Practical Tips to Manage Stress

Do you feel stressed out about the things happening around you? What has caused you stress? How has stress affected you? 

 

Study shows that stress itself is not necessarily harmful. According to the American Psychological Association, stress is to the human condition what tension is to the violin string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the music is shrill or the string snaps.  

The association added that stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The issue, really, is how to manage it.  

Considering your physical health, your interaction with other people, and the priorities you set in your life are important factors in effectively dealing with stress. Here are 6 practical tips that may help you deal and manage stress: 

Tip #1: Know what stresses you 

Identify the possible causes of your stress and note your response. This means that whenever you feel stressed, note your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Think of ways to eliminate that makes you feel stressed. Perhaps, you may consider reducing your stress by managing your tasks or time efficiently.

One with knowledge restrains his words, and a discerning person stays calm.” – Proverbs 17:27 (TLV) 

Tip #2: Try to live one day at a time 

Recognize that stress is inevitable, especially when you are studying or working. Fretting over things you cannot prevent may increase your stress that can cause anxiety.

Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34 (CEB)  

Tip #3: Pursue work-life balance  

Balanced living means considering all aspects of our life such as work, relationships, physical, emotional, and mental health. Have a realistic view of work and money. Having more money does not always mean more happiness or less stress in your life. Try to live within your means.  

Limit the time you spend checking emails, text messages, or social media applications outside of working hours. Make time to relax and relieve stress by doing things you enjoy. Also avoid being a couch potato.

“But better is resting with one handful than working hard for two fistfuls and chasing after wind.” – Ecclesiastes 4:6 (CEB) 

Tip #4: Try to be orderly  

Make a practical schedule and stick to it. This will keep you from procrastinating on things you have to finish. Identify and correct attitudes that cause you to put off doing necessary tasks.

Let all things be done decently and in order.”- 1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)  

Tip #5: Have a support system  

Ask for help and get support from trustworthy people you are comfortable with. Talk things over with friends or loved ones. This may help you to see things from a different perspective led you to a solution you overlooked. It can also help you unburden yourself of your worries and be comforted by kind and compassionate words from people who care.

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)  

Tip #6: Care for your spiritual needs 

As humans created by God, we need more than food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities in this life. We must also take care of our spiritual needs. 

Reading the Bible can give you practical wisdom that you may apply in your life.  

Prayer can also be a big help. Our loving God invites you to “throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Knowing that our Creator is listening to our prayers can bring us inner peace and happiness in this world.  

“Those people who know they have great spiritual needs are happy. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” – Matthew 5:3 (ICB)  

We would love to uplift you through prayers, you may call CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.

Prayers for those who Struggle with their Mental Health

Prayers for those who Struggle with their Mental Health

Do you want to pray for your mental health, but you cannot find the words to say?

Are you willing to pray for a loved one who has a mental health concern, but you do not know where to start?

This Mental Health Awareness Week, here are some powerful prayers to help you start. Let us gather and declare that the power of Jesus Christ is bigger than any mental health struggle!

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

A prayer if you are dealing with anxiety: 

Heavenly Father, as I come to you today, I ask that you cleanse my heart. I release any anger, resentment, or negative feelings in me. Help me forgive everyone who wronged me as I also seek Your mercy for all the wrong things I did.

I come to You believing that You can heal not just my body, but also my anxious mind.

Jesus, You said that if we ask anything in Your Name, then we will receive. So today, I receive your grace. I receive Your comfort and strength.

When I am crushed by my fears or worries, remind me that I have already received Your peace. Whenever my mind’s like a raging storm, help me express grace to myself. Remind me that I do not have to fear any storm when my Savior is on board.

Thank You, God, because I know that my mental health and healing are important to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

(Read John 14:14, Romans 5:1)

A prayer if you are dealing with depression: 

Heavenly Father, I come to You today to ask for help. I may not understand what I feel but I declare that You are freeing me from this depression – in the Name of Jesus!

Lord, take the spirit of heaviness away. I release painful experiences that weigh me down and I welcome Your healing.

Whenever I feel lost in my own thoughts, God, take over my mind. Take over my mind, body, and soul for they all belong to You.

Thank You, Lord, for Your love, patience, and boundless grace.  I praise You for healing me and delivering me from depression. I praise You, Jesus, for filling my mind with what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Amen.

(Read Psalm 100:3, Romans 12:2)

A prayer if you are dealing with psychotic disorders or other mental illnesses: 

Heavenly Father, I surrender my life to You. Whenever I lose touch with reality, in times that I cannot control my own mind and body – help me, God.

Help me focus my eyes on You. I humbly ask that You comfort and relieve me from this condition. Jesus, allow me to experience Your supernatural healing. Please restore my health, mind, and spirit.

I also pray for others who are challenged by serious and chronic mental illnesses. I lift the patients who cannot pray for themselves.

God, nothing is impossible with You. May You rescue us from our affliction, cover us and our families with your hedge of protection, and allow us to experience Your miraculous healing.

Father, I trust that everything will fall into place according to Your sovereign way, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Read: Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 30:2, Matthew 19:26)

A prayer if you are dealing with addiction: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my strength and hope. Thank you because I believe that You will not allow me to be stuck in this pit of addiction and self-destruction. Thank you, God, for Your patience and grace.

Help me forgive myself as You have forgiven me. I pray that Your mercy will untangle me from the snares of the enemy. May You deliver me from all temptations and help me find the strength to overcome my addiction.

Thank You for loving me more than I could ever imagine. I also pray for the love and patience of others as I work through this condition.

