Overcoming Stress
Engaging Your Mind In Healthy Choices
Stress has increased in the last few years with 65% of Americans indicating they are stressed about money, according to a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association. Stress continues to rise
with inflation, supply chain issues, and unrest in the world. Stress among parents have reached record levels. At the same time, church attendance greatly decreased. Church is one place that helps relieve stress. We can do other things to relieve stress too, and that starts with developing inner peace.
The biggest key to inner peace is what you let your mind dwell upon. Paul, in Philippians shared that secret immediately after stating, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”[Philippians 4:6]
Paul wrote to think about such lofty thoughts as whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and other positive ideas. It’s still true that if you fill your mind with positive thoughts, there’s less room for worry. Also, a mind that is focused on gratitude and lovely topics is happier and less likely to fret.
Other Stress-less Ideas
Consider what triggers the anxiety. It may follow listening to news, spending time on social media, or listening to negative talk, complaints, or criticism from someone. Those activities should be decreased. Steer away from negativity in general and fill your mind with what makes you smile.
Stress can also creep in with returning to past bad memories or problems. Look to the future and today and make new choices that will bring joy. Let go of past mistakes and circumstances, especially ones where you had no control. Do recall happy memories that make you laugh. Be thankful for those times, and consider how to create new happy memories.
Sometimes, in the midst or tragedy and struggles, we simply need to take a break and distract ourselves to take our
mind off the problems. This might be indulging in a hobby. volunteering, or taking a walk in a beautiful natural setting.
It also helps to talk to a friend who is not involved in the difficult situation and who tends to lift your spirit. The individual can be a sounding board who empathizes with you without trying to tell you what to do. That person may also help you process your thoughts and choices. Build a strong network with friends who will listen and care. Start by being a friend who is open and caring.
Another way to avoid stress is to avoid pressure. Someone may try to make you feel you must decide immediately, but that is seldom true. Except for life and death situations, you can take time to think things through and pray before making a choice. There will still be a choice tomorrow, although it may be a different one.
Sometimes we must accept things as they are at the time. The future may bring a new opportunity. But a foreclosure, goodbye, or other difficult ending may be necessary. The world will keep turning and new choices will come. Be willing to accept what you cannot change and be prepared for the effort involved to make changes. Take changes slowly, one step at a time.
Build peace with good communication skills. Sometimes you need to say, “No,” but you can do it graciously. State you would not do the task well, do not have the time, or that you need to make a choice that is best for yourself.
Good communication includes your pray time with God and asking for His guidance. Let go of the worries and let God be in control. That frees you up to dwell on positive thoughts!
Take the Mom Quiz
Get free tips, activities, and more in just the area where you need it most.
