Hello my friends! It has been a long while since I’ve written. I am finishing my master’s degree . . . I have only three weeks to go! I planned to wait to write till then, but I have been hearing so much about people experiencing anxiety during our current quarantine, I decided to share some things I am doing that are helping me. Here is a short list:

1. Spending extra time each day talking to friends and family by phone or Zoom. We have even had a game night with family friends a few times. It was a challenge to figure out how to do it, but we ended up having a blast!
2. Dealing with my anxiety head-on. Some of the techniques I use are  intentional breathing with grounding, safe space and container box. Check out this blog for how to implement these.
3. Reading the Bible. I especially like the Psalms right now. Many of them were written by David when he was being hunted down by King Saul. His life was in danger every minute. He was honest about his fears, his anger, and his sadness, but he also looked to God for comfort and care.
4. Speaking of being honest about your feelings, journaling can be really helpful. It is often unproductive to share our fears, anger and sadness with family members who are dealing with their own negative emotions. After all, they are stuck inside with us! If you journal your negative thoughts, and spend time talking to God about them, it can help.
5. Exercising. While I wish I could go to the gym and to my favorite exercise classes, there are many things I can do at home. Lately I have been walking up and down stairs for 4 straight minutes (talk about getting your heart pumping!), riding my stationery bike, taking walks outside, lifting light weights, stretching and doing yoga classes online. For many years I refused to do yoga, it seemed too new-agey to me. I tell that story here. Once I finally broke down and tried yoga, I loved it! Since I began about 5 years ago, I have had less physical pain, I have grown stronger and I am much more flexible, which helps prevent injuries. And best of all, I have found Holy Yoga! Holy Yoga focuses on God during the class. Instructors usually share some kind of Christian meditation, (Bible reading or a devotional) and prayer. I love it! I am fortunate to have two friends who are Holy Yoga instructors. Of course, they aren’t doing classes right now, but both of them have created online classes.

The first person is Sarah Brown of Adoration Yoga. You can find her here:    Another friend named Heather Neroy also has great Holy Yoga classes online. You can reach her here:

I hope these ideas will bless you and give you some peace in these troubled times. Psalm 9:9 says:

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

I pray you feel His peace today.

Caroline