I praise You, Jesus, because You have prepared a good future for me. Help me to lead the rest of my life in reverence of You and Your glory. Jesus, my Lord, I receive healing in Your mighty Name. Amen.

(Read Corinthians 10:13, Jeremiah 29:11)

If you are struggling with your mental health, we are here to pray for you.

Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or contact us via email ([email protected]) or Skype (The700clubasia).

3 Tips to Protect Your Mind from Anxiety during the Pandemic

To say that the pandemic has been a difficult season would be an understatement for many. 

Some people have lost their loved ones, others lost their jobs. All the health, economic, and political turmoil many have gone through have been perfect recipes for anxiety to rise. 

If you feel that everything that is happening around you has brought bouts of worry, fear, or even loneliness, you might be wondering what you can do to protect your mind from anxiety.  

Keep anxiety at bay with these tips from the inspirational speaker and Beyond Small Talk guest Carl Pascua: 

  1. Reconnect with your loved ones

The more you keep your negative emotions to yourself, the more it gets worse. 

Life happens, that is why it is important to have people around you during tough times. Whenever you are down, anxious, or frustrated, trust that your family and friends are willing to listen to you and cheer you up.  

If you don’t know where to start, here’s a challenge for you: Name 3 people in your life that you can talk to about your anxious thoughts. Call them. Ask how they are doing and tell them what you are going through.  

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NIV) 

  1. Spend time praying and reading the Bible

How’s your prayer life? 

Whenever you feel anxious about anything, you need to pass that ball to Jesus Christ. Slow down and spend time with your Heavenly Father.  

“Why?” Carl asked. “Because our greatest comforter is the Lord.” Every time you pray, God gives you peace – the kind of peace that would guard your heart and mind amid any pandemic. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) 

  1. Do something that can give you fulfillment and a sense of purpose

Try to identify the source of your anxiety, then make room for something that would take your mind off it. 

What are the things that give you joy, fulfillment, and purpose? What activities do you enjoy the most? 

Whether it’s supporting pandemic-hit families, encouraging other people, or sharing God’s goodness, know that God is pleased when you do things for His glory. 

Isn’t it wonderful to know that you can be the light and love this world needs? 

“We can share the goodness of the Lord amid unwanted circumstances. It’s all about what Jesus can do if we do things for His glory. All we have to do is trust God in good times and in bad; to obey him, then favor will come. Blessings will overflow,” Carl ended. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 ESV) 

Do you feel like your anxiety has reached an all-time high during the pandemic? 

Let us know in the comments how you are doing so we can pray for you. You may also call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or email [email protected]. 

For more meaningful content, don’t miss the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this coming Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!  

This is How You can Cope with Pandemic Stress | Beyond Small Talk

Imposed quarantines from time to time, news about the rise and fall of COVID-19 cases here and there, plus health and safety reminders everywhere – as you may have realized, the world is battling this pandemic for over a year now.  

How are you holding up?  

If these unsettling scenarios create feelings of stress and anxiety to you, know that God wants you to be free from all worries (Psalm 34:4). 

God gives you the power to break free from stress! 

This Stress Awareness Month, know how you can help yourself in dealing with your pandemic stress, with some essential tips from an inspirational speaker and Beyond Small Talk guest, Carl Pascua. 

 

Tip #1: Slow down and rest 

Did you find yourself feeling extra stressed when the pandemic started? You are not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the pandemic. 

Perhaps, uncertainty becomes the gasoline that fuels your stress fire. 

Don’t worry. You don’t need to force yourself to be okay all the time. Carl suggests that you process your emotions, know where the sadness or stress comes from, and do not forget to take a much-needed rest. 

Tip #2: Exercise and stay healthy 

Science has long proved that your mind and body are strongly linked. 

“Remember, a healthy body can result into a healthy mind and a good emotional condition,” Carl reminds. 

The American Psychological Association backs this up and specifies that as your mental health declines, your physical health can worsen, and if your physical health declines, you can feel mentally “down.” 

So get off the couch and start a simple exercise routine, and be extra mindful of what you eat! 

Tip #3: Talk about your problems 

Whether it’s a family member, a trusted friend, or a mentor, sharing your thoughts and concerns with other people can help relieve stress. Likewise, you can help others feel that they’re not alone, too! 

Like you, each person you know could be fighting a battle you don’t know about. So don’t hesitate to reach out. Encourage each other and build each other up! (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT) 

Tip #4: Let go of the idea about control 

Who would’ve thought that by 2020, going to malls, restaurants – or even work – could be a health risk? Who would’ve thought that by the summer of 2021, you would be cooped up in your home and praying for a pandemic to end? 

Nobody. 

But it happened, and this goes to show that no matter what your plans are, you cannot control everything. Ease your pandemic stress by letting go of your need to control things, and trusting that Someone greater is always in control – Jesus Christ. 

As Proverbs 19:21 ESV puts it, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” 

Tip #5: Put your faith in Him 

If anything, the pandemic proved the famous saying, “Everything changes, except the word change.” 

If you put your happiness and trust in things that change – like career, health, or even relationships – you might feel stressed when things don’t work out the way you hoped. It’s high time to put your joy and faith in a God who never changes. 

“Other people may not understand everything that is going on in your life, but God knows. That means you can go to Him, cry to Him, and you can seek help from Him. Problems can be big, but our God is bigger, our God is stronger!” Carl ended. 

No matter what you’re going through, keep going! You can always find comfort and overcome through the help of your merciful God! 

“In the multitudes of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19 NKJV) 

Do you feel overwhelmed or stressed? 

We are here for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we will pray for you. 

Mark your calendars and catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this coming Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!  

Devotionals

img

What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

img

The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3

img

What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

img

The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3