How to Reduce Stress

Monday's Blessing

Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Lately I've been inundated with stress and have been spending a majority of my time "chillin" as my doctor suggested. I had never thought that stress could become so affluent in my life as its talons pierced at my physical presence repeatedly. Being a Type A personality, and always managing to get everything done on time, I found it increasingly harder to be unemployed. Nonetheless, I kept myself on a vigilant routine so that I would not become idle, but found myself sick one day. I must tell you, I never get sick, as I pride myself on healthy eating, exercise, and yoga. But, some winter bug must have bitten, and I became increasingly ill as time went on. To make matters worse, the increasing stress of day to day joblessness, and financial doom hovering overhead, set my stress hormones in full gear making it difficult for my body to heal itself. I felt myself spiraling
out of control wondering if I'd ever get on my feet again. Thankfully, I am regaining a bit of health, but it has taken two months to enjoy a walk in the sunshine again.

Due to this recent experience, I went searching for biblical verses on stress. I was amazed of how many verses are available in the good book that speak of the direct result of stress. Stress can rip your life wide open leaving little opportunity of recourse. The sad part being that you may not know how much stress you are under until you mentally or physically break. We all like to believe we have it all together. That somehow tomorrow will bring an end to this misery. But, at times, we don't know how much toil stress is taking on our daily jaunts. Unfortunately, as much as we try to hinder its progress, it may not end the way we planned. Philippians states that God does not want us to feel anxious. Imagine! Forget the stress, stress comes after being anxious. God doesn't want us to even feel anxiousness! This verse tells us to give thanks for what we have and go hand all else over to God. Just think, it we automatically went into prayer every time we were anxious, we'd never get stressed as long as your faith is cemented knowing God will take care of our burdens. Every time you feel a bit anxious, stop in prayer, and ask God to give you peace. Don't let that anxious seed grow into that massive tree of stress.

Daily Guidance

1. As soon as you feel anxious, spend time in prayer this week. Give gratitude for all your blessings, and ask the Lord for peace.

2. Are you nuturing yourself? Make time for friends. Call a friend when you begin to feel pressured. At times just releasing this pressure allows you time to regroup and make better decisions.

3. Continue reading your Bible this week. Look for passages of dealing with stress. Write those down that have meaning to you. Keep them close to you and refer to them often this week.

4. Stress kills and is number one in causing disease. If you feel you can't make peaceful steps by yourself, it is time to make an appointment with a therapist. Having a third party listen can make all the difference.

5. Spend time outdoors this week. Being with nature makes you feel at peace. If you live in a warm climate, try lying outdoors for an hour. The sun rejuvenates your well-being.