Every experience has the potential to shape your spiritual journey. Liz Babbs

1. Reframe ‘lockdown’. Yes, that’s what the government are calling it, but it’s unhelpful as it sounds like prison! Come up with something more positive - eg health protection or self care/family care etc. In California they call it ‘sheltering in place’. I refer to it as ‘sheltering at home’ and the image that comes to mind is of a bird sheltering in the cleft of a rock.

2. Reframe negativity. When negative thoughts overwhelm, reframe them with ‘but thank goodness…For example, if an unpleasant thought or trauma comes to mind finish that thought by reminding yourself “…but thank goodnesses I’m no longer in that situation.”

3. Remember this is only a temporary situation not a permanent one. ‘This too shall pass.’

4. Stay rooted in the truth. Truth helps suppress fear. Remind yourself of the reasons why you’re at home - to protect your health and that of your family, the vulnerable and the country. It’s a sacrifice you’re making for your sake and others.

5. Give yourself time to adjust. This time of temporary restriction is like a bereavement, and so will take a few days to adjust to. Allow yourself and others the adjustment time they need.

6. Develop a framework or timetable. For example, you could divide your day into 5 sessions or sections:

   i) Indulge yourself - whether that be having a lie in, reading, studying, relaxing etc.

   ii) Do some housework. Staying on top of the cleaning is particularly important during this time.

   iii) Take some exercise, outside if possible. It will help your physical, mental & spiritual health.

   iv) Have an extended time connecting with family and friends on social media, phone/FaceTime etc

   v) Another session to indulge yourself - eg a box set, crafting etc.

   • Obviously, if you’re working from home the main part of your day will be taken up with that. But it’s still important to get out for some exercise and to have some time to re-create.

7. Focus on what you can do and not what you can’t. This is an opportunity to do things you don’t normally have time for - hobbies, projects, learning a new language, gardening etc. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with friends you’ve not been in touch with for years. Maybe make a list of those friends and schedule them into your week.

8. View the time at home as a pit stop rather than a full stop. It’s an opportunity to recover from the fast pace of life, to travel in the slow lane for a while and to enjoy the simple things in life.

9. Take a measured approach. The media thrive on shock headlines and catastrophe. Don’t take on board all you see and read. Filter it.

10. Don’t forget to laugh. Not only is it a great stress-buster, it helps boost the immune system. So have some favourite comedy box sets to the ready and prescribe yourself at least one a day!

11. If you’re a person of faith - Stay rooted in God’s Word. I have 6 session Bible study guides available for Lent and Pentecost - Transformed by the Presence of Jesus and Transformed by the Holy Spirit plus music and meditation albums to help you to step right inside (currently reduced).