“I’m so weary.”
I’ve heard this phrase repeated countless times over the past few weeks, and I’ve felt the heaviness each time from the person saying it.
We are tired, stressed and worn out. Negative news reports, uncertainty and loss bombards us each day. We may try to put up a good front and respond with, “fine,” when asked how we are–but we are not fine.
Being weary is an understandable feeling, but it’s not one that we want to take residence in our heart long-term.
We must find ways to renew our spirit.
When I feel tired and down-hearted, I’ve come to rely on the following strategies to help bring me back to a healthy center.
Take it to God. This is most important, always. Pray and talk to God about what is going on. Ask for him to give you renewed strength and joy. Ask for help in whatever way you need. Seek him through prayer and reading the Bible. He will strengthen you.
Schedule something to look forward to. With so many events cancelled, we have to be intentional about putting a few things back on the calendar that we can anticipate with excitement. This may be a date night, a massage or a happy hour with friend. Schedule something in advance that will renew your spirit and bring you joy as you wait for that day to arrive.
Be honest. Name the feelings you are fighting right now and identify what is causing you to feel this way. If you need to take a few minutes to be alone and cry, then do it. If you need to take a break from the news or social media, definitely take it. Talk to someone trustworthy who will listen without judgement.
Let the music move you. Music is a powerful tool we can use to renew our spirit. “Wonderwall” by Oasis takes me back to high school. Dido’s “Take My Hand” and that whole album comforted me when we had a painful death in the family years ago. Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” will lift my spirits every time. Use music to give you peace, hope and energy to face life with strength and joy. Dance it out. Sing at the top of your lungs if you need to. Music can soothe our soul.
Remember that it won’t be this way forever. The light will overcome the darkness. The pain or grief you are feeling won’t always be so sharp. These clouds will pass; look for the silver linings along the way. Take a step back and recall how you have gotten through other hard times.
Practice gratitude. One of my favorite daily habits is writing down five things I am thankful for. It causes me to notice the little things that bring me joy each day, rather than focusing on the negative. Gratitude can shift your mindset in a positive direction.
Take care of your physical needs. Get adequate sleep, drink lots of water, move your body and eat foods that support your body. When we feel worn down, the physical aspects of self-care are vital. Even if you don’t feel like doing anything besides numbing out with Netflix and Doritos (I can relate!), make it a point to care for yourself in positive ways.
Do something kind for someone else. When we step outside of our self-focused world to help someone, we gain valuable perspective. Shining our light in a personal way can lift our spirit in an extraordinary manner. We were made to connect with and serve others, so lean into this purpose.
You are not alone in feeling weary, my friend. Let me encourage you to keep going. Take a few small steps to help lift your spirit and renew your heart. Look for the light of hope at the end of the tunnel and grasp the small joys you can find along the way. This season may be rough, but it holds lessons and resilience for us. We have a good God on our side, and the joy on the other side of this storm will be all the more bright after the darkness.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Lord, thank you for being with us during hard times. Please give us strength as we ride out the storm we may find ourselves in. We seek you with a weary and heavy heart, but we know you are a good father and you have a good plan. Please renew us. Amen.
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