Sparkle After 50

Five years have passed since the world first went into lockdown. Though the strict “stay in” orders of 2020 have faded, the emotional aftermath still lingers. Depression and anxiety are no longer just temporary responses to crisis—they’ve become chronic struggles for many. The world has shifted, and mental health challenges are now at an all-time high. Whether it’s the lasting impact of trauma, the pace of constant change, or the residual isolation so many still feel, it’s clear: we are still in a storm.

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, brain fog, trouble focusing, overwhelming food cravings, and a need to withdraw. And while we may be more socially connected now than during the height of lockdown, many still feel alone in their pain. In a world that often feels uncertain, control slips through our fingers—and frustration quickly follows.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression can be triggered by environmental stressors. Major life changes, ongoing trauma, and persistent stress are all contributing factors. If that sounds like your life—or the life of someone you love—you are not alone. The reality of 2025 includes financial strain, global unrest, digital overload, and burnout. These are no longer just individual struggles, but collective ones.

So what now?

When the circumstances around us are counterproductive to our mental health, we must be intentional about finding tools that help. Not just to survive—but to reclaim peace and joy, even amid pressure and pain. That starts with recognizing the signs and taking small steps toward healing.

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad (Proverbs 12:25).

In the early days of the pandemic, millions of people found themselves suddenly working from home—or not working at all. Fast forward to 2025, and while most have returned to the workplace, the burden has shifted. The long hours, rising costs of living, staff shortages, and ongoing uncertainty have created a new wave of anxiety and mental exhaustion. Whether you’re juggling multiple roles in the workplace, at home with your children, or still seeking stable employment, the weight of trying to “keep up” can feel overwhelming.

For those not currently working in a traditional job, it may still seem strange to hear the phrase: clock out. But for others who are overloaded, the thought might be: “When do I ever get to clock out?” Whether you’re surrounded by others or spending a lot of time alone, the pressure to be productive, stay afloat, and somehow stay inspired can feel like too much.

So what can be done?

One approach is to reframe how we see our time—especially our personal time—as an opportunity to build value in ourselves, even when our schedules are full. And for those in a season without traditional employment, the advice remains: clock in.

Creating a routine that honors your development—whether professional, spiritual, creative, or emotional—can bring structure and purpose to otherwise stressful days. Even if your job feels draining, or you’re searching for your next opportunity, treating personal growth as a “job” worth clocking into can be transformative.

Start With You:

Begin by writing down your talents, passions, and dreams. Ask yourself:

• What are the things I love to do?
• What am I naturally good at?
• If I could create my ideal job, what would it look like?

Then, look at your current role (or your most recent one) and list out the core skills it required. Next, research your field—or a new one you’re interested in. What are the highest roles in that industry? What do they require? What skills or credentials do people in those roles have?

Take your time with this process—it might take all day. But that’s okay. Just like any job, give it a start and stop time. Clock in. Clock out. And repeat tomorrow.

The purpose of this process isn’t to overwhelm—it’s to increase awareness of your growth potential. Proverbs 22:29 reminds us:

“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”

Build Your Skill Bank
Once you’ve identified desired skills, set small, measurable goals to work toward them. This is where online learning platforms can help. The U.S. Department of Labor supports the National Center for O*NET Development, a valuable tool that lists thousands of job titles and their associated competencies.

Another excellent resource is EdX, a platform that offers thousands of free online courses from top universities around the world. Whether you’re interested in data analytics, business, art, teacher training, or languages, EdX provides free registration and options to earn certificates if you choose. No formal education or degree is required to begin.

From improving your typing speed to learning Excel, PowerPoint, financial literacy, or accounting skills, online tools have made skill development more accessible than ever. Even if you’re balancing a job and a family, setting aside time to “clock in” to your own growth—even for 30 minutes a day—can increase your marketability and personal fulfillment.

Protect Your Peace
But just as important as clocking in to purpose is learning to clock out. Celebrate your progress, even if it feels small. Establish boundaries in your day to rest, reflect, and recharge. Unplug, go for a walk, enjoy time with loved ones, or simply pause in gratitude. Productivity is powerful—but peace is priceless.

