The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique and challenging situation where it creates a considerable amount of anxiety and stress. For some individuals, the situation allows a gain of control over their emotional and mental strength. But for most, the struggle results in a significant fall back into their overall well-being. So when trying to manage stress and anxiety, there are several strategies we can utilize.
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Focus On What You Can Control
One of the best things to do in this situation is to allow things to happen. It is essential for this moment not to focus on things we can’t control. So instead of adding a lot of fear into our lives, it is better if we take time to list down the things we can control. It can be something that benefits our physical, emotional, and mental health. It can be as simple as deciding what we want to watch or what we want to do together with our family. What we want to eat for dinner, or what exercise we should take in a day. Those may seem small things, but since we are in a pandemic time where there’s so much in life is out of control, those little things can become very comforting.
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Avoid Information Overload
While it is essential to get informed of what is happening to the world right now, it is vital that we keep ourselves away from negativity as much as possible. We don’t want to overload our minds with tons of information that might not be true at all. Thus, we need to take a break from all the stress we get from the outside world so we can manage to stay calm. So instead of spending too much time watching television news and updates about the development of the virus, we need to look for relaxing things to do. These can include listening to music, drawing, and painting, learning new skills, or talking to friends via text or chat.
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Create New Routines
During this challenging time where everything is changing, it is vital to keep our mental and emotional health intact by creating new routines. And to make it more interesting, we must allow family members to contribute and incorporate things that would be fun to do. These can include playing indoor games, watching selected TV shows, and cleaning the house. It is also better if we try to schedule activities that are too stressful to handle, such as work-from-home. That is because there is a tendency that this task might take a toll on our daily lives and soon take over our supposed time at home.
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Embrace Anxiety And Talk About It
Stress and anxiety are normal, especially during this pandemic. Therefore, we must not try to push those emotions away because that’s not going to make it disappear. We need to acknowledge that there is no point in denying what we feel. We must recognize that the more we hold back to that feeling, the more it can make things worse for our overall well-being. So instead of keeping it all inside, it is better if we talk about it. It is okay to acknowledge these unwanted emotions because it will allow us to understand how we can deal with them healthily.
If we want to get through our situations, we need to take things one day at a time. Let us look at each day as a unique day where we can be present emotionally, physically, and mentally. We need to allow creativity to take its time so we can work fresh, stable, and productive. And that is the best way we can fight and manage stress and anxiety caused by this pandemic.
One habit that my children have adopted through me is listening to motivational speakers. From Tony Robbins to Suze Orman to Nick Vujicic—we have seen and heard them all. This has inspired us to attend a series of motivational conferences 2019, which has given us so much information about succeeding in life.
Some parents at my kids’ school raise their eyebrows whenever I say that we are into that. They think that the children are too young for motivational conferences, but I always agree to disagree. Kids need to get exposed to similar events early so that:
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They Can Hold On To Their Dream
A dream is something that’s missing in the lives of people who do illegal things (e.g., substance abuse, theft, etc.). When you ask them about it, they may say that it is only for children or adults born with a silver spoon in their mouth. However, the real problem is that they have not been motivated enough to hold on to their dreams.
They Can Back Up The Dream With Action
Motivational speakers are not merely experts at giving encouraging words. Often, they know how to advise their listeners about what they should do to realize their dreams. If kids can listen to them regularly, it won’t be impossible for them to take action and become successful in the future.
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They Look Up To The Right People
Going to motivational conferences can help the children to see what success looks like and how others have achieved it. Such achievers can indirectly turn into their mentors in the sense that the kids may aspire to follow their footsteps. Thus, you can be sure that they are looking up to the right people.
Final Thoughts
I understand that my unique parenting style and bonding with my kids seems bizarre for some people, but there is nothing wrong with them loving motivational conferences. They still play like other children, and their development is not getting stunted because of it. If I am honest, I will say that my little ones may be wiser than their peers because of it.
