7 Important Things To Do While Social Distancing

The first two weeks of self-quarantine I felt extremely helpless. Empathy is my greatest strength and weakness. So many people were suffering and I had no idea what to do to help. However, with some time and thought I came up with a list of 7 Important Things To Do While Social Distancing. I hope these things will be of help to you during this time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember to strive for peace and hand all your worries to God. This too shall pass.

1. Spend Time in Prayer

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14

Let the name of Jesus be the first word on your lips in the morning and the last at night. Prayer is the first practice to be put aside in times of trouble. Yet, prayer should be our first defense. Life is out of our control, but that truth has never been more evident then in this season. On my worse day it feels like everything is falling apart and I am powerless to stop it. I feel helpless when I should feel hopeful. God is in control. His plan is much more vast and intricate than we can comprehend. This virus was not a surprise to our King. Lift all your worries, concerns, praises and requests up to God. Do that first. Do it often. He is listening, and He cares.

2. Search for the Blessings

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In this extended season of worry, remember to search for the blessings. I say search, because it may take a little effort. Sure, it would be easy to list all the things going wrong in your life or in the lives of others, but what is going right? Make a list of all the good things in your life. List all the people you love and who love you. Have you taken simple things like running water for granted? Include those essentials in your list. Whenever you are ready to give in to the chaos, read through your list and thank God for the many blessings we are granted each day.

3. Encourage Others Who are Serving

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

While many of us are social distancing at home, thousands of people across the nation and around the world are working hard to keep us safe; to keep us fed; to keep our country running. Encourage those people. Show them extra love. Those people are just as overwhelmed as you are if not more so. A few kind words, handwritten note or special delivery to their work space would be a welcome surprise. Think of creative and safe ways to reach out to anyone and everyone when you are social distancing. Help in any way you can. The truth is, Satan wants to see us divided, but we are stronger together even when we have to be apart. Be a light in the darkness.

4. Cherish the Gift of Time

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastics 3:11

We have been given the gift of time. It’s true. Events have been cancelled. There’s no new sports to watch on TV. Many of us have been sequestered to our homes. Rather than seeing this as a burden, I am choosing to see it as the blessing of time. I’m seeing more of my spouse now than I have the last six months (which is excellent, because our primary love languages are both quality time). No, I am not able to see my family and friends, but I can talk to them. I can video chat and send them notes in the mail. Across the world people are wishing they had more time; more time for themselves, for others. Cherish the gift of time.

5. Review Your Goals and Dreams

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7

Reviewing your goals and dreams is typically a New Years Eve activity, but what better time to reflect than while you are social distancing? Use this gift of time to examine your finances, health, relationships, and goals for the future. Ask yourself these questions:

Are my finances reflecting my goals and core values?
What relationships do I need to invest more of less time in?
What one step can I take today to improve my health and well-being?

Be real with yourself and write everything down. There are hundreds of memes about giving up during quarantine. Why not be the one person who chooses to thrive?

6. Take Care of Your Mind and Body

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Speaking of health goals, remember to take care of your mind and body in self-quarantine. Studies show that staying inside all day can fuel anxiety and insomnia. That being said, it is important now more than ever to be taking care of your mind and body. Don’t spend all day on the couch eating cookies and watching Harry Potter. Although that sounds amazing it’s not good for your overall health. Remember to get a little time outside every day in the sun and getting fresh air. Open your blinds for natural lighting while you work from home. Workout every day in some form or fashion and do not self isolate. Talk to the people you love and communicate to others about your mental health. Take care of the one body you were given and this too shall pass.

7. Speak Up If You Need Help

“Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” -Proverbs 31:9

Last, but certainly not least, please speak up if you need help. Everyone around the world is going through this virus at the same time. If you are struggling to make ends meet, hurting with worry, or unable to find what you need to get by, then speak up! Reach out to organizations. You could even reach out to complete strangers. Just speak up! Do not try and go through this overwhelming season on your own or allow pride to stifle honesty. We are all in this together.

Thank you for reading the 7 Important Things To Do While Social Distancing. Subscribe below for new content every week. For other ideas on what to do in self-quarantine, check out these additional blog posts:

14 Day Beginner’s Guide to Hygge Living
10 Reasons You Should Make Time for a Hobby
7 Tips to Create a Hygge Morning Routine
6 Books You Should Definitely Re-Read in 2020

If you have any thoughts to share about how you are handling this season, please feel free to email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.

Love Always,