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.