Allow your kids to attend a motivational conference at least once to see if they will like it. Cheers!
As the world is curiously taking precautions in keeping the pandemic at hand, some communities are defying orders. These individuals are specifically the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel. The spread of Coronavirus for them seems like a disease they can shrug off anytime they want. So even though there are issued tightened response and movement restrictions in the country, the ultra-orthodox neighborhood pretty much does not care.
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The community is not left out with information about the global crisis as what some people say, though. It seems like they only use that situation as an excuse for ignorance. Contrary to that, a lot of the people in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood have televisions let alone internet access and not to mention community newspapers. Therefore, ignoring such protocols is unacceptable.
The community contradicts government orders. People encourage the neighborhood’s schools and other establishments to continue their functions and carry on as usual. That is regardless of the growing number of COVID-19 cases among ultra-orthodox Israelis. That is the reason why police tightened their response and started making several arrests.
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With the tightened response of the government, people complain. Some of them are accusing the police of abuse of power. The ultra-Orthodox community’s ideology of the whole scenario is that the government is only using this pandemic situation to hold them against their will of doing what they want to do. That is where they are so against the home-quarantine rules and refuse to obey any safety protocols.
Though these people only count as a small percentage of ultra-religious extremists who are not cooperating and listening, it still bothers the Israeli government. It seems like these people in the community are causing a delay in the global address of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their resentment to follow restrictive order is becoming a threat to those individuals who want to stay safe. Unfortunately, the ultra-Orthodox community already created damage to spreading cases of infections among their people. But despite the confirmation and number of cases of confirmed individuals in the ultra-Orthodox community, people there are still refusing to listen.
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The Mandate
Healthcare specialists confirmed that nearly 40% of the people from these ultra-religious extremists are positive with the Coronavirus disease. Aside from that, the Israelis population accounts for the 14% confirmed infections nationwide. That is regardless of the small community they have. That is why, with all the commotion the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood caused the country, the government took the next step in addressing the issue.
The prime minister of the country, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued minimum access from the areas of the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood to avoid infection. Expectedly, people in the community complain about the new set of restrictions added to their already restricted lives. There are cases of people rallying and throwing rocks to the officials on sight. There is a spark of anger where some people are attempting to cause mass destruction to the cities nearby. The ultra-Orthodox Israelis are aggressive, and they have been like that ever since the beginning of the outbreak. They are treating the situation as nothing scary or anything like that.
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However, the prime minister is adamant about his order and is not listening to the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood’s complaints anymore. He doesn’t care if people in the community call him names because of this heightened response. That is especially after knowing that the ultra-orthodox health minister tested positive for the Coronavirus disease.
The majority of people of the ultra-Orthodox community, for a lot of reason, is entirely not adhering to the safety protocol the world health organization or the government is issuing. Honestly, this is a struggle for the government and the health care system, which only wants to take things under control.
Student life needs to be injected with summits like the 2017 Leadership Event. I understood that way back when I was in the academe myself, after watching and listening to Steve Jobs talk animatedly about his work. At the time, I was always the follower—sometimes even the rebel. It never occurred to me to take on the role of a leader because I thought that it called for too much work.
And I was not wrong about that, for sure. However, the more I attended conferences that taught kids how to be an excellent leader, the more I dreamed of being one. The bonus is that such social events do the following:
Get Students Out Of Possible Troubles
Going to leadership training can alter the mindset of students, in the sense that it pushes them to become responsible individuals. They get to see all these CEOs and politicians stand up and talk to them about their life experiences, and it makes them hope of a similar future. Thus, these kids may try to stay out of trouble as much as possible.
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Make Them Aware That Success Comes With Hardwork
Leadership programs teach students of all ages that there is no shortcut to success. Everyone starts from the bottom up, even the wealthiest folks on the planet. That’s why they can appreciate their achievements more and want to share it with others.
