Self Care Resources
Self-Care Resources For Those Stuck At Home
(This information was compiled and reviewed by Mike Palk, Cathy Cavender, and Tabitha Schlatter)
As mental health professionals, we realize the needs for professional counseling as well peer support are great, but due to the restrictions on gatherings because of the coronavirus, the debriefing/support meetings are postponed as are a number of other counseling services.
We are currently working to compile a listing of local counselors who have availability and we hope to be posting this soon. We are making an effort to contact these counselors ahead of time to do some of the checking about their availability. Any counselors who are willing to provide services via telehealth will be indicated as such.
In the meantime, here is a list of some Self Care Approaches and other opportunities submitted by Christian Counselors and other wellness professionals that you might find useful in the interim. These are things you can do for support either individually or in community with others during this time when a lack of connection is being sorely felt; and perhaps at a time when we've never needed it more.
Remember, that God is still connected to us, and us to Him, and all of us together through Him. So, we encourage you to take a look through these resources. If you find something sounds helpful to you, check it out.
Tremendous disruption in the routine, along with great uncertainty, can leave us feeling helpless to help ourselves and others. Being able to make choices for yourself that make a positive difference can be empowering. Reaching out to help yourself is one such choice.
REACH OUT
to bless and be blessed, to encourage and be encouraged
This is a list of Self Care Approaches, Leisure Interests and other general ways to Connect with others and Enrich ourselves by using what we have available to us. It is by no means an exhaustive list, but at a time when reaching out in person is not a ready option, these are some approaches, many of which are faith-based, to cope with stress.
1. THE THREE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACHES
to working through trauma are "Talking, Talking, and Talking". So, reaching out individually to friends and loved ones to tell our story can help us process through our normal response to an abnormal situation. Then when it’s their turn to talk, talk, talk, affirm them by actively listening. This makes it easier for them to share their story and for you to show you care about them too.
2. EXPLORE ONLINE RESOURCES
Take advantage of this time to explore online resources like online support groups or podcasts. Here are a few online resources. Some have already been posted elsewhere around our Collegeside website and related sites, and some are from other sites. Our hope is that by collecting them here together, this will be a way to create ease of access for our members and visitors as they reach out.
How to Stay Psychologically Healthy In Times of Crisis
Cheers, Henry
3. PRAY
Pray from the depths of your heart; just you and God. Also, a comforting way to experience unity through prayer might be to:
a. Ask others to join you in prayer at a specific time,
b. Focus your prayer with a specific goal in mind,
c. Reconnect after your collective prayer time to talk about your experiences; did you experience peace? Did God impress anything upon you during this time of prayer?
Another Prayer Resource...John Eldredge, Ransomed Heart Ministries Podcast: "Strength in the Midst of the Storm – Prayer Response to Coronavirus". To listen, click here.
4. MEDITATE
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
A simple way to connect with God in the middle of your busy day, or in the middle of a time of stress…. this app invites you into the simple practice of releasing everything to God, restoring your union with God and inviting him to fill you.
The Pause App. https://www.pauseapp.com
5. CHECK OUT COLLEGESIDE’S NEW WELLNESS MINISTRY.
You can find articles from our Wellness Ministry Leaders on the Ministry Updates tab.
6. BIBLE STUDIES & SERMONS
Use this time to dive into the Word through our ministers’ Bible Studies that are being made available, or catch up on any of John’s or Chip’s sermons by clicking on the sermons button on the app or visiting the Collegeside YouTube Channel that you might have missed.
“With my whole heart I seek you; let not wander from your commandments!” Psalm 119:10
7. LET’S GET MOVING!
Regular activity/exercise is one of the best ways to combat any type of mental distress. As your heart-rate increases, blood begins to flow to the brain, and chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine are released. Our bodies were created to release these natural chemicals to improve our mood, decrease anxiety, and improve cognitive functioning (like decision making, memory, and learning). God has designed us to be active and for our bodies to move. Even if you have some physical restrictions, remain as active as possible (per your doctor’s recommendations) to obtain these natural, God-given, mental health benefits.
