Houston, we have a problem!
Updated: Jan 29, 2022
In the darkest of days, we can find ourselves stressed. Sometimes in the days where we don’t think we are stressing, we subconsciously are. The feeling of being overwhelmed and burned down can weigh on the body tremendously, ways you may not even realize are affecting you. For some, stress may hit them smack in the gut, for others it may break your face out, suppress your appetite, or cause a headache. (Nooo not the headaches!) We overlook these signs and say, "It’s nothing" or "I’m okay" when in reality we aren’t.
It‘s normal to express that you are not okay. It‘s also okay to let God lead your footsteps to manage that stress. God created additional resources to help us assess our health on various scales. Let's dive into some of the stress resources and explore the mind. There are two types of stress. Eustress aka the positive stress and Distress aka the negative stress. In the Emotional/Psychological Eustress can be simply working on a new task or project at work or entering a competition doing something you love. It’s a thrill and a high level of excitement. It brings about a feeling of enthusiasm to win and succeed in the new challenges.
I refer to eustress as the healthy kind of stress because it motivates and inspires us in our daily life whether it be activities or with work. As a result, it gives us positive feelings of fulfillment!
Then there is the negative stress and the “most popular” kind of stress. This nagging stress causes negative implications such as anxiety, fatigue, depression, unhappiness and other illnesses. Distress causes signs before you even know there are signs.
Examples of physical negative stress can be overexertion at work, burnt out, not getting enough sleep, or not having any relaxation time all because you may run yourself thin. The toughest negative stress can be when we don’t have good relationships with those around us. When negative stress confronts us, it can block our happiness and success and if not under control it can cause mental and physical illness.
In the Spiritual
God's word provides us with everything we need to make it through life. There is a scripture that can give hope and direction to issues you face in life. The scripture may not speak directly to your situation, but it will provide something within in the word that will propel you forward and sustain you, so you won't give up.
For instance, here are two scriptures that speak to stress. In James 1: 2-4, it tells us to view stress as a blessing because it allows us to see our faith in God and learn to persevere to overcome many challenges in the future. It reads, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Another, Luke 21:19 which simply tells us to “Stand firm, and you will win life.” In short, we may fall and get back up again but stand strong in the face of adversity and many benefits will result from it.
In the Physical
Ways I recommend managing stress:
1) Give it to God
2) Write it out
3) Stay productive busy
Let's find ways to help ourselves and others minimize the negative stress.
Simply minimize reading, watching, or listening to media that increases feelings of excessive stress or anxiety!
Reduce your social media intake- Lord knows we can stay glued to the phone and scroll for hours at a time!
Try to ensure your time between work is truly restful.
Avoid unhelpful coping activities like excessive alcohol or other intoxicating drugs/substances.
Make time for regular self check-ins go assess your mental and emotional wellness. Even if that's establishing an accountability partner. Strong friends need check ins as well.
Be mindful & identify the stressors. Talk about it or journal about it. Regular exercise/stretching/meditation. Get enough sleep. Eat well. Breathe.
Focus on possibilities instead of the problem; Try not to think of stress as pressure, overwhelming, and a threat to every aspect of your life but instead as an opportunity, a motivator, and a challenge. Charge ahead!
Practice stress management techniques, they can be lifechanging and highly beneficial.
Our world is better with you in it. Well wishes friends!
We are too blessed to be stressed!
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