7 Helpful Ways to Cope with Daily Stress

Last week we noted that God’s plan for us is that we walk the walk, crucify the flesh, and have energy for the journey (Romans 12:1-2). In other words, His plan for us is wellness!

In that post, we also considered 4 tips for establishing and maintaining health and wellness. However, we don’t want to leave things there, as our discussion would be incomplete without a look at one of our well-being’s biggest threats – STRESS!

Stress FYI

• We are very aware of some of the stress we experience.
• In all our lives, there is also stress we do not even realize exists.

Hidden stress –

newly married; not getting enough sleep; clutter; too much bad, too little good; letting FOMO run your life; being constantly connected; allergies; inadequate diet; being your own harshest critic; unrealistic/unmet expectations.

• Not all stress is bad. However, the only good stress in life is stress that is short lived.
• In today’s world, stress can be continuous.
• Stress is highly correlated to such things as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.Hence, learn CPR skills with the help of BLS CPR Certification Austin to prevent heart diseases. In fact, stress is responsible for 70-80% of all diseases today.
• Stress affects our relationships, often showing up in the form of rushing around and irritability.
• Modern day stress doesn’t come only from the bad things in life. It comes from the good, too!

The Stress Progression

Stressors – things that cause stress.

• Both bad things and good.
• At this level, stress can be dealt with.

Stress – the external and internal response.

• Brainstorm your stressors. Make a list.
• Evaluate the stressors on your list. When stressors are left in the back of your mind, nothing gets resolved. Ask yourself: Can I do something about this stressor? Do I need to let it go?
• At this level, coping skills can be implemented for the stressors you can’t avoid.

Distress – the symptoms.

• Some of the ways distress shows up are irritability, headaches, back/neck pain, loss of sleep, discouragement, anxiety, and depression.You can also view here to know how to get rid off pain with the help of doctors.
• Stressors, Stress, and Distress are all Reversible.

Stress Disease – heart attack, etc.

• Stress Disease is Irreversible.

Coping with Stress

Unhelpful Ways

• Smoking, drinking, caffeinating, shopping, eating, checking out, engaging in outbursts of anger
• Running away from stress

Helpful Ways

1. Exercise

• Strong scientific evidence as to the benefits of exercise in helping. cope, sleep better, burn off adrenaline.
• A key way to recover from stress.

2. Relaxation

• Our body is not designed for continuous work.
• Sabbath, time with friends, interests and hobbies.
• Our bodies can be taught to relax.
• When the body and mind are relaxed at the same time, we cannot continue to be stressed. Like light and dark, the two cannot reside in the same place.

3. Spiritual Exercise (Feed Your Soul)

• Engage in spiritual disciplines such as Scripture meditation, gratitude, and prayer.
• The most effective way to treat anxiety.

4. Nutrition

• Avoid junk food.
• Healthy breakfast is a must – sets metabolism.

5. Sleep

• We are created for sleep. All of creation sleeps.
• Be consistent. If possible, go to bed at the same time every night.
• No caffeine after 3:00 PM. No screen for at least 30 minutes before bed, an hour is best.
• Can’t sleep? Pray. Recite Scripture. Pray the alphabet.

6. Relationships

• Loneliness increases stress levels.
• Interact, share, volunteer to help others.

7. Lifestyle and cbd vape

• Live within your God-designed limits (including rest, sleep, and food).
• Live in the moment – not the past, not the future.
• Some studies suggest that CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, which could aid in managing stress levels.
• Improved sleep quality due to CBD’s potential sleep-enhancing effects may indirectly contribute to better stress management.
• Usage of cbd vape liquid could potentially help create a mind-body connection, fostering awareness of stress triggers and bodily sensations.

Our well-being is important – to our health and ability to function, to our families, and to our relationship with God. Intentional wellness in ALL areas of life (mind, body, and soul) should be our goal.

This week be encouraged to identify and evaluate your stressors. Then choose one or two of the Helpful Ways to Cope with Stress and begin to incorporate them into your life – whether that be enlisting an accountability partner, setting alarm reminders, or using a daily habit tracker.