8. REACH OUT
Get creative! Try something new!
A Utah neighborhood decided to organize a social distancing-friendly outdoor Zumba class to boost the community’s morale amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Reposted on FaceBook by Jennifer Matthews)
Whatever you do, just REACH OUT! And KEEP REACHING until you get what you need…Reach out to God, Reach out to others. Let’s Love and allow ourselves to Be Loved. We bless others by ministering to them, and we ARE a blessing by allowing them to minister to us!
(This information was compiled and reviewed by Mike Palk, Cathy Cavender, and Tabitha Schlatter)
As mental health professionals, we realize the needs for professional counseling as well peer support are great, but due to the restrictions on gatherings because of the coronavirus, the debriefing/support meetings are postponed as are a number of other counseling services.
We are currently working to compile a listing of local counselors who have availability and we hope to be posting this soon. We are making an effort to contact these counselors ahead of time to do some of the checking about their availability. Any counselors who are willing to provide services via telehealth will be indicated as such.
In the meantime, here is a list of some Self Care Approaches and other opportunities submitted by Christian Counselors and other wellness professionals that you might find useful in the interim. These are things you can do for support either individually or in community with others during this time when a lack of connection is being sorely felt; and perhaps at a time when we've never needed it more.
Remember, that God is still connected to us, and us to Him, and all of us together through Him. So, we encourage you to take a look through these resources. If you find something sounds helpful to you, check it out.
Tremendous disruption in the routine, along with great uncertainty, can leave us feeling helpless to help ourselves and others. Being able to make choices for yourself that make a positive difference can be empowering. Reaching out to help yourself is one such choice.
REACH OUT
to bless and be blessed, to encourage and be encouraged
This is a list of Self Care Approaches, Leisure Interests and other general ways to Connect with others and Enrich ourselves by using what we have available to us. It is by no means an exhaustive list, but at a time when reaching out in person is not a ready option, these are some approaches, many of which are faith-based, to cope with stress.
1. THE THREE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACHES
to working through trauma are "Talking, Talking, and Talking". So, reaching out individually to friends and loved ones to tell our story can help us process through our normal response to an abnormal situation. Then when it’s their turn to talk, talk, talk, affirm them by actively listening. This makes it easier for them to share their story and for you to show you care about them too.
2. EXPLORE ONLINE RESOURCES
Take advantage of this time to explore online resources like online support groups or podcasts. Here are a few online resources. Some have already been posted elsewhere around our Collegeside website and related sites, and some are from other sites. Our hope is that by collecting them here together, this will be a way to create ease of access for our members and visitors as they reach out.
- Max Lucado - Anxious for Nothing: Learn how to move from chaos to calm. A look at a message from the Apostle Paul. [click here]
- Kay Warren, Hope for Mental Health-Online Community Meeting: A recorded Facebook live event that was held live on March 22nd. The meeting included a conversation about anxiety with Dr. J.P. Moreland, author of, “Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace." [click here]
- Kay Warren, Emotional Wellness in the COVID-19 Crisis: The facts about the coronavirus crisis are changing minute by minute, and that can create an enormous amount of stress. Here is a helpful worksheet you can use to consider the ways the crisis might be affecting you emotionally. Download by clicking here.
- John Eldredge, Ransomed Heart Ministries Podcast: "Responding to the Global Crisis”, practical ways to center your heart and hope in the midst of the chaos. You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or on the Ransomed Heart website via the link below.
