How to decrease stress in our lives

by | May 23, 2011 | Empowerment & Encouragement | 3 comments

Admitting there is a problem is always a good 1st step on the way to recovery!  So we’ve got to be willing to acknowledge when we have too much on our plate and begin exploring how to selectively reduce some of the items on our ‘list of things to do’.

In the midst of making better choices of how to utilize our time we must also consider the concept of ‘self care’.  Self care involves being intentional about making sure we are doing ok (mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually etc.).  The way our world is now ‘life’ seems to be so ‘busy’ and full of stuff to do.  There is hardly a moment to stop and catch your breath… but we MUST stop and catch our breath otherwise ‘burnout central’ will be our next stop!

So here are some ideas of things we can do to help de-stress, and take better care of ourselves:

  • It begins with the simple willingness to become aware, to become more conscious of how ‘I treat myself’, asking yourself if each particular action (or lack of action) is in line with the person you want to be.
  • Physically
    • Eating healthy, exercising, getting pampered, going on vacation, taking a break/time out
  • Emotionally
    • Having someone to talk to, having healthy boundaries, knowing when and how to say NO/not right now… making time for those who matter most (family & friends)
  • Mentally
    • Being able to ‘clear your head’ so it’s not constantly filled with other peoples ‘stuff’/stress
      • Journaling, counselling, exercising, taking a day off/sick day
  • Spiritually
    • Having consecrated time with you & God, not just ‘serving’ in ministry but actually being fed (books, time in the Word, Conferences, retreats, online resources etc.)
    • Developing a very active, and vibrant prayer and devotional life

Increasing your self care is something that may take some time of getting used to (especially if you are the kind of person that tends to do more for others than yourself), but with time it becomes easier, and more a part of your daily life.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend (for all those who celebrated Victoria Day today), and I hope you have an awesome week!

Colleen

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