It’s still somewhat grey. You are tired and possibly weary with studies, work, etc. Reading Week seems so close but so far away. Here are a few reminders to help you stay grounded as you continue the semester.
- First, it’s okay to have your many feelings about the semester so far. Pay attention to them. What are they telling you? How might God be inviting you to respond? Share with your support system. They can provide insight and guidance.
- Breathe. I mean, really breathe. When you look at your syllabus and reflect on all that you have to do, take a deep breath. We don’t breathe deeply enough. A deep breath calms our mind and heart rate, and it also clears our mind. So, take a deep breath.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response - Bust a move. It doesn’t have to be long for it to be effective. It’s just important to move throughout the day. You can stretch or take a stroll indoors or outdoors if you are able. When you feel stuck or have writer’s block, step away and move.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/featured-topic/the-importance-of-movement - Ask God for help, for guidance. I know this seems like, “Duh.” But God is often the last person I ask for help when I am overwhelmed! However, when I do reach out to God, I discover God has been waiting for me to ask all along. And when you ask God, be open to the adjustments that you may need to make to create the rest and breathing space you need. For example, you may have to renegotiate some boundaries, head to bed earlier, minimize your screen time. Remember God really cares about you and your well-being.
Psalm 121
1 I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.