- John Eldredge, Ransomed Heart Ministries Podcast: "What Does a Mature Man Do In a Crisis?" [click HERE to listen] When hard times hit the fan, how shaky is your foundation? The pull is often to gain control...or at least more information. But doing so causes us to miss the deeper initiation. With God, we are fundamentally safe even when nothing in our world is safe. That's because true hope never rests in things being better than they are - but in God's nature and his promise to ultimately make all things right
- Dr. Henry Cloud, author of the book “Boundaries”, talks about taking care of yourself , others during a crisis. A message from Henry:
How to Stay Psychologically Healthy In Times of Crisis
Cheers, Henry
3. PRAY
Pray from the depths of your heart; just you and God. Also, a comforting way to experience unity through prayer might be to:
a. Ask others to join you in prayer at a specific time,
b. Focus your prayer with a specific goal in mind,
c. Reconnect after your collective prayer time to talk about your experiences; did you experience peace? Did God impress anything upon you during this time of prayer?
Another Prayer Resource...John Eldredge, Ransomed Heart Ministries Podcast: "Strength in the Midst of the Storm – Prayer Response to Coronavirus". To listen, click here.
4. MEDITATE
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
A simple way to connect with God in the middle of your busy day, or in the middle of a time of stress…. this app invites you into the simple practice of releasing everything to God, restoring your union with God and inviting him to fill you.
The Pause App. https://www.pauseapp.com
5. CHECK OUT COLLEGESIDE’S NEW WELLNESS MINISTRY.
You can find articles from our Wellness Ministry Leaders on the Ministry Updates tab.
6. BIBLE STUDIES & SERMONS
Use this time to dive into the Word through our ministers’ Bible Studies that are being made available, or catch up on any of John’s or Chip’s sermons by clicking on the sermons button on the app or visiting the Collegeside YouTube Channel that you might have missed.
“With my whole heart I seek you; let not wander from your commandments!” Psalm 119:10
7. LET’S GET MOVING!
Regular activity/exercise is one of the best ways to combat any type of mental distress. As your heart-rate increases, blood begins to flow to the brain, and chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine are released. Our bodies were created to release these natural chemicals to improve our mood, decrease anxiety, and improve cognitive functioning (like decision making, memory, and learning). God has designed us to be active and for our bodies to move. Even if you have some physical restrictions, remain as active as possible (per your doctor’s recommendations) to obtain these natural, God-given, mental health benefits.
8. REACH OUT
Get creative! Try something new!
- Have you thought about having a FaceBook Watch Party? Watch Party Watch a show, video, etc. TOGETHER with friends.
- How’s this for making the best of ‘Social Distancing’?
A Utah neighborhood decided to organize a social distancing-friendly outdoor Zumba class to boost the community’s morale amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Reposted on FaceBook by Jennifer Matthews)
Whatever you do, just REACH OUT! And KEEP REACHING until you get what you need…Reach out to God, Reach out to others. Let’s Love and allow ourselves to Be Loved. We bless others by ministering to them, and we ARE a blessing by allowing them to minister to us!
Recent
Archive
2021
January
Bible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 1Bible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 2Almost HomeBible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 3Bible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 4In Conjunction With OthersBible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 5Bible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 1Bible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 2A Unique CityLove Stronger Than EvilBible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 3Bible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 4Studies In PsalmsQuiet RestBible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 5Bible Reading Plan Week 4 Day 1Peace Prayer of St. FrancisBible Reading Plan Week 4 Day 2Faith and Positive LivingBible Reading Plan Week 4 Day 3The Son ShinesBible Reading Plan Week 4 Day 4Hearing Your Words AgainBible Reading Plan Week 4 Day 5
