Remedies For Handling Stress

“There are very few certainties that touch us all in this mortal experience, but one of the absolutes is that we will experience hardship and stress at some point.” ~ Dr. James C. Dobson

Although some seasons are more peaceful than others, stress will hit all of us at different times in life.

For example, we may feel a lot of anxiety when planning a big event, like a graduation party or a wedding. Some other life circumstances that cause stress are a career change, a move, having a baby, dealing with a health issue.

It’s important to deal with your stress properly because if you don’t it can lead to emotional and/or physical problems. Like a boiler that overheats causing catastrophic damage, so can your health be damaged if you don’t learn how to keep your stress levels down.

But what is stress?

At the core of someone’s stress is a fear of failure (tweet this). Stress is caused when you get overwhelmed because you are worried about the outcome of a situation. You feel you have little control and a sense of urgency begins to stir within you which  triggers fear and panic.

Sometimes  no matter how hard you try to stay calm through your situation, nothing, not even praying, seems to help.This is because, along with prayer, you have to take some action steps to help alleviate your anxious heart.

Here are four remedies for handling your stress.

1. Make short term goals daily

Instead of looking at the big picture and feeling overwhelmed, write out a list of what you need to do for today.

After you have made this list, prioritize in order of importance.

Setting realistic daily goals will make you feel like your life is more manageable.

 2. Share your burdens

Share your struggles and challenges with God, and with others. Talking and sharing your concerns with others will alleviate the stress you are feeling.

Remember it is wise to seek help from appropriate sources (Proverbs 15:22), whether it’s an event planner, a counselor, a job recruiter, or a doctor.

Journaling is another way of sharing your burdens. Writing out what you are feeling will help you not keep it all bottled up inside of you.

3. Do something physical

Exercise is medicine for our minds.

Move your body daily. A short walk up the street or stretching on the matt in your living room will help release stress. It doesn’t have to be some strenuous work out for you to feel your tension lighten.

4. Do something that you enjoy

Different activities are relaxing for different people. For example, some find reading to be relaxing, while others like to listen to music. Do whatever it is that you find calming daily.

It is important to have some “me” time daily, allowing enjoyment into the midst of your stress.

Being intentional and applying these four steps when you are in a challenging season of life can help you release your stress. Learn to accept what you have control over and what you don’t have control over and you will feel more internal peace.

Keep in mind that you do have control over your attitude towards stress.

And always remember to surrender all your plans to the Lord and trust Him to help you through any stress you may be experiencing. Allow His peace to guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Please leave me a comment below on how you handle stress.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” ~ Proverbs 16:3

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