As Proverbs 12:25 reminds us:

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”

In a time when the world feels constantly “on,” let your good word be one that speaks life over your future. You are not behind. You are building. And your investment in yourself will not return void.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Peace that surpasses understanding…

For optimal health it is common knowledge to move your body, eat nutritious foods, avoid stress, and develop positive relationships. There are certain things that are clearly evidence based options to choose for positive outcomes. You need each of these components working together to build a foundation for peace to operate. Joseph Prince (2020) proposed the idea that “small daily steps” are central to peace during times of crisis. Small daily decisions create the life you will have in the future whether positive or negative. Terri Savelle Foy (2020) mentioned that it is the little things you do on a daily basis that create your life. She shared that it is what you choose to do every day or at least on a very regular basis that produces the life you will have either negative or positive. Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes (Solomon 2:15). Small choices make all the difference because daily habits can produce results you want or results that lead to destruction. Joyce Meyer once stated that in life you are either gambling or investing. You get to decide. You can choose to invest in healthy habits or gamble with poor choices. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live (Deuteronomy 30:19). Each day look for opportunities to grow and focus on creating. Don’t focus on what is not available, instead, focus on the outcome you desire most. God calls those things which are not, as though they were (Romans 4:17). This statement has a positive connotation. He does not call things that “are already in existence” as though they “are not by removing them from existence” rather, He calls things to be as He desires. He is creating not destroying. It is important you are creating the life you want on purpose. Not constantly trying to knock out the things you don’t want. You get to choose where to focus your energies. Bring in the desired result or focus on all the barriers to health and peace. Every day you have the opportunity to make small choices (investments) to create the life you desire. You can conquer any obstacle if you are taking tiny steps each day toward your health and personal growth.

At the end of the day it is important to remember…God has a perfect plan for your life. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Lakeba Wallace, host of Living Day By Day television/radio, and author of ‘In Many Wars’ proclaims the essential need to keep your focus on God in all circumstances regardless of the many distractions. The information to purchase In Many Wars is listed under the references at the end of this article. Even during times of crisis when it feels overwhelming it is essential to remove yourself from worry. Under the strain of environmental outrage and distractions how does a person simply remove an emotion of worry? Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken (Psalms 55:22). Ultimately the layout for success in obtaining peace and finding opportunity during a crisis is to first focus on God and His authority over your circumstances. Every morning wake-up to a fresh start understanding that in everything there is a first, middle, and last. With each day there will be responsibilities and concerns. Stay mentally focused on the right now. Start the day feeding your spirit by focusing on God first, take small steps to invest in yourself and add to your progress, take a lunch break  and feed your body with healthy food and physical exercise, and clock out at the end of the workday so you can relax and enjoy the people you love most.

1.  Clock in. Make small daily decisions that add value to you

2.  Clock out!  Celebrate the days accomplishments and have fun

3.  Focus on God

If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression or anxiety, don’t wait. Talk to a trusted friend, reach out to a counselor, or seek support from a local mental health organization or church. Speak life into your own soul. Practice compassion over perfection. And most importantly—don’t walk this road alone.

Healing doesn’t always come quickly, but it is possible. Peace is still possible. Joy can still be found.

References

EdX Incorporated. (2020). Courses. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from: https://www.edx.org/?msclkid=50fab7f0007b1975d246e942fa3ee902&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=new-bs-us-brand-core-exact&utm_term=edx%20online%20courses&utm_content=edx-online-courses_e

Joseph Prince Ministries. (2020). Joseph Prince Ministries. From: https://www.josephprince.org/

Joyce Meyer Ministries. (2020). Joyce Meyer Ministries. From: https://joycemeyer.org/

National Institute of Mental Health. (Feb 2018). Depression. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

National Center for O-Net Development. (May 2020). Occupation Search. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from: https://www.onetonline.org/

Rich Dad Company. (2020). Rich Dad. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from: https://www.richdad.com/

Terri Savelle Foy Ministries. (2020). Terri Savelle Foy Ministries. From: https://www.terri.com/

Wallace, Lakeba (2020). In Many Wars. From: