Life is stressful. There is no doubt about it!Life and stress go hand in hand. We will experience lots and lots of stress in our lives. There is no getting around it. There are so many things to study or deal with at the same time.There is so little money to pay the mounting bills. There is the high food cost, children’s misbehaviour, relationship issues, political issues, work issues, family issues and then there are the regional and international issues that keep bombarding the airwaves. The list just seems endless.
Life just seems too much for some people to deal with at times. Does that describe how you feel at the moment? Well, if perhaps it does, it is worth your while to stop and rest awhile because God never intended you or any of us to handle life stressors on our own.
He told us what to do whenever we are feeling overwhelmed. He said,“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt. 11:28-30). Also in Philippians 4:6 He said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” If we only depth and believe those words, we will never go into a state of hopelessness. We need to remind ourselves daily that we are not alone and there are others who are in the same state as us or even worse.Another thing we always need to bear in mind is that things only last for a season. No situation is permanent. That situation like everything else will pass.
The first thing we must do to be free from our stress and our worry is to come unto Jesus. This is the only effective technique to get a handle on the stress in life. Without Him, our life has no real purpose or depth. God knew that Jesus was our anecdote for stress … not drugs, food, alcohol or any other negative behaviours.
We become stressed in life because we run from one activity to another seeking to fill our lives with purpose, peace, and happiness but as the scripture says,“All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied” (Ecclesiastes 6:7). At times, we work ourselves to the bone for the things we desire, only to crave more. Now those things have changed and when we have no way to get the things we desire it seems to have placed a greater burden on us. There is now the combination of not being able to meet the basic needs coupled with not being able to fulfill our desires. Life now becomes extremely stressful and burdensome. How should we now deal with it and cope with the many stressors life presents?
You can reduce the effects of stress by being more conscious of the things that cause it, and learning to handle them better, using relaxation techniques as well as other lifestyle changes. Here are a few suggestions of things you can do in managing the stressors in your life:
? Learn how to say “no” – Know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or professional life, refuse to accept added responsibilities when you are close to reaching those limits. Taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.
? Avoid people who stress you out – If someone consistently causes stress in your life, and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship entirely.
? Take control of your environment – If the news makes you anxious, or have a negative effect on you, turn the TV or radio off. If going to the supermarkets causes youstress, make a list of your needs and stick to it. Cash your items and get out.
? Avoid hot-button topics – If you get upset over religion or politics, cross them off your conversation list. If you repeatedly argue or disagree about the same subject with the same people, stop bringing it up or excuse yourself when it’s the topic of discussion.
? Check your to-do list daily – Analyze your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks. If you have too much on your plate, distinguish between the “shoulds” and the “musts.” Drop tasks that are not truly necessary to the bottom of the list or eliminate them entirely.
? Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. If you don’t voice your feelings, resentment will build and the situation will likely remain the same.
? Be willing to compromise. When you ask someone to change his or her behaviour, be willing to do the same. If you both are willing to bend, at least a little, you will have a good chance of finding a happy middle ground.
? Be more assertive. Don’t take a backseat in your own life. Deal with problems head on, doing your best to anticipate and prevent them.
? Manage your time better. Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. If you plan ahead and make sure you don’t overextend yourself, you can alter the amount of stress you are under.
? Focus on the positive. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. This simple strategy can help you keep things in perspective.
? Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.
? Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.
? Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.
? Set aside time daily to connect and communicate with God. He is the source of your strength. Ask Him for wisdom and guidance as you go about your daily tasks.
? Most importantly: If stress is putting you in an unmanageable state, or interfering with your schoolwork, social and/or work life, seek professional help.
(About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765.)
