It’s the start of a new year which means many of us are back to school or back to work. But could it be that instead, we are back to stress?
It seems that no matter how relaxing our holiday was, it doesn’t take long to feel stressed and overworked. Why is that?
I think the first thing we must do is change the way we view stress. For many of us, stress is a negative thing. Studies suggest that it’s the way we view stress that is bad for our health. It’s not necessarily stress itself.
What if we viewed stress as pressure? When steam builds up in a pressure cooker, it’s not a bad thing. It’s actually a good thing that will help the food cook. When the steam builds up, we know that adjustments have to be made. In order for the pressure to achieve what it’s meant to, it needs to be managed.
It’s the same with stress. Pressure can help us to do what we need to do. It causes us to focus and not waste time. However, if it is not managed, it can result in us feeling tired and overwhelmed.
How can you beat stress?
- Breathe – Do you know that taking long, deep breaths can help de-stress your body and your mind. The extra flow of oxygen can bring clarity to your mind and blood flow into your muscles.
- Rest – When I have a lot of work to get done, the temptation is to work on my day off. However, I have learnt that when I am rested, I can get more done. Don’t sacrifice your rest. It will backfire on you.
- Exercise – This is probably the last thing on your mind when you are feeling stressed. Ironically, doing even 15 minutes of exercise can help you feel energised and relaxed. Even taking a walk around your office building after a stressful meeting can work wonders.
It’s just the beginning of the year and we need to manage our stress so that we can go through this year strong. 2017 has much in store for us. We can miss the blessings if we are overwhelmed by stress. So don’t forget to breathe, rest and exercise this year.
These tips are short-term solutions to everyday stress. The only way to find true peace and rest for your soul is by knowing Jesus Christ. He is the giver of true and lasting peace. If you would like to know more about this, click on the link below or on the pop up.