“Anxiety Is Contagious. Here’s How to Contain It”

Wednesday, April 1, 2020, I received an email from the director of our Ph.D. in Leadership program at Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary in Lancaster, PA. Knowing the potential for a rise in feelings of anxiousness (worrying), he sent us some articles from Harvard Business Review and other sources that can help leaders navigate the waters of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first article I read was entitled, “Anxiety Is Contagious. Here’s How to Contain It.”

In the article, Judson Brewer (Ph.D.) pointed out one of the most challenging things to deal with during the COVID-19 crisis is “uncertainty” (Brewer, 2020). We cannot predict the future. However, when we must face uncertainty as it relates to many of the essentials that people quickly take for granted, uncertainty can become a “virus itself” (Brewer, 2020). The thought of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing its adverse and debilitating effects can stir a plethora of fears. Nevertheless, we must understand that when fear is present, we are prompted to survive (Brewer, 2020). However, when we combine fear with uncertainty, the byproduct is anxiety or an “emotional infection” (Brewer, 2020). To help his students overcome their anxiety, Brewer led them to practice a form of meditation called “loving kindness” where people focus on “kindness and connection” (Brewer, 2020). He also offered the following three-step process to curb the inception and spread of anxiety.

1.     Run a code (learn how to pause in stressful situations)
2.     Get in touch with your calm (practicing being calm)
3.     Take it one day at a time (focus on what is controllable) (Brewer, 2020).

I am grateful for the exposure to articles and scientifically backed data that can help me to develop as a leader in my decision-making ability and relevant information that can assist a leader as he or she addresses crucial leadership decisions. I believe that all truth is God’s truth. However, long before Brewer offered his sagacious advice for leaders, Jesus, Paul, and Peter provided the Christian community with an excellent paradigm to stop the inception and spread of anxiety (emotional infection).

1.     Be concerned, but do not worry (be anxious).

  • “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matt. 6:25, ESV). 

2.     Turn worrying into prayer.

  • “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, ESV). 

3.     Give your anxiety to God. 

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:8, ESV). 

Physical Wellness Principles, Scriptures, and Daily Tasks

  • Physical Wellness Requires an Understanding of God’s Ownership 
    “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19-20, ESV). 

  • Physical Wellness Requires Focusing on God’s Glory 
    “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31, ESV).

    “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17, ESV).

  • Physical Wellness Requires Exercising According to God’s Will
    “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8, ESV). 

  • Physical Wellness Requires Following Godly Wisdom
    “    Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones” (Prov. 3:7-8, ESV). 

  • Physical Wellness Requires Surrender to The Holy Spirit    
    “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18, ESV). 

Task #1: Do not try to disconnect your physical life from your spiritual life.
Task #2: Work on your physical life for a better spiritual life.   
Task #3: Surrender your physical life to God for a better spiritual life. 
Task #4: Pray for God’s assistance in developing and maintaining wellness. 
Task #5: Depend on the Holy Spirit to work in and through you for wellness. 

Monica Coman