Strategies For Stress

The word stress is usually used in a negative way, as though all stress was to be avoided.  However, stress can be positive and healthy.  Think of a stringed instrument such as a guitar or piano.  If the strings don’t have enough tension or stress, they don’t work properly.  Too much tension or stress causes the strings to break or play off pitch.  Just the right amount of tension or stress will produce beautiful music. 

Most of us need a certain amount of stress.  Without any deadlines or pressure, most of us wouldn’t get much if anything done.  Positive stress can motivate us to accomplish things.  On the other hand, too much stress will cause physical or mental health problems.  So the key is to find THE RIGHT AMOUNT of stress for yourself.  Here are some strategies for handling stress:

1. A relationship with God will help you to deal with the stress in your life.  Jesus can help you deal with anger, resentment, bitterness, guilt, and a life with Jesus will motivate you in healthy, positive ways.  Psalm 62: 1-2 says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.  Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”   Focus on building a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer and the Bible.   

2. Release your frustration and negative emotions to God in prayer.  Psalm 62:8 instructs us,  “Pour out your hearts to God, for God is our refuge.”  Every life has disappointments, frustrations, grief, irritations, etc.  Release your negative feelings to God in prayer. Also, release your negative feelings to a trusted friend or counselor or pastor.

3. At some point, everyone of us is mistreated or offended.  We’re all tempted to become bitter.  When we’re hurt, the temptation is to build a wall around yourself, so that you won’t get hurt again.  One antidote to bitterness is FORGIVENESS.  Even if the other person doesn’t deserve your forgiveness, forgiving him/her will improve your emotional health.  Another antidote to bitterness is GRATITUDE.  Make a list of 5-10 blessings in your life, everyday for 10-15 days; it can change how you perceive your life.  Resist becoming bitter.

4. Accept help from others.  We all want to become independent when we’re young, but some of us struggle to become interdependent as we mature.  Why do you believe you have to handle everything in your life on your own?  God provided Aaron for Moses, and Jesus had 12 disciples.  God created us to be in community, in relationships with others.  So if someone offers to help you, accept their help.  Who can you ask to help you?  If you have too much stress, take initiative to share part of it with another person(s).

Choose 1-2 of these strategies, to help you manage your stress.  I will offer more strategies next week.  May God’s Spirit strengthen you and guide you.