Inspire Them To Become Excellent Leaders
It is typical for leaders to want to mentor future leaders, whether directly or not. Sometimes, they select a student based on known achievements. Other times, they value dedication more than anything. This is how their legacy can live on.
Final Thoughts
You cannot be an excellent leader if you have a fickle mind and a troubled heart. However, what’s fantastic about being a human is that you can always change for the better.
Be the kind of leader that everyone wants to follow, not because of fear but because of admiration and belief in your ability to improve the lives of many.
When you are about to marry someone out of your religion, it may be a huge and life-changing decision, especially when marrying someone Jewish. Getting married to a Jew is not entirely impossible for a non-Jew, but it can be hard. Conflicts of holidays, beliefs, and also cultural differences are just some of the things you might encounter.
The different roles of men and women in society have long been associated with religion and its teachings. Especially when it comes to the religious teachings about the family’s well being, gender roles are inevitably and profoundly talked about.
Savoring the pleasure of the world is a teaching of Judaism that is embedded in the minds of the Jewish people. Too much materialism, however, has generally been established as something that leads to negative and damaging things. In contrast to this notion, Judaism teaches that with the proper attitude and usage of the physical world, holiness can be obtained.
Nowadays, men and women take a longer time to settle down and build a family. It can be caused by several factors such as financial stability, sexual preference, educational background, and economic status. Even religious beliefs and morals play a significant role in marriage longevity and family formation.
Judaism has been widely regarded as a religion that sticks to fundamental truths and practices. And this religion’s enduring influence is attributed to this fact. Judaism’s belief systems were established since the time of Christ. It is withstanding the test of time and has remained relevant for people of this day and age.
Somehow, spirituality and mental health is often bypassed by more irrelevant discussions when they should be one of the most important discussions in every conversation. What is the connection between these two? Read on to find out about the connections between mental health and spirituality.
In the past decade, researchers across various disciplines have started to exploreand acknowledge the key areas and positive contribution spiritualitycan make to mental health foundations to avoid and rethink mental illness.
Even before there were experiments and scientific findings, ancient teachers and rabbis explored the limitations and possibilities through religious groups of people’s spiritual concerns and personal beliefs.
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Spirituality And Mental Health
Whether individuals can communicate and connect with an expansive, heightened degree of reality that has gotten over the brain’s dissatisfied, worried initial reaction to daily encounters. This may cause various problems with mental health. These include substance abuse, emotional distress, depression, and many more.
Spiritual aspects and mental health were established thousands of years ago. Until now, there are still impactful indications that those who led the Great Assembly incessantly discussed such spirituality.
Because of this, the Jews, through their spirituality, have found more support and ways how to entirely avoid mental health counseling and outsmart anxietyor negative feelings through understanding the relationship between religion and overall wellness.
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Anxiety is that foreboding, crumbling, twisting sensation affecting overall wellness that makes the body and mind react negatively and fearfully over something that may or may not have happened or will never happen. Anxiety is either stressing out about something that you said or did in the past or expecting something that’s supposed to happen in the future, mostly negative ideations and outcomes that distract the spirituality and sanity.
Mental Health And Spirituality
“Anxiety can be defined as a state consisting of psychological and physical symptoms brought about by a sense of apprehension at a perceived threat,” Neel Burton M.D. wrote about mental health illnesses.
However, according to psychiatry’s special interest group, anxiety becomes a considerable mental health problem when it starts interfering with your life and daily routines, like refusing to do things that play an important role in your existence and mental healthcare.
Spirituality For Mental Health
Spiritual rabbis have devised a practical solution through mental health services to prevent people from being impeded by their insecurities, fears, and sluggishness. This is through diverting attention to what they have instead of future uncertainties.
Scholars and rabbis have even devised a series of short, specific, and meaningful phrases to conquer the moodiness and burden experienced by the brain through mental health, spirituality, and religion, thereby allowing an increase of internal energy to affect positivity in their wellbeings. You won’t even need a whole mental health team.
