Everyone is reacting in some way to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Whether you believe people are overreacting or under reacting, it has your attention. For most, it creates a feeling of anxiety.

Anxiety is one aspect of the human fight-or-flight response. We are created with this response to prepare us for physical threat. When we perceive potential danger, our brains and bodies automatically go into a state of physical readiness, with hearts racing, rapid breathing, tense muscles and more.

In addition to the physical reactions in the fight-or-flight reaction, we have a sense of impending doom or danger. We feel uneasy. We anticipate or expect negative events. We stay in a state of increased readiness.

A primary cause for anxiety in this pandemic is the unknown. We watch the news about the number of cases and deaths in other countries and hear estimates of how we will fare. We see empty grocery shelves and hear about closings. We see the drops in the stock market and wonder about our economic future.

Our anxiety is worsened by the fact that our enemy is invisible. We anticipate that the virus could be anywhere and on anything you touch. Who has the virus and who doesn’t? We can easily become suspicious of everything and everyone.

Yes, our world seems to have changed in the last few weeks. We feel different. We look at things differently. I remember a very similar feeling after the 911 attacks. Everything felt strange. The world looked like it would never return to normalcy. But, it did.

In a time of uncertainty, we have to remind ourselves of those things of which we are certain. There are things that have changed in the last few weeks, but there are many things that haven’t changed. There are things you don’t know, but there is still much that you do know.

• Nature hasn’t changed. Look around you. Take time to notice the trees and the sky. Notice that birds still fly, squirrels still scamper and dogs still like to cuddle. The sun, moon and stars still rise and fall. The world still revolves from night to day.

• Your friends and family haven’t changed. Focus your attention on the blessings of your loved ones. Even if you can’t physically connect with them, you can do so virtually. We’re blessed to have social media, face time and telephone to communicate and encourage. Now is a great time to share your love and encouragement. It may be one of the enduring blessings of this crisis.

• Your interests and hobbies haven’t changed. One positive side-effect of social distancing is many of us are forced to slow down. Take the time to pick up that old hobby you haven’t done in a while. Do whatever used to bring you joy. Or perhaps, just take the time to sit, ponder, or rest. You probably need it.

• Your faith hasn’t changed. Now is a great time to remember that you are not alone. God hasn’t changed and he hasn’t forgotten about you. I’ve seen many people sharing that this situation has strengthened their connection to God. It can definitely give you that “peace that passes understanding.”

So, our world has changed in the last few weeks, but in many ways, it is just the same. We can only do so much to control the spread of the virus, but we can do much to control our response. When this is all done and behind us, I hope we can say that it made us better people.