Finding the Time for Peace

Feeling anxious in self-isolation?

Stuck at home but failing to find any meaningful sense of rest?

Nobody expected it would be like this. If someone just a few months ago told me that staying home and not going outside would help prevent the spread of disease, I would have signed up on the dot. But these feelings of worry and the overwhelming news is taking its toll.

It’s time to not just find peace, but actively make room for it.

Here are some tips for setting aside time to rest and reflect whilst in self-isolation:

Turn Your Phone Off, Or Put it in Another Room

This is a big one. Phones are fine-tuned distraction machines. Even with it in the room you can feel its presence, wondering if you have missed a message, call, or update. Having time away from your phone will do you a world of good.

Phones are vital right now, but it’s just as important to have time away from them.

Communicate Your Needs With Those Close to You

Self-isolation means that many of us are living in closer quarters than we are used to. Shoulders bumping throughout the day and small interruptions punctuating your times of work or rest. In making time for peace, communicate that need in a clear and thoughtful way. Explain why it is so important, but also explain that you aren’t trying to push anyone away. You just need to step back for a moment.

Pick a Verse or Reading to Think About

Thoughts are very good at running away with themselves. Without something to focus on, you will soon return to the thoughts that may have made you anxious in the first place.

Pick a Bible verse. Doesn’t have to be a long one. Just something that you can focus on without straining to remember it.

Alternately, try reading a passage from a devotional book and reflecting on its message. Explore in your mind what it means. Pray that God reveals more of Himself to you through the reading.

If you need something visual to focus on, a tealight or candle works best. Just be safe.

Get Comfy

Simple enough, If you start to feel sore, you’ll probably lose focus. Get somewhere comfy and restful.

Clear the Decks

If there is a pile of dishes in the sink, clothes that need hanging out and a message you need to reply to, do those first. You need to clear the decks of any jobs or tasks that will nag your thoughts during times of rest and peace.

If you really need to stop immediately, make an agreement with yourself. Set times for when you will do the work and stick to them. That way you are freed to simply stop for a moment and not worry whether something will or won't get done.

Make it Regular

If at first you don’t succeed, make it a regular thing. Peacefulness is a practice. It doesn’t come through ad hoc pauses in your day or collapsing on the sofa after a busy period. You need to be intentional and purposeful about pursuing peace.

Plan in a regular slot for when you will stop. It can be in small, 15 minute increments every day, or a larger block once a week. Either way, keep the appointment.

Make peace a regular practice.

Return to the list of practices for Christians during Coronavirus: https://www.eden.co.uk/blog/7-practices-for-christians-during-coronavirus-p1784105