I’ve even hosted watch parties to anyone who can see the link because if that worship music or sermon can ease their struggle, why wouldn’t I take that moment to share? The Chosen presented Season 1 for free recently. What a great show that is. Brad Paisley has been singing hymns live and it truly brings the world together when I listen. John Krasinski from The Office started a YouTube channel with his SGN—Some Good News Network. Just hearing him giggle and laugh made me smile. Folks are discovering/re discovering The Carol Burnett Show sketches. If you haven’t seen Tim Conway as the old man playing opposite Harvey Korman, I have tears rolling down my cheeks every time. Laughter really is good for the soul. There are also free Bible studies and helps available. Max Lucado’s Anxious for Nothing has ALL their study videos available right now. Have you heard him share before? It’s like a comforting chat with Dad. Take advantage of the positive media out there.

These these basic, but I’m convinced the simple things are often the best. I’d love to hear your Do suggestions. Feel free to comment or email me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com.