Motivational Words For Mental Health
By exploring highly efficient main techniques to override the psychological tendencies of the brain to worry about a multitude of things regularly causing mental health difficulties, one can be more in control of their thoughts and emotions, leading to more productive and healthier days.
The spiritual Jews believe that uttering profound motivational phrases can remarkably eliminate their anxiety and avoid mental health problems.
Through Hebrew words and phrases, a tradition of spirituality affects stress and worries and transforms them into a rehabilitated sense of happiness, inner strength, and mindfulness. Meaning exploring one’s mind and spirituality by continually telling yourself essential treatment plans and phrases that will determine the importance of empowerment and confidence in facing life’s daily struggles.
Much like any other religion or particular faith, the Jews, through their spirituality, believe that there is a higher power known as the Creative Source who is continuously infusing an example of peace and positive energy within every individual’s crisis for spiritual needs and mental health is also present in the environment.
Judaism does have numerous ways to picture “The One,” who is mainly responsible for the creation and expression of every living organism on this planet.
The need to settle on a specific God is unnecessary, for it also limits the magnanimous ways to carry one’s burdens, especially when tackling mental health problems.
Judaism Spirituality
Judaism strongly emphasizes and humbly acknowledges that the focus on a particular concept or image of God, which makes you conclude with an ultimate prayer answer, is inaccurate on the eternality of the Creative Source.
Mental Health And Spirituality
Raymond Brown, M.A., M.Th., Ph.D.says, “God promises to help you in every kind of difficulty.” He adds, “In our times of trouble, we must do the same. Think about the great promises of God. They are for you at this difficult time. Accept them. Hold on to them. God will never disappoint you.” This is a part of the Jews’ spirituality.
Meditation experts believe that everybody feels anxious occasionally, but not everyone can experience mental health problems in a magnified, severe manner that functioning healthily and productively can be quite challenging. Race and religion can increase anxiety, especially when faced with a prejudicial society.
Jews’ Mental Health
Jews, through their spiritual practices, most definitely have quite a reputation for experiencing various problems with mental health, such as anxiety due to the neurotic stereotypes revolving around states and cities within the country. The always-anxious spiritual mom is not bad because worrying about things, the community of people, and possible outcomes are innate specifics to survive and thrive.
“As Israelis and Jews, we have much to fear. We do not face the choice between fear and hope. If that is the choice, our rational responsibility is to our fears,” Donniel Hartman, Ph.D., says.
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Mental Health And Spirituality: Notes
According to the World Health Organization and national alliance, anxiety is a mental health condition affecting around 18% of Americans; however, only one-third of those with anxiety disorders seek mental help from a mental health professional. As you can see, only a small number of people get mental health care from proper clinical practice. As for monitoring effects, those people who get mental health benefits and still preserve their spiritual values and religious and spiritual beliefs are the ones who are seeking divine purpose in spiritual life.
If that happens, Jew or non-Jew, their spirituality can always turn to mental help. They can talk to a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Are Physical, Spiritual, And Mental Health Related?
Physical, spiritual, and mental health are related in how they impact people’s well-being, as mental and spiritual aspects can affect physical health, and information from religion or contentment can influence mental health.
What Is the Mental Spiritual Concept Of Health?
The mental and spiritual concept of health includes personal growth and well-being, which encompasses mental and spiritual health.
What Are The Benefits Of Being Spiritual?
The benefits of spirituality religion include finding support through religion and spirituality, fostering a sense of belonging, and connecting with like-minded individuals in support groups.
How Do Religion And Spirituality Affect Mental Health?
Religion and spirituality beliefs can provide meaning and purpose, which can positively impact mental health and help individuals cope with mental illness.
What Is The Difference Between Mental Health And Spiritual Health?
How Does Spirituality Affect Depression?
Why Do Spiritual People Get Depressed?
What Are The Negative Effects Of Too Much Belief In Spirituality?
How Do Spiritual Beliefs Affect Stress?
What Is The Relationship Between Psychology And Spirituality?
