We find ourselves in unusual times. Everyday has different challenges and adventures as we learn new things, adjust to changes and wash our hands (a lot). As many of us find ourselves spending more time at home than usual, we thought of a few things that can help you make the most of every wonderful day you have!

TIP #1 – START YOUR DAY RIGHT

How you start your morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. Forbes magazine said that most successful people start their day off by making their beds! This small task can make you feel a sense of achievement and get you ready for a productive day.

Get your cup of coffee (or tea) and pray first. We have been praying the simple, but powerful Lord’s Prayer as a church. Prayer is powerful and moves God’s hand. Our prayers can do the heavy lifting!

Next is Journaling – reading the Bible to hear God speak to us. God can give us wisdom, encouragement, strength and vision as we read.

TIP #2 – GOOD ROUTINES

Perhaps your usual daily routines have been disrupted? While we may not have control over our external circumstances, we can have some say in our daily rhythms. Routines can play a part in helping you and your family to feel secure, stay in a positive mental space and enjoy a productive day (especially if you are working, studying or looking after kids from home). Adding something active to your routine is also helpful – a home gym workout, a walk or dancing along to your favorite music video. Get that blood flowing and heart pumping.

Don’t underestimate the power of eating regular healthy meals and getting good sleep. In the Bible, when Elijah was feeling angry and afraid, God gave him a nap and a snack, and he woke up ready for life again. (1 Kings 19:5)

TIP #3 – STAY CONNECTED

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, we all need community. Technology can play a big role in helping us stay connected.

Here are a few ideas:

• Send a text or make a phone call
• Play online games or host a virtual hangout
• Online Church
• Online Connect Groups

Think of someone you could reach out to today.

TIP #4 – DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE

Working out, listening to music, reading a book, baking, arts and crafts, DIY projects, watching a movie, taking a long walk, a hot bath…what do you enjoy doing? Take some time out of the day to do something that energizes, refreshes or relaxes you. Even if you have many tasks to complete, studies show that brain breaks can reduce stress and actually increase productivity. It may be a good idea to try activities that do not involve your computer or phone, or to even limit your time on social media.

TIP #5 – KEEP DREAMING WITH GOD

Our theme at Lifehouse this year is “Dreams and Visions.” While it may seem like the current events could put our dreams on hold, this is in fact the perfect time. Did you know that while Sir Isaac Newton was self-isolating during the Great Plague – he saw apples falling from an apple tree and wrote down his discoveries about gravity. In the Bible, we see that God used Paul to impact many lives while he was in “lockdown.”

Let’s continue to thrive in this time and let’s keep dreaming!