Enough already!

Is it any wonder we’re all feeling stressed these days?

The economy is a mess, not just in the US, but all over the world, it seems.  The media is full of the worst of the worst (what’s wrong with giving us a balance of upbeat and positive news?).  Everyone seems to have a close friend or family member who is very ill or dealing with major problems (career, financial, health, etc.).

Some of us are undertaking things we’ve never done before, like renovating a house or a kitchen, or having that first baby.  We don’t eat right.  We don’t get enough sleep.  There isn’t enough time in a day to accomplish all that we must do or want to do.  Some of us are dealing with conflict in our personal lives, at home or at work.

I’m feeling my stress levels rise just by writing this.  

We must decide what’s necessary and what can wait…or what can be eliminated completely from our daily routines.  It might surprise us just what we really don’t have to do.  We don’t need to “do it all.”  Look at the big picture.  If something doesn’t get done, will it bring about the end of the world?

Some of the recommended ways to de-stress include:

• Getting plenty of sleep each night.
• Eating healthy.
• Spending time in Scripture and in prayer.
• Reading.
• Walking…exercising…taking on a physical activity that you enjoy…getting some outdoor-time.
• Breathing.  That may sound silly, but get comfortable and turn off all surrounding distractions and just breathe.  Deliberately, slowly breathe.
• Avoiding the topics or people that create stress.
• Learning to “listen” to your body and pay attention to the negatives, and work on eliminating the harmful habits, such as smoking, overeating, or drinking too much.
• Learning to accept what you cannot change.  You cannot solve every problem and take care of every person.
• Learning to say no.  You can’t do it all.  You can’t be everywhere.  You can’t take care of everyone.   No one is perfect…don’t even try to be.
• Seeking professional help when needed.

There are several versions of a stress-screening test available online.  I can remember taking one of these years ago when I worked for a Mental Health agency.   I found two other similar versions here and here.

For more information online, go here or here.  If you feel that you need help, talk to someone who can help you.

⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

¹¹ “All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.

¹² Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.

¹³ For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

Isaiah 41, NIV

As for me, I think I’ll head over to the new house and dig in the dirt a bit.  I feel like planting something.