My sister Ophelia forwarded an email to me a few months ago, about the word "Destressing". Why would she do that you might wonder? Well believe it or not, I am the worrier in the family. I sit and worry about stuff all of the time. Especially if the stuff happens to be what makes things go smoothly in our lives. I don't know, it is such a bad habit, one that I didn't realise was becoming a part of who I am. I literally "owned" and "identified" with the word "STRESS" so much that even my youngest daughter would finish my sentences when I began to "freak out"! OMGG!!! That wasn't a good thing my dear readers, not at all!
I was becoming so tense and so sick with the worry, that I was beginning to have panic attacks. If you've ever had one of those, it's as if you're literally having a heart attack, and nothing you can do will get you calm unless you literally know how to do so! If you have never experienced this, you don't want to! The reality of this is, I am learning to stop this. I am taking baby steps, and learning to not let this be who I am. Yes, it is easier said than done, but for the most part, I am praise-focused and I am becoming less stressed!
So, if you my dearest readers, find yourself in that boat, that boat of worry that moves you into an unhealthy version of who you are, read the words below, and I do hope it helps.
I was becoming so tense and so sick with the worry, that I was beginning to have panic attacks. If you've ever had one of those, it's as if you're literally having a heart attack, and nothing you can do will get you calm unless you literally know how to do so! If you have never experienced this, you don't want to! The reality of this is, I am learning to stop this. I am taking baby steps, and learning to not let this be who I am. Yes, it is easier said than done, but for the most part, I am praise-focused and I am becoming less stressed!
So, if you my dearest readers, find yourself in that boat, that boat of worry that moves you into an unhealthy version of who you are, read the words below, and I do hope it helps.
DE-STRESSING |
'My people will live in peaceful dwelling places...' ISAIAH 32:18 |
Years ago stress was considered mostly a male problem, but not anymore. Women are experiencing the stress of pursuing perfection, looking a certain way, competing in the workplace, attempting to do it all, never saying no, and having no time for themselves. That's not how God wants you to live! 'The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest' (vv. 17-18 NIV). So, (male or female) here are two practical suggestions for de-stressing: 1) Allow yourself more time. Since everything takes longer than you think, having enough time to complete the job reduces your anxiety greatly. Whenever you're under pressure, a good rule of thumb is to allow 20 percent more time than you think you'll need. 2) Be content with less. A recent study of thousands of households found that those who maintained lifestyles beyond their means were more prone to stress-related illnesses such as heart attack and depression. 'He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house...' (Proverbs 15:27 KJV). You say, 'Does that mean God doesn't want me to get ahead in life?' No, He just wants you to keep your priorities straight and to learn to enjoy where you are, on your way to where you're going. If you're feeling stressed today, pray: 'Lord, I need to be renewed. This business of living has drained me. Thank You for ordaining quiet times and places of rest in the midst of hectic schedules. Help me always to put You first and to find my place of rest in You.'
Another thing to remember is to also seek the help of a friend, a confidant who you can talk to. Especially seek the help of a professional if your need is bigger than you or anyone can handle.
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