Monday Morning Hangover - Dealing with Stress

Ever been stressed out?

To be honest… we have all been stressed out at least once in our lives. I have worked with countless of people who are so stressed that it robs them from the joys of life. With that said, the MOST important reality is how to respond to stress healthy. Here are some thoughts about stress:

  • in MOST circumstances, stress is a default response to things outside of our own control (ie, car accident, economy mealtdown and job security, family issues)
  • in almost ALL cases, stress accumulates in money issues, relationship tensions, job security, health.
  • stress is linked to health issues such as high blood pressure, sleeping dysfunctions, addiction to pornography, alcohol, and/or drugs in the futile pursuit of experiencing a permanent fix… and more serious issues such as heart attacks, disease, and strokes if stress isn’t released or responded to in a healthy way.
  • stress is NOT part of God’s plan for your life. Worry and anxiety will rob you. In fact, worry and anxiety is sin; missing the mark of God’s best for you.

With that said, stress free living isn’t about shifting responsibility either. We need to take responsibility of what we can control and live stress free… how?

The best response to stress that I have EVER came across is from Apostle Paul:

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.

Here are 7 thoughts in responding to stress:

  • PRAY for God to take control of the situation… continually – Phil 4:6
  • ASK for wisdom… and LISTEN – James 1:5
  • EAT healthy. Some people binge to feel better… eating healthy gives you MORE energy and therefore helps you make focus decisions
  • EXERCISE. Get out and do something FUN. For example, Frank Roosevelt’s toughest decision during WW2 (BEFORE Peril harbor) was a brilliant plan called the Lend-Lease Administration. This plan was birthed by Roosevelt’s favorite hobby to do… fishing! It is SO important to get out there and do something fun.
  • TRUST that God is ultimately in control; even though we are not – Ps 139; Phil 4:6-7
  • TALK to people who you trust. Nothing NEW is under the sun which means get perspective from people with things that you may be going through
  • Finally, live in PEACE. All hell can break out but you can still live stress-free in God’s PEACE. Peace protects, gives a healthy perspective, and keeps you calm. Peace is the evidence of responding to stress in a healthy way.
Monday Morning HangoversBCYD Admin2 Comments