Stress: 4 Solutions That Will Help you Deal

I can remember clear as day the first time I felt stressed out.  I was in the fourth grade and had just been named “choir president.”

(SIDE NOTE: I would like to insert a public apology to anyone’s cool persona of me that was just shattered)

Apparently, as a fourth grader, I was feeling the stress & pressure associated with my newly given title and I had a total meltdown on my way to school one fateful morning. I slammed my Lisa Frank backpack like a boss!

Bless my parents hearts.  They were very patient with their little overachiever.

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed are very real emotions. And, if you’re anything like me, they’re the gateway emotion to control and fear.  (I talk more in depth about that in this post)

Stress can change your perspective. It can make your world small. And it can drastically alter your perception of truth.

The fantastic news is this: once we come to know Christ, we don’t have to live subject to the weight of those emotions any longer.

Will we still walk through stressful things? You bet your life.

Do they have to derail us? Not unless we let them.

See Jesus said this in John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.

In the world you have trouble  (tribulation and trials and distress and frustration;)

but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!

For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

As long as we’re living on this imperfect planet, there will be trials, stress, frustrations.

But if we can shift our perspective to the lens of heaven, if we can view our life or circumstance as being held together by an all loving, all powerful God, we can breath in the deep kind of breathe that His perfect peace offers us.

 

The challenge is this : remembering that in the heat of the stressful moment.  And friend, for the permanent record, I am quite the work in progress on this one.

 

So HOW do we actually set ourselves up to not only deal with stress, but to overcome it?

Well, from experience, there are 4 things that have helped me.

 

1. Nurture your Spirit

Trying to walk through stressful times when your Spirit is on empty, is like trying to drive your car on E.

It ain’t happening.

Your spirit needs fuel in order to withstand the storms of life.

And there are countless ways to do that. Reading the word and journal what you learn. Play worship music while you’re getting ready in the morning. Listen to a sermon podcast on your morning commute. Have you listened to the free Audio Bible on Youversion? It’s awesome!

Above all, spend some 1-on-1 time with the Lord. Whether you go for a walk and pray, or curl up in an overstuffed chair with your Bible and journal, connecting to your creator will strengthen and sustain you like nothing else.  I like to get up early. Like stupid early. But to me, it’s totally worth it. When it’s still dark and quiet and it’s just me, Jesus, and a cup of coffee, beautiful things happen. I can hear better. I can be still, I can allow His Word and worship and prayer to continually shape my heart. Some days it’s joy-filled and exhilarating, some days it’s tear-filled or contemplative. And some days, it’s very very ordinary.

But it’s always honest and it’s always fueling for my soul and spirit. Carve out time that works for you, it doesn’t have to be in the morning.  There are days and seasons when that’s not the best time.  Lately I’ve needed to accomplish the #2 thing (see below) on this list before I’m in the right head space to hear from the Lord.  No condemnation here friends!  Just prioritize time with the Lord in His word, even a few minutes can change you like nothing else.

 

2. Nurture your Body

When you’re stressed, your body needs fuel AND it needs to move.  To demonstrate my point, a foremost expert in this field…Miss Elle Woods.

 

So, don’t shoot someone, exercise instead.

 

Getting that nervous energy out of you will boost your serotonin levels, give you a few vitals endorphins and be good for EVERYBODY around you. 😉

If you’re already in a workout routine, stick to it. You can adapt it sure, something is always better than nothing! But don’t abandon it entirely, it’ll only help in this situation.  Plus there’s something very stabilizing about maintaining routine in an area of life when other areas are unpredictable or challenging.

And if you’re not working out presently, here are LOADS of ideas to get your awesome No Small Life started.

As far as fuel goes…put down the sugar, which will make only things worse, and whip up one of these snacks instead.

 

3. Nurture your Soul

I used to think I was the only one.  The only person that when they went through crazy times of stress or painful seasons- needed to see something beautiful. Then, reading Annie Downs book, “Looking for Lovely,” legitimized that inner artist in me.  That part that craves the hope that beauty and art create; the hope we need to see when life gets dark.

When we’re busy, “soul-care” is the easiest thing to neglect isn’t it?  But I’m realizing more and more that if I prioritize it, I’m WAY more productive and peaceful in the other aspects of my life.

What feeds your soul?

We’re all wired differently.  Maybe you need to dive into a good book or be in nature.  Maybe you need some soul filling music. Maybe you just need an afternoon with friends and to laugh really really hard.  Or maybe you’re like me and seeing something beautiful-whether it’s gorgeous scenery, a well designed room or an art museum- breathes fresh life into you. Whatever is it, block time out amidst your crazy calendar and do it. A little bit of soul care will refuel your joy, making the rest of your moments much more manageable.

 

4. Broaden your view:

What do I mean by this, well, and I say this so tenderly, get your eyes off of just you.

You love me. Remember that.  When our whole world revolves around us, our lives get small at a rapid pace.  There are seasons that are full, and in those seasons, stretch yourself all the more to do, even a small kindness for someone else.  (We’re doing a really practical post about HOW to actually do this later this month!)

There will be times where you can pour out in big ways, but don’t get under condemnation if that time isn’t now.  Right where you are, today, tomorrow morning, how can you make someone feel loved and special?  Don’t underestimate the power of little gestures and kindness.’ They speak volumes to weary people.  And in the process, you get a little “lighter” yourself.  Perspective my friends, we can endure just about anything when we have perspective.

 

I hope a stressful season for you is coming to an end, but until then, try and implement these subtle shifts.  You’re stronger than you realize, and you’ll grow stronger still if you take a little time to nurture yourself, fix your eyes on Jesus, and broaden your perspective.

 

And DO tell,

What kinds of things nurture your soul?

Until next time,

Meg

 

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