"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27

Let’s face it. There have been and continue to be many challenges as we navigate this pandemic. In times of enduring stress, like the period we are in, everyone’s mental health is affected. 

Here are some simple ideas you can do to create and sustain stronger mental health for yourself and those you love. These ideas work for kids and adults who live together, for couples and even for individuals living alone. 

• Actively listen to anyone sharing distress. Encourage them to name and talk about their feelings. Be a safe person for someone to open up to.

• Spend planned, intentional time together. We need each other and we need to be compassionate and patient and grace-giving. Stress can cause you to retreat from others, and that can create or exasperate mental health challenges. This is a chance to discover new ways of being together with those you love. Do different things or do familiar things differently. Be creative.

• Seek joy. Stress can prohibit you from experiencing joy. Be persistent in both seeking it and allowing it in.

• Get outside and get moving. You feel better when you move. You feel better when you breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on your skin. Something as simple as going outside after dinner as a family (or with a neighbor) is a great way to stave off sadness or lack of motivation or energy.

• Plan and make a meal together. Then make an extra batch! Not only can you spend that time together but you can also use it as an opportunity to provide a meal to someone who isn’t feeling well or may feel isolated.

• Pray 1-second prayers. Prayers don’t need to be drawn out or poetic to be worthwhile. Any time you feel gratitude or anytime you feel stuck or sad or irritated or….(you fill in the blank) check-in with God.

• Don’t judge yourself or others. There is an adage that still rings true: If you CAN do well. You WILL do well. Sometimes it’s not that you don’t want to do well. Sometimes it’s your state of mind that prohibits you from doing well. Be a source of unconditional love, grace and patience so you can serve yourself and those around you.

Mary Pratt, an StPLC Stephen Minister and Family Ministries leader, wrote this article, which includes ideas from the CDC article titled “Mental Health During a Pandemic” as well as ChildrenMinistries.org. Next week in Our Life Together, Mary will share another article that specifically addresses how our FAITH is helpful in dealing with stress/mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling and could use a listening ear, reach out to stephenministry@stplc.org.