If you’re like me, you’re working from home, trying to not to overact to the onslaught of news and panic over Tom Brady leaving the Patriots.

Just kidding. Sort of.

In reality, most of us are experiencing a surreal, unprecedented situation of “social distancing” and “self-quarantine”, thanks to the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Countries, governments, businesses, venues, parents and individuals have all had to react to this new threat — and some have done this more gracefully than others.

I know countless others have weighed in with best practices for working from home, spiritual advice to fight the fear, or tips on how to wash your hands. But I simply want to relay what I’ve learned in the past few days.

It is well
First and foremost, I have no idea what I would do if I didn’t have the peace and hope that come only from God. Despite all the craziness and fear that is rampant in the world right now, I know I can trust God. Why? How? Because He’s my savior, and He’s never failed me. I’ve been through ups and downs, and through it all I can say, “It is well.”

Keep in touch
I’m blessed with the option to work from home, and I don’t take that for granted. So many others don’t have that option, and it can be scary to face a world with so many unknown variables.

But if you are staying home, it can be a challenge to keep yourself from going stir-crazy. Call your friends. Send a text. Like a dog photo on Instagram. Have a video lunch with your coworkers. I can say from experience that a 30-minute virtual lunch with coworkers will make your day. We’re all in this together, so support one another and be considerate.

Side note: Kudos to all the parents out there, because I know this is so much more difficult for you all. Take advantage of the museums, zoos and aquariums that are offering virtual tours.

Keep a routine
I’m imitating my usual morning routine and being careful to not sleep in just because I work from home. I read my Bible, get changed and make some coffee.

But instead of spending an hour in traffic today, I got to walk around my block in the brisk, sunny morning before “going to work” at my home desk. The birds were chirping, and as my soul was rejuvenated and renewed, I found myself humming “How Great is our God” and thanking Him for another day. That walk was a great start to my day and put me in a fresh, “I can do this” mood.

After work, take another walk. This will help your mind distinguish from the workday and your evening chill time.

Take care of yourself
Do some yoga, pushups and squats. Lift some weights. Eat healthy. Drink water. Stop mindlessly scrolling through social media or reading every news alert. Let your mind take a break from the chaos. Read a book. Write a book. Do Sudoku. Wash your hands. But don’t give in to fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. — 2 Timothy 1:7