Stress Management Relaxation is an important topic in our culture today with the stressful and busy lifestyles that we live. Here are some helpful things you can do to manage stress in your life.
1. FAITH IN GOD.
At the top of my list is my faith in God. Nothing in this life is completely dependable – other people, your income, your health. That’s why you need something solid that you can always depend on. I have found my absolute trust in God and my dependency on him to be the greatest resource for my peace. I lived many years trying to do life myself and depending on myself and others. None of that was dependable. Some studies have suggested that people who have a strong faith in God have lower blood pressure than those who use alternate stress relievers. The simple act of praying, meditating on the Bible and spending time with God in silence have been some of the most helpful things I’ve done to live in contentment and peace.(Check out the sidebar on Spiritual growth for some ideas that will nurture your relationship with God.)
2. TAKE TIME TO RELAX
The scriptures are clear that all of us need a Sabbath each week, but we have become accustomed to being busy every day of the week. Studies show that taking some time away from the busyness of your schedule pays off in your physical, emotional and spiritual health. Whether it is a day off, a mini-retreat, a relaxing vacation or some quiet time at home, it will be well worth the time.
3. FORGIVE OTHERS
A recent study found that those people who forgive others have lower blood pressure than their less-forgiving peers. Forgiveness is never easy because we have to let go of our right to hold someone else responsible for our unhappiness. That’s difficult, but can be done with God’s strength and a willingness to “let go”.
4. RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
- Breathing Techniques Proper breathing can be an antidote to stress. It cleanses and refreshes your body.This technique is portable and easy to do. 1.Begin by sitting or standing up straight. 2.Inhale through your nose, expanding your diaphragm. An indication that you are breathing properly is that your stomach will rise when you inhale (not just your chest). 3.Hold the breath briefly. 4.Slowly exhale through the mouth, allowing your stomach to fall. 5.As you exhale tell yourself “my body is relaxed and calm.”
- PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION (PMR)
PMR helps to condition your body to respond when muscles are tense. This technique can be practiced lying down or in a chair. Tense each muscle group holding it for a few moments and then let it relax. This will allow you to experience the muscle in a tense state and then a relaxed one. Here are some examples of how to tense muscle groups. This exercise is not limited to these muscle groups. Separately tense your muscles then relax them. Start with your head and move little by little down to your toes. - MASSAGE
Massage can help you relax by increasing blood flow to tense areas (i.e. shoulders, back and neck). Increased blood flow relaxes muscles and removes build-up of waste products caused by tension. - MUSIC
Listen to some soothing, calm music. Often music can help us relax and retreat from the day. Also, there are some good guided relaxation tapes for your use. - EXERCISE
Physical activity can help relieve tension and refresh the body. Get a good 30-45 minute workout at least three days a week. While you are studying, take periodic breaks such as a brisk walk, to rejuvenate your body and make you more productive.
