As I interact with people today, I find that many are under pressure. Frequently there are two jobs in the home and children needing attention as well. Add to this the usual stresses of family finances, school situations, health challenges, and family sports schedules; it’s stressful just to name it all. Sometimes we need to find or review ideas as to how to handle stress. Here is a helpful list of ten ideas that contains much wisdom. Information like this helps us put into practice the advice of Proverbs 23:4 (NIV), “Do not wear yourself out to get rich!” If you are not fond of the word “relax” and some highly motivated people are not, may I suggest substituting the phrase “loosen up” in suggestion one and “calm down” in number six.
- Try to relax while working, driving or doing any activity, keeping alert at the same time. Check to see if your arms and legs are tense. Consciously relax them. Breathe deeply and say, “I am at peace,” or “Lord, be with me today,” as you prepare for some activity.
- Take time to “smell the flowers.” Delight in the ocean or a sunset, and really know what it is to be alive.
- Laugh at yourself and. with others. Enjoy humor without hurtful teasing.
- Don’t fret the small stuff! Ask yourself, “In all eternity, what will this matter?”
- Try to be realistic about time commitments, allowing more time for each activity rather than crowding too much in a day.
- Try not to be “anxious” or worry. Use your thought process to decide, “I am going to enjoy this day. I will be relaxed, knowing that God is always with me in whatever I am doing—in the little things as well as in the most important ones.”
- Try to start each day with God, using a devotional reading together or separately. “Wait on the Lord.” “Be still.” “Lift your eyes unto the hills” (the sky, the clouds). Possibly start writing your “thought-feelings” for a few minutes, and then leave any concerns with God.
- Be at peace at the end of the day, forgiving each other and other people. Lay aside guilt. Place all concerns with God. Hold hands together and say a simple prayer before getting in bed, such as: “Thank you, Lord, for this day, for our lives together, and for your love and ours.”
- Deal with juggling and stress creatively. Try different methods.
- Accept yourself as God’s creation.
(From Do-it-Yourself Marriage Enrichment by Warren and Mary Ebinger pp. 34,35)