Stress. Most of us experience it in some form. Stress with our jobs, our finances, our health, politics, and sometimes with our extended families. Some of us are parents who have greater amounts of stress than the average person: Our child keeps getting in trouble at school or they’re failing in college. They got another speeding ticket or had another car accident…maybe a DUI. We see signs of too much drinking, marijuana use, or other drugs. They’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness but refuse help.

Arguments are frequent over anything. We have a gnawing sense they’re probably having sex with their boyfriend or girlfriend, or we’re fearful they may be drawn to the gay lifestyle. To be honest, we’re beginning to wonder if they’re life is in danger by their own hand? All this pressure makes us sick–emotionally and physically. I’ve had plenty of both with my daughter.

When negative experiences come fast and furious, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed and stressed.

Can God help when worry threatens to overpower?

With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible (Mark 10:27).

When I realized I couldn’t change the situation, I felt powerless. Powerlessness created a huge amount of mental and emotional strain. Managing the effects of stress on my own was impossible, but God helped me. Over the years, I learned these 10 practical tips. I hope they will help you.

10 Practical Ways to Reduce Stress

1. Learn to say no: simplify your life; shorten your to-do list by removing the “shoulds” and keeping the “musts”. Drop tasks that aren’t truly necessary to the bottom of the list or eliminate them altogether.

2. Delegate tasks to others when possible. In Exodus 18: 31-32 God gave Moses some extra help when he asked for it. Humble yourself and ask.

3. Set aside time for rest and relaxation. Make time for leisure activities everyday: smell the roses, enjoy a hobby.

4. Focus on what’s really important and make those things a priority. Read Luke 10:38-42 about Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha; Mary chose what was better.

5. Eat healthy, get adequate sleep and some kind of exercise.

6. Listen to relaxing music. I like classical, jazz, and a variety of praise and worship.

7. Have fun (remember what that is?) and try to laugh. Laughing helps the body fight stress. Proverbs 17:22 says a cheerful heart is good medicine.

8. Express your feelings honestly; don’t bottle them up. If something or someone is bothering you, communicate those concerns in an open and respectful way.

9. Look at the big picture. Get God’s perspective. Take one day at a time, even one moment. Print out a copy of The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr to use daily. (Go to Google Images and do a search; you’ll find many different designs. I like the full version.)

10. Connect with other positive people; develop a support system. Resist the urge to stay alone and isolate.

Wendy van Zyl at Pexels

The Bible is full of stress reducing thoughts. Here’s a great one:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true…noble…just…pure…lovely…of good report, if there is any virtue…anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).

Let’s be honest, the reasons for your stress may not be alleviated quickly, but if you select even a few of these ideas and slowly incorporate them into your life, you will cope better. Stress won’t overwhelm you anymore.

Prayer: God, You’re the Master stress-reducer. Show us how to live more like Jesus. He had a lot to be stressed about, yet, He remained calm. Help us begin to incorporate some of these ideas into our lives so that our stress level will be reduced. Our situation might not change, but we can change how we respond with Your help and strength. Amen.

Resource: Ruth Haley Barton podcasts on YouTube can help you find solitude and rest in a stress-filled world.