Hello everyone, Sorry for my absence. It has been a pretty rough past semester and now this new one will be difficult as well...
The reason for this topic today: 1) I have been incredibly stressed this week & so wondered what I could do about it 2) Thought it would be interesting to really look into it and figure out ways that would help me, and also help you!
How Much Stress and Anxiety is Too Much?
The point at which worry and anxiety become unhealthy is when they stop pushing us to act. This can either be because we are worried about things that are not under our control or that have not happened yet, or because we are immobilized by the stress and anxiety we feel, rather than being inspired to act. Whatever the reason, this worry and anxiety can cause a lot of stress on our minds and bodies, and affect our health. Excessive or unmanaged anxiety can become unhealthy if it takes the form of an anxiety disorder, for example.
The point at which worry and anxiety become unhealthy is when they stop pushing us to act. This can either be because we are worried about things that are not under our control or that have not happened yet, or because we are immobilized by the stress and anxiety we feel, rather than being inspired to act. Whatever the reason, this worry and anxiety can cause a lot of stress on our minds and bodies, and affect our health. Excessive or unmanaged anxiety can become unhealthy if it takes the form of an anxiety disorder, for example.
Dealing With Anxiety
So now that you understand the nature of stress and anxiety a little better, we can focus on eliminating them. The best remedy for anxiety is self-examination and action. Here are some easy steps to follow:
So now that you understand the nature of stress and anxiety a little better, we can focus on eliminating them. The best remedy for anxiety is self-examination and action. Here are some easy steps to follow:
- First, look inside. What is causing you to worry? Be specific. (For some situations, this may be readily apparent; other times, you may really have to think about it.) Writing in a journal or talking to a friend about it can help you sort out your feelings.
- Then, decide what action, if any, should be taken. Try to figure out what part of the situation is under your control. Assess the problem to see whether the threat is real, or if you are blowing it out of proportion. If the problem is just a hypothetical situation or a worst-case scenario, decide if it is really likely that your fears will actually come to fruition.
- Next, come up with a plan that tackles the part of the problem that is under your control. Taking action to protect yourself is a good way to channel nervous energy and provides reassurance against your fears. It is, in most cases, the healthiest response to realistic fears and worries.
- Once you have done all you can, just let it go. Like everything in life, this is easier said than done, but with practice, you can get pretty adept at letting go of excessive levels of stress and anxiety. You can do this by focusing on something else, reminding yourself of the solutions you have worked on, or trying some stress management strategies that can help you feel more centered and at peace, such as prayer ormeditation, journaling about your feelings, or listening to music. Getting regular exercise has been found to be especially helpful in combating the physical effects of anxiety and stress.
Resources: http://stress.about.com/od/fearandstres1/a/anxiety.htm
You can also learn more about your anxiety level with this Anxiety Test
So I know it is easier said than done to get rid of anxiety... and honestly... no one can really avoid it... we are human, but the one thing we can do is rely on God. Again that is easier said than done, but every time I do go through something like today I'm always reminded... at least by the end of it... that God has been there with me all day and that He has me. That relieves all anxiety that I've had all day.
This week has been so trying. And one thing I remember when I've been like this all day, is how EASY I have it. It may not seem easy as I'm going through it, but I'm reminded that other people around me and throughout the world are definitely going through something so much worse and even more trying then this small little week I've had.
BUT because we are human. I know we all will have stress and anxiety at some point... So there are verses below that I feel like would help you through those times. And remind you to rely on God and trust in Him.
He will comfort you when you need Him the most and when you feel like there is no one else around to help you through it.
A FEW VERSES TO LEAN ON:
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25, NIV).
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
“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).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7) (Also seePsalm 55:22-23)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). (Also see Matthew 6:25-34)“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:26-28).
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
I hope you all have had a wonderful day. And I hope you all have a great weekend. FINALLY Friday tomorrow!
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