February
Shepherd PsalmBible Reading Plan Week 5 Day 1The Way To A Man's HeartBible Reading Plan Week 5 Day 2The BasicsBible Reading Plan Week 5 Day 3The Steps Of A ManBible Reading Plan Week 5 Day 4Bible Reading Plan Week 5 Day 5Bible Reading Plan Week 6 Day 1Bible Reading Plan Week 6 Day 2Prince of PeaceBible Reading Plan Week 6 Day 3Bible Reading Plan Week 6 Day 4Son of EncouragementBible Reading Plan Week 6 Day 5Bible Reading Plan Week 7 Day 1Grumbling or Gratitude?Bible Reading Plan Week 7 Day 2Bible Reading Plan Week 7 Day 3Unfaithful FriendsBible Reading Plan Week 7 Day 4Bible Reading Plan Week 7 Day 5Bible Reading Plan Week 8 Day 1Kidside Easter Series AnnouncementBible Reading Plan Week 8 Day 2A Covenant With Our EyesBible Reading Plan Week 8 Day 3Bible Reading Plan Week 8 Day 4Wisdom Toward OthersBible Reading Plan Week 8 Day 5
March
Event AnnouncementsThe Great Stone FaceKidside Children's LessonPicked Him UpThe Suffering ServantKidside Children's LessonJesus Anointed by MaryTime In God's HandsJesus Predicts and Explains His DeathJesus' Triumphal EntryThe Good Ole DaysJesus Teaches to Remain WatchfulWeek 1 ReflectionWeek 1 Prayer and PraisePlot Against JesusKidside Children's LessonA Sweet AromaJesus Washes the Disciples' FeetThe Last SupperA Designing GodJesus in the Garden of GethsemaneJesus' Prayer in the GardenWeek 2 ReflectionWeek 2 Prayer and PraiseJesus Predicts Peter's DenialKidside Children's LessonJesus ArrestedKidside AnnouncementsMarriage Is About Your SpousePeter Denies JesusJesus Before Pilate, Judas' Response and The Events Before the CrucifixionIt's About GraceJesus' Death and BurialWeek 3 ReflectionWeek 3 Prayer and PraiseThe Angel and the TombKidside Children's LessonMary's ReportThe Road to Emmaus
2020
March
St. Patrick and the Presence of GodAt Home Date NightThe Goodness of a PandemicCommuning ApartFrom the Childrens Library- The Lost LambWeekly Ministry UpdateThe Promises of God - Day OneTeenside Daily DevotionalCollegeside Care GroupsTeenside Daily DevotionalImmunity Boosting TipsThe Promises of God - Day 2Self Care ResourcesKidside Quarantine ReportBuilding a Family Mission StatementThe Promises of God - Day 3Teenside Daily DevotionalFrom The Children's Library - Good, Good FatherTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery - HopeTeenside Daily DevotionalQuarantined TogetherTeenside Daily Devotional
April
Teenside Daily DevotionalRest and RiseReflections on the Serenity Prayer - Part 1The Promises of God - Part 4Teenside Daily DevotionalReflections on the Serenity Prayer - Part 2Teenside Daily DevotionalFrom The Children's Library - God Made You SpecialTeenside Daily DevotionalTales From The Trail: #1 Hope Springs Forth From Human HeartsTales from the Trail: #2 The Last Supper and the Banquet to ComeTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery - Stay ConnectedTales From The Trail: #3 Lead With The TowelTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Promises of God - Day 5Teenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #4 Lonely Night in the GardenLimit Your WorryTales from the Trail: #5 Peter, O PeterThe Promises of God - Day 6Teenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #6 The Friday We Call GoodTeenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #7 The Tomb is FullTeenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #8 So It Isn’t FinishedFrom The Children's Library - God Gave Us EasterTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery UpdateYour Best Night InThe Promises of GodTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalHard TimesFamily ResourcesThe Promises of God - Day 8Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalRestTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Promises of God - Day 9Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalSeeking Wisdom From GodThe Grace ChallengeApril ImpressionsTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalPicnic DatePromises of God - Day 10Kidside Focus VideosFrom The Children's Library - The Rainbow FishTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery - Online Meeting NightsTeenside Daily DevotionalWeekly ChallengeTeenside Daily DevotionalGuard Your HeartTeenside Daily DevotionalKidside Worship At HomeTeenside Daily Devotional
May
