5 Ways To Reduce Stress & Overwhelm
As goal and purpose driven women we have a desire to do our best and succeed. Unfortunately, these desires and goals sometimes give rise to unwanted stress and overwhelm in our lives. We have so many things that we are aspiring to do and don’t know how those things are going to happen. We have to-do lists that are never ending, and on top of that we are trying to manage everyone’s expectations of us to be perfect and succeed. We let others and even ourselves inflict unnecessary stress on our lives to outperform everything and everyone. Well here’s a newsflash to you: You can NOT do everything!
Embrace your vulnerability. It's a perfect reminder that you can't do everything on your own. We are human, so we are bound to experience the weight of life's situations sometimes. It's okay. You don't always have to put on a mask of perfection. You don’t have to meet and surpass every goal that you set for yourself. It’s perfectly human and healthy to become overwhelmed and stressed at times but, you have complete authority over yourself and your ability to redirect your emotions.
When you find yourself overwhelmed and stressed, remember that these feelings do not come from God. While the situation may be difficult, God has given you all the tools to face your situation without being stressed or overwhelmed.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you, Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Here in Isaiah 41:10 God tells us that we don’t have to be afraid or discouraged when life gets tough. He is always there to support and guide us through anything that we face. Worrying doesn’t do anything but magnify our problems instead of God’s mercy and grace.
So when you find yourself in a stressful situation, here are 5 ways you can reduce stress and overwhelm.
Pray.
Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, it's because we are spiritually out of sync. Tune your mind and soul on what's eternal and not situational. Pray these scriptures over your life to remind yourself where your help comes from.
That is why I tell you not worry about everyday life -- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? - Matt. 6:25-227
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. - Phil. 4:6-7
When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Ps. 61:2
Journal.
A lot of the times we are stressed because we haven't taken the time to write things down. Everything is floating in our heads instead of being assigned to a date and time. Writing things out allows us to rationalize the truth of the situation.
Exercise.
Working out is a great stress reliever. It allows you to release all of the toxins and stress of the day and gives you the confidence and clarity to take action.
Call a friend or loved one.
Sometimes we need that added encouragement from the ones who matter to us the most. Their support is some of the best medicine.
Affirmations.
When all else fails, you have to learn to encourage yourself. Believe in yourself and God more than you believe in your circumstances. Make sure that if you haven’t already to download your free Daily Affirmation Guide.
Stress and overwhelm is inevitable, but it can be managed. That's why I've taken the time to create Less Stress: A Woman's Guide To Overcoming Stress and Overwhelm. It's a six page guided workbook filled with journaling prompts, checklists, and scriptures to help you eliminate stress and overcome overwhelm. I suggest pairing this workbook with Steffany Gretzingzer's worship songs, "Cecie's Lullaby" & "Letting Go," to fully let go and surrender your stress and overwhelm.
