TOP WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Here are some godly and vital points on how to manages stress.

BE THANKFUL

Make a “gratitude list” and say “thank you.” When under stress, sit down and make a list of all the things and people you are grateful for. If possible, call or write those you are grateful to and let them know of your gratitude.

EAT HEALTHY

Eating properly can help to reduce stress. Skip the sugars, salts, caffeine and food additives. They will not only add to the stress, but will make you sick as well.

ENJOY THE WEATHER

During the autumn and winter months, the sun lays low on the horizon. The leaves fall as nature gracefully goes through its annual recovery stage. The sun can more easily penetrate through the branches of trees and warm you. Take advantage of this by standing outside on a sunny autumn or winter day. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face.

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FIND PEACE

Take care of your spirit. Read the Scripture and get on your knees and don’t be afraid to talk to God.

TAKE A WALK

Either solo, with family or friends or with your pet. Get physically active. Start moving. Don’t let the weather, your schedule or anything else get in your way. Moving your body is vital to stress reduction.

THINK POSITIVELY

Smile. Learn to laugh at yourself. Break the negative thinking pattern!

HAVE A PLAN

Make a daily schedule and stick with it. Prepare and rehearse a positive way to respond to a particular stressor. If you know you will be having a stressful encounter, pray over it, plan your strategy and then give it up to God!

GET QUALITY SLEEP

Neither too much nor too little. Your brain not only needs food as its fuel, it needs sleep just as much. The sleep that comes from a dark, quiet room. Turn off “ALL SOUNDS” and turn on the ZZZZ’s.

CREATE JOY

You have heard it said “Never Let Them Take Away Your Joy!” Joy is not “results to strive for”, it is actually acquired during the journey. You can train your mind to see joy in everything. You can be satisfied in the smallest of situations and it all comes from staring in the right direction. Turn toward the Light that will sustain you in everything. Turn toward Jesus!

HELP OTHERS

The Bible is filled with verses that tell you the value of helping others. But the value is actually greater for you than it is for them. If you want to de-stress, give someone else a hand.

CONNECT WITH OTHERS

No man is an island. Your stress is easily reduced when you share your burden. This means finding someone who is trustworthy and you believe is a credible person and is willing to share your burden. It isn’t about whether they can actually assist you or not. It is about trusting someone to listen. Often times once you hear yourself speak, you can more easily find solutions.

And always remember what Jesus said:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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

 

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