1. Meditate – just 10 or 20 minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it.  Use the time to listen to music (check out God’s ipod on iTunes), read a devotion or Scripture, pray, etc.

2. Take one thing at a time – for people under stress, an ordinary work load can sometimes be unbearable.  The best way to cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time.  Pick one urgent task and work on it.  Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one.  The positive feeling of “checking off” work is very satisfying.  It will motivate you to keep on going.

3. Exercise – regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress.  20-30 minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind.

4. Hobbies – take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy.  Whether your interests include gardening or painting, schedule time to indulge yourself.

As we continue to talk about stress, keep in mind that as weird as it sounds, some people are addicted to stress.  For these individuals, it is possible for their past experiences to be so traumatic, disorganized, or chaotic that they find themselves being able to function in only highly stressful situations.  So it is likely that these individuals, although they do not like the symptoms and distress of stress, they unintentionally find ways to have it around often times in very creative ways.  Similarly, it is possible for someone to take on a victim type role where everyone and everything is against them.  They blame others for their misfortune and stress.  However, you are responsible for most of the stress in your life.  Stress results not so much from what happens to you as to how you react to the things that happen to you.    

There is more to come. So be sure to check back.

Now I would like to turn our attention to some ways to manage stress.  As I go through these suggestions, remember that success will not come from a half-hearted effort, nor will it come overnight.  It will take determination, persistence, and time.  Also keep in mind that stress is normal and can even be helpful.  So it is not a realistic goal to eliminate it altogether.  You will need to learn how to live with meanwhile attempting to minimize it.

 

The first one I want to address is… be realistic.  Stress can be defined as a change in one’s life situation (either positive or negative) that overwhelms or strains one’s ability to cope.  If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and your family’s) learn to say “no”.  Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary or ask someone to help.  If you meet resistance, give reasons why you are making the changes.  Be willing to listen to other’s suggestions and be ready to compromise.  

 

There are a lot more to come. So be sure to check back.