De-stress

Sometimes life stretches us in all directions. We long to climb into bed and say, “Wake me when it’s all over,” but we can’t because responsibilities must be met.

Take a break from your anxieties. Hopefully not, but chances are they’ll still be there when you get back. No one is going to steal them. Find one thing you can be optimistic about and keep your mind on that when worries threaten to drown you.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Get your mind off your problems, if only temporarily, by doing something fun.

Be a kid again. Just play. It’s not illegal. Whether it’s with your pet, with your kids, or with your neighbors’ kids (ask permission first, though); blow bubbles, go to the park and get on a swing, giggle at the silly squirrels, sit in the sun. If the weather is poor watch Mary Poppins or Pollyanna, play Apples to Apples or other silly game.

Start by taking only one day at a time. That’s all we are allowed, anyway.

… “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew  6:33-34

Step outdoors and breathe in fresh air. Enjoy at the trees and flowers. They’re God’s florists meant to cheer you up. Can you hear birds? Is there new life, crocus or daffodils, coming from the ground?

Exercise does wonders for stress. Ride a bike, take brisk walks, swim, run, or visit the gym.

Light candles and play music, dance, pray out loud, laugh at nothing, bake cookies and eat them warm while chocolate’s melted. Call a friend. Have a piece of cake, or a bowl of ice-cream, or both.

Take a good whiff of lavender or your favorite essential oil, get a massage, give a massage, take a warm bubbly bath.

Hold a baby, savor your favorite drink, go to the mall and watch people.

Don’t count your worries, but rather, write down your blessings; every last one. Read them and reread them as often as it takes when you feel overwhelmed.

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5

Are you getting enough sleep? Nothing sets me up for a day of anxiety and exhaustion more than lack of sleep. Sit back in a chair and close your eyes for a few minutes. Go to bed earlier. Take a catnap if possible. Even twenty minutes does wonders.

Release your creative-self. Do a fun project or a craft or do some free painting; who cares if it doesn’t turn out perfect. Just have fun!

Focus on another person in need. Volunteer to rake their yard or load their dishwasher, take them brownies. Better yet if possible, invite them out to coffee or tea or lunch. Walk their dog. Send them a funny email.

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” Proverbs 12:25

If your anxiety is due to a recent significant loss, whether the death of a loved one, a divorce, family estrangement, the loss of a job, or the decline of your health; allow yourself time to grieve. Set aside a time or times to truly come to terms with your loss and cry your heart out if it helps. Your feelings of loss will not disappear, but it will be a good beginning to help you deal with your grief. It really is alright for you to do that. Don’t let bottled up anxiety hold you prisoner. Talk to someone—friends, a relative, a counselor or a pastor.

And don’t forget God. Our anxiety never stresses God out. He’s all ears. Really. He’s never overscheduled; His line is always free. He already knows what you’re going through.

He loves you with all His heart.

Sometimes we have an impending task that fills us with anxiety. If you cannot delegate the task, or simply delete it from your life,  then do the task. Delaying it only increases your anxiety.

Set limits on anyone whose negative drama t sucks life out of your soul.

Don’t concentrate on the negatives. They’re endless. They can look and feel like monsters.

Concentrate on the good in your life. If you wrote down your blessings I bet you were surprised to see so many.

I dare you to find at least one thing on this list to do. Double-dare-ya!

Keep your problems in the peripheral, with your focus on the mercy, grace, and beauty of Lord God.

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” 2Thesolonians 2:16-17

And if you think my life has been a piece of cake and I live a Pollyanna existence, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

When it comes to stress, I’ve had more than most. A heartbreaking, lonely and abusive childhood, an agonizing marriage, excruciating years of single parenting, estrangement from family, the death of my only son, 32 years of chronic physical pain due to car accidents. No kidding. I get stressors.

I’m also writing this for myself, printing this out, and putting it on my fridge because I need the reminder too.

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

And may you be blessed my friend.

By ~ Elizabeth Yalian 2014 ©http://hiseyeisonthissparrow.com.