{"id":365,"date":"2020-12-18T10:00:43","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T15:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cedarville.edu\/disruptive-healthcare\/?p=365"},"modified":"2020-12-17T09:19:11","modified_gmt":"2020-12-17T14:19:11","slug":"a-christian-perspective-on-well-being-and-resilience-in-a-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cedarville.edu\/disruptive-healthcare\/a-christian-perspective-on-well-being-and-resilience-in-a-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"A Christian Perspective on Well-Being and Resilience in a Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Christian Perspective on Well-Being and Resilience in a Pandemic<\/h2>\n

by Dr. McKenzie Grinalds<\/p>\n

No one needs convincing that healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, struggle with burnout and mental health crises. Burnout was a reality prior to the pandemic and is raging even more as we seek to cope with professional and personal burdens. (1,2)<\/em> Clinicians and professional organizations are advocating for support at organizational and national levels in light of the current significant mental health burden on medical providers. (3-5)<\/em><\/p>\n

While we wait for systemic changes and operate within physically distanced environments, we need to be creative in how we personally mitigate stress for our own well-being and for those around us. The end of a difficult year for many of us provides a great opportunity for self-reflection and rest.<\/p>\n

Well-being and resilience<\/h3>\n

Well-being, also described as health and wellness, has been defined as \u201can optimal and dynamic state that allows people to achieve their full potential.\u201d (6)<\/em> Another common term is resilience, which is defined as the \u201cprofession of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress.\u201d (7)<\/em><\/p>\n

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration breaks down health and wellness into eight dimensions: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social. (8)<\/em> The Four Wheels of Health has its own components of health and wellness \u2013 physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual. (9)<\/em><\/p>\n

While there may be countless ways to break down well-being, it is important to remember that we as humans are multi-faceted and complex. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach for maintaining well-being, and yet the Bible provides both the means and grounds for true well-being.<\/p>\n

Biblical foundation for well-being and resilience<\/h3>\n

The Christian faith establishes a foundation for promoting well-being and pursuing resilience; however, for Christians, our source of well-being and inspiration for resilience does not come from inside ourselves, but rather from God. Well-being was an inherent part of Creation in its perfect state, but the impact of sin means that well-being is hard to achieve and maintain in a world broken by sin, impaired by shame, and crippled by fear (see Gen. 3). Faith in Jesus Christ makes it possible for Christians to pursue well-being, not because of their own capabilities, but through the Holy Spirit now empowering them. We joyfully anticipate Christ\u2019s second coming and the new heavens and the new earth when \u201che will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more\u201d (Rev. 21:4).<\/p>\n

Faith in Jesus Christ makes it possible for Christians to pursue well-being, not because of their own capabilities, but through the Holy Spirit now empowering them. <\/div> Right now, we are living in between Christ\u2019s first and second coming and are, therefore, experiencing both the troubles of the world and the joys of eternity with God. The Bible is filled with encouragement and instructions to Christians on how to live in this tension. Jesus Christ Himself provided encouragement. He said, \u201cPeace I leave you; my peace I give to you\u201d (John 14:27). And, \u201cIn this world you will have tribulation (i.e., trouble). But take heart; I have overcome the world\u201d (John 16:33). Jesus is our means of resilience as we face sickness, suffering, and death in our professional and personal lives.<\/p>\n

Well-being is not just an internal mindset for the Christian but one that leads to action, particularly action that seeks to serve others. Jesus again is our example. His life was fraught with opposition and challenges (Isa. 53, Heb. 4:14-16; 5:8), and yet he rested in the will of God the Father (John 4:34, 17:4). Paul, the great missionary of the early church, also endured tremendous hardships (2 Cor. 11:16-28) but with great resilience because of his trust in the Lord (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 3:7-8).<\/p>\n

In addition to Jesus as the source of our resilience, the Church is another means by which God empowers and encourages believers. Paul encouraged Christians to \u201cbear one another\u2019s burdens\u201d (Gal. 6:2). The Apostle John encouraged Christians to \u201clove one another\u201d (John 13:33-34; 1 John 4:7). Additionally, the author of Hebrews also challenges believers to \u201cencourage one another in good deeds\u201d (Heb. 10:24-25). As Christians in community, we can lean on one another and, ultimately, the Lord for our strength and endurance.<\/p>\n

So, where do I begin?<\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t know where to start with all this, you are not alone. Don’t let feeling overwhelmed hold you back from taking the first step. To help you get started, here are some potential strategies to help you cultivate your well-being. The ideas below are framed by the Four Wheels of Health as an example.<\/p>\n

Physical<\/em> \u2013 Subscribe to a workout app (which costs money) or find a YouTube fitness instructor to follow (which is free!). Buy fitness equipment through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. If you prefer to work out with a group, consider ways to exercise outdoors with friends in a way that is safe and responsible. Plan to grocery shop and make meals at home. Cultivate healthy sleep habits. Ensure you are hydrated by drinking more water (and less coffee, sugary beverages, etc.).<\/p>\n

Spiritual<\/em> \u2013 Select a Bible reading plan through a Bible app (free or via subscriptions); there are countless reading plans based on specific topics or books of the Bible. Consider reading books or listening to podcasts about theology. Make time to pray for yourself and others. If you have a hard time concentrating during prayer, write out your prayers, read a book about prayer, or pray through the Psalms. Plan your week so that you can take time to rest and \u201cgo\u201d to church.<\/p>\n

Emotional<\/em> \u2013 Take a break from social media or other news platforms. Create boundaries between work and home life, such as setting a time after which you will not check your work email or schedule time to decompress right after work. If you need counseling, reach out for help. Some churches will have internal support or can connect you with local resources. Consider picking up a new hobby that is relaxing and enjoyable, such as yoga, drawing, playing music, etc.<\/p>\n

Relational<\/em> \u2013 Turn off the TV and spend time with your spouse, family, or friends. Get connected with genuine Christian community through a small group in your church. Take time to send snail mail or call or text friends and family you are unable to visit (and be thankful for technology!) Find a mentor you trust and schedule time to talk with them on a consistent basis. Start a virtual book club. Seek to serve as needed or as you are able at your church or in your community.<\/p>\n

Take the first step<\/h3>\n

In order to set yourself up for success, it\u2019s important to have a plan. (Benjamin Franklin said, \u201cIf you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.\u201d) Establishing a plan starts with self-reflection. I would encourage you to schedule some time for yourself to reflect on the dimensions of your well-being. Since there is no cookie cutter approach, it is important to assess what dimensions are most important or impactful for you.<\/p>\n