“There will be much clenching of teeth…” (as seen in Newbury Weekly News)

There is another new phrase around: Covid Clenching. Apparently there has been a considerable rise of teeth grinding and jaw clenching since Covid. Scientific studies and dentists put this down to increased anxiety and stress caused by Lockdown and the Pandemic. Many people are still suffering Post-Covid Anxiety and Covid Clenching (or Bruxism) is apparently just one symptom. The ancient and wonderful book - The Bible, talks about clenching (or gnashing) of teeth as a sign of terrible stress, especially at impending Judgment. So how do we reduce anxiety? How do we deal with stress? During Lockdown there was no shortage of advice to help with mental health: exercise, getting outside, sleeping, diet, talking to others… Post Covid these things still hold. But what after doing all these things there remains anxiety, stress, grinding of teeth, clenching of jaw, or other symptoms…? In The Bible Jesus promises Peace – well-being, healing, calmness, shalom. A peace like no other. Perhaps it is time to stop the Covid Clenching and “cast all our anxieties upon the Lord”…?