Teenside Daily DevotionalFrom The Children's Library - Ernie's Little LiesTeenside Daily DevotionalHeartfelt Friends UpdateKidside Children's LessonTeenside Daily DevotionalWeekly ChallengeWorry, Worry, Worry!Teenside Daily DevotionalThe Promises of God - Day 11Journey To The Battlefield Daily DevotionalRestoring Our Mind And SpiritTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 2Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalLetter From Allie GuinnKidside Children's LessonI Want To Hold Your HandTeenside Daily DevotionalLetter From Cameron ReedPreschool Memory Verse and Prayer - May 2020Teenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 3Testimony TuesdayElementary Memory Verse and Prayer - May 2020Letter From Elizabeth WillmoreBuilding On The RockTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 4Heartfelt Friends InvitationLetter From Hannah ClarkLetter From Josh BunnerMarriage In QuarantineThe Lord Heals The Broken-HeartedTeenside Daily DevotionalLetter From Rachel StokesTeenside Daily DevotionalKidside Children's LessonWe Are Weak, But He Is StrongTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 5Meeting Updates and Staying ConnectedThinking Out Loud On Evangelism, Part 1Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 6Teenside Daily DevotionalThinking Out Loud On Evangelism, Part 2The Path's Of GodKidside Children's LessonThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 7Strength In GodIntern IntroductionsLearning To Comfort Others
June
Kidside Children's LessonGratitude To GodOur Last HomeThe Problem of FearKidside Children's LessonMy Times In Your HandThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 8The KingThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 9The Reins In God's HandsKidside Children's LessonGod Our FatherMeeting Night Begins June 23rdLetter To The Philippians, Part 10Gone To GloryThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 11Falling Out of BedKidside Children's LessonMeeting Night Is Back!A Clean HomeFellowship 5KThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 12Standard Operations Resume July 1stFriendship In MarriageFaith Through Our FathersKidside Children's LessonGood Old DaysThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 13
July
The Ring Of SonshipHelp Lord!Kidside Children's LessonA Recipient Of GraceNew Encourager CoachThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 14Jesus Paid The PriceToo Much Stuff!Kidside Children's LessonThe Mistake of Forgetting GodIt Starts With MeWho Holds Your HandsBeing Grateful/ThankfulSeeing A SermonFriendship In MarriageA Place of Quiet RestKidside Children's LessonMinistry Update From Andrew JonesLight It Up With PraiseThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 15Respond or React?Are You Bearing Good Fruit?Special DeliveryKidside Children's LessonThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 16God's Word Survives
August
Kidside Children's LessonWhat Will Your Legacy Be?The Letter To The Philippians, Part 17Blessed AssuranceCotton Candy vs. TruthTomato: A Fruit or Vegetable?Kidside Children's LessonRepenters Must RepentSitting At The Feet Of JesusPreparing To MoveKidside Children's LessonTrappedClean Hands, Pure HeartReturn To Combined Children's Worship And FocusThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 18Spiritual VisionKidside Children's LessonOur Final HomeLeads Us In TriumphsActs: The Gospel In MotionTests For A Little WhileKidside Children's LessonThe Lord Over Fear
September
Brotherly WisdomActs: The Gospel In MotionVictory Over Peer PressureMore Than A Religious SpeakerKidside Children's LessonInstant ReplayActs: The Gospel In MotionOne of Man's Greatest FearsVictory LapSelfiesKidside Children's LessonThe Matter of DistanceBe There In Calm And ChaosActs: The Gospel In MotionBroken UnityWeekly CheckupKidside Children's LessonThe Light Of SalvationDid Jesus Really Do That?NicknamesThe Ways Of GodThe Riches of GodActs 3: The Gospel In MotionCagesWhat Do You Desire From God
October
Evidence For The BibleAccurate DirectionsKidside Children's LessonSuch Were Some Of YouMind ControlKidside Children's LessonIs Your Name Written There?Sincere PrayerThe Spirit Is HoveringKidside Children's LessonLiving WaterFaith In An Invisible GodDigging Deeper: Personal Study For ActsSpirit-Filled PreachingKidside Children's Lesson
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