How to encourage my friend who is stressed out and tired of this quarantine?

[Avisanct]

My friend is tired of quarantine and stressed out. What can I do for those who are tired and stressed out? How can I encourage? Any ideas?

 

[laughingheart]

Sometimes a different perspective helps. This is not to invalidate your friend's feelings. A lot of the fatigue comes from having an invisible enemy. Mentally, when we believe we are under attack we go on high alert. The problem is that we don't get to stand down. We can't see it and so everything is a potential risk. We become exhausted because we don't know how to fight or when to relax. This leaves us exhausted even when we are technically not doing anything. The stress is valid. We have to find a way to give ourselves permission to relax while being wise.
In terms of the isolation, I thought that this was a good bit of perspective (I am not saying people have to agree on the numbers or we all live in big houses, though the concept of adequate living space differs greatly throughout the world. Gratitude can help in coping with anxiety. A daily meditation during prayer on what is going well helps to equalize the stress). I wish your friend the best in these uncertain times.

 

[TabinRivCA]

My friend is tired of quarantine and stressed out. What can I do for those who are tired and stressed out? How can I encourage? Any ideas?

A good motto in life is to make the best out of any situation, esp like now when some of us are more isolated than others. See what constructive things there are to do instead of worrying, which is stressful on the body & mind. Put on positive messages or movies/shows throughout the day while cleaning or sorting/rearranging things. I am going through alot of stuff esp the many books I have and have already had 2 different people come and pick up about 10 bags each. Determine to read the Bible for at least 15 minutes every day. Talk to God and thank Him for everything you have and just praise Him, for even 5 minutes, makes a difference.
The main thing is we know God is in control and it's very key to stay connected w/Him esp now. Pray together and ask for God's peace and wisdom to be with your friend. God bless you Avisanct and your friends & family!!!

 

[Micaiah-imla]

I would say that this is a good time to read and meditate on scriptures more often.

 

[oldethennew]

hub and I would say to all, that this is a very good time to really sit-back and contemplate'
the Scriptures and our every-day Blessings...
this is NOT the Spanish Flu or the Black Plague, although many are 'home-bound', we can
make profitable use of our gifted-time-together!!!
and another point is, we can certainly do a lot of introspection and soul-searching to find
the 'root' of our discontent and fears/../.
every situation that our Heavenly Father allows us to experience is a 'learning situation'
that can only bring us up His Spiritual Ladder...

 

[mar09]

My friend is tired of quarantine and stressed out. What can I do for those who are tired and stressed out? How can I encourage? Any ideas?

First we can pray for your friend.. You didn't mention if friend is on his/her own, but whatever, I think he ought to accept things we cannot change, and change areas where it is possible to do so. The others' posts are helpful.. He can write his thoughts and prayers, write and encourage others who may be less well, plant a seed or cutting on a pot, keep physically healthy thru simple exercises and stretching if at all possible. . may I add that he can also find ways to change/improve his setting, like if old wall paper can be changed, this could make the place look more cheery and give that little lift or change where his present life revolves in=). We pray God gives ideas, also to those who so need that rest and encouragement in the midst of lockdowns and many limitations.

 

[Avisanct]

Thank you everyone for the great answers and prayers I still don't know how I can encourage the friend of mine without being preachy, though... He has to work from work due to the virus. He's been very busy.

As you all said, I believe it is a good time to study Bible or meditate on scriptures since we've got a lot of time. And it's good time to learn to care for others.

I wish you all a good health!

 

[laughingheart]

It is stressful. I think the difference between being perceived as preachy versus caring is in the delivery of the message. If they know your attitude of the heart is love and concern, it almost doesn't matter if you are suggesting art as an outlet or baking. The idea is that you hear them. When we share frustration or fear we are rarely looking for answers. We just don't want to be alone. We want to know someone hears us and gets us and is really listening. Knowing that someone cares is the sort of support he is probably looking for right now. Love on them. Love on them in a way that makes them feel heard. They aren't really asking you to fix it, just let them know you are there for them. Hugs.

 

[EleventhHour]

My friend is tired of quarantine and stressed out. What can I do for those who are tired and stressed out? How can I encourage? Any ideas?

"What's App" is a great way to still feel connected.
We do three or four at a time and pretend we are having tea together.

 

[Lanolin]

yes well lots of people have been in the same boat, so try to relate in some way.
it doesnt help if someones having an easy time of it cos they have a holiday in a huge mansion and the other has to work in a bubble of a noisy family. Try and be understanding, hear them out and pray that they will get throught it and find strength.