U Matters - 20 January 2022 | U Matters

U Matters - 20 January 2022

by Rev Dr Michele Bland on January 20, 2022

U MATTERS

With the latest school announcement, I can hear shrieks from parents all over the city, “online school again!” It has not been easy for parents, particularly parents with younger children - again needing to juggle work and school responsibilities. It is not easy for teachers, educators, coaches and the list goes on. If ever there was a time for self-care it is now.

Last week in our GriefShare group we learned an acronym D.E.E.R. This acronym could easily be applied to us today:

DRINK: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

EXERCISE: experts have found that ten minutes of exercise is worth two hours of good mood. Walking is sufficient - so take a walk and often.

EATING: healthy eating vs comfort eating. You will feel better if you eat a nutritious balanced diet.

REST: get proper rest, practice good sleep hygiene. There are a lot of materials on sleep hygiene. A phrase that I often say at home is, “sleep is your friend.”

Self-care is critical. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is important because it can help promote health, prevent disease, and help people better cope with illness.

For many of us we have been here before and we know this season does not last forever. But in the meantime, it is my hope that we can find a new rhythm. That we can find rest, peace and strength.

Jesus said:

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Blessings, Pastor Michele

About the Author

Rev Dr Michele Bland

Pastor Michele came to Hong Kong in 1996 with her husband Glenn. Pastor Michele holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a Masters of Divinity, a Masters in Theology and a Masters in Psychology. Michele was ordained with the Canadian Baptist Convention, has advance standing in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), and before coming to Asia she was a youth pastor.

Pastor Michele was appointed Associate Pastor at Union Church in 2012 and became Senior Pastor in 2020. She is a trained Stephen Leader and has trained over 20 members of our congregation to become Stephen Ministers. During her time in Hong Kong, Pastor Michele served on the pastoral staff at another international church for over a decade and has worked in private practice. She has taught in hospitals in China, as well as seminaries in Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Pastor Michele has two university-aged children. Highlights have included working on a kibbutz in Israel, traveling to far off destinations and hanging out with her family. She loves good coffee and conversation.