I’m Stressed Out!!!

Have you considered that the Bible is by far the biggest resource we have for dealing with everything….I mean EVERYTHING that we go through in live? 

I really set out  to write this article about stress and some interesting by simple tips to help us deal with this humongous thing called stress that almost any ‘normal’ Ghanaian is expected to be going through.  However, as I went through my research material, I realized that all the tips proposed have been suggested by the Bible waaaay before the word stress was even coined. 

So instead, I’m going to give you some quick pick-ups and tips from research and the Bible on dealing with Stress…

Research - Nothing and no one can “make” you feel anything: 

How you feel and the way you deal with a situation is a choice. I’m reminded of a counselor who would often state “no one can drive your car unless you give them the keys.” You cannot control others’ actions, but you can be responsible for your reactions.

Bible - Control your reaction:

The bible abounds with advice on controlling our response in different situation.  Based on the following scriptures, you have complete control as to how you respond to issues that come up in live.   Proverbs 19:11 “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offence.”  James 1:19-20  ^“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

 

Research - Exchange attitude for gratitude:

Our attitude has a profound effect on how we deal with situations. Negative attitudes affect our physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. When in a particularly stressful situation, try exchanging attitude for gratitude. When you are running late for a meeting because you are stuck in traffic, change your attitude. Instead of being frustrated about the traffic, find some gratitude. You can be thankful for life, health, strength, friends, family, nature, etc.

Bible – Have a gratitude attitude:

According to the bible we are to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 .  The reason for this advice is because “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 

Research - Relax, relax, relax:

Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. If we do not help ourselves, how can we effectively help others? Relaxation rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit and leaves us better equipped to handle stressful situations when they come. Relaxation can include periodic 5-10 minute breaks of breathing exercises or connecting with positive people

Bible – God expects us to rest.  It is a necessity!

God admonishes us to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates…”  Exodus 20:8-10.  He also requires us to take our time and enjoy our toil - Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?

Research – Rethink!

What your mind tells you “about a potential stressor determines whether it becomes an actual stressor”. An example is given of a student who’s terrified of failing a final exam. He keeps focusing on how he isn’t smart and will do poorly, instead of focusing on the things that will help him do well on the exam, such as meeting with the professor, scheduling a study session with others and studying for the final. The goal is to get over your negative thinking and accept that while you may not be an expert in a certain subject, like in this case, you can still try your best and do what you can to learn the material.

Bible – Rethink

The Bible tells us severally to renew and change our thinking. According to Ephesians 4:23 “There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes”…for as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7(a)

Remember!  Stress does not have to be a part of life. Success stress management is all about learning how and when to take control. It’s important to remember that you control how stress affects you. You can control the stress or let stress control you.

Reference:

4 Tips to Change the Way You Deal with Stress by DONNA M. WHITE, LMHC, CACP

5 Ways to Stress Less by MARGARITA TARTAKOVSKY, M.S.