Stress is not hard to identify. Typically, stress can be localized and found stemming from an area or circumstance in our lives. However, the effects of stress permeate beyond its origin, touching every aspect of our daily lives – our family and our friendships, our work and our sleep, our thought life and our prayer life. Stress takes a tole on our health, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Let’s look at some simple ways to beat stress before it beats us!
Eat Well!
The brain and the gut are intricately connected. By supporting our gut health, we can alleviate and protect our brains from mental strain. Decreasing consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars, while increasing consumption of nourishing foods such as vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats will support the microbiota (the life-giving bacteria) in the gut.
Do a little dance!
Exercise is a powerful catalyst to stress-reduction. Often, we overestimate the amount of exercise that is necessary to reap its benefits. Even if our only exercise is standing up and dancing to an energizing song for 5 minutes, this simple movement can create a powerful reaction of stress-relieving endorphins partying in our brains.
Get quality sleep & Don’t forget to Breathe!
Saving space in your day to pause and rest is indispensable. A good night of sleep is an essential ingredient in the recipe of stress management. So much of brains memory formation and bodies healing processes take place while we sleep. If you find yourself struggling to stick with a regular sleep schedule, consider creating a bedtime routine that will incentivize you to prioritize a good night of sleep. Some simple changes you a make
Change your mind!
Dr Caroline Leaf, a renowned author, communications pathologist and neuroscientist, speaks to the importance of how we perceive stress in her book, Think & Eat Yourself Smart. She encourages her readers to change their mind about stress, to see it working for them rather than against them. She writes:
“If you change your mind about stress, you can change your body’s response to stress. Instead of viewing the stress response as negative, when faced with a stressful situation you can view it as your body being energized to help you meet the challenge – rethink the stress response as helpful” (Leaf 191).
Remember Who Lives Inside You
We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit. He is our advocate, our helper, and our encourager. “For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound-mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). I recognize these suggestions may seem to be an over-simplified list of do’s & don’ts. While it may be practical and agreeable, advice like this can seem intangible and impossible to implement. It is easy to feel like a victim our circumstances. But be encouraged and remember that these changes are not something we have to pursue in our own strength. Trust and lean into the Holy Spirit for help and guidance. You can do it, with His help!