Reacting To and Reducing Stress

When life is heavy and a lot of things weigh on your mind.  How do you react to stress?  I will be honest my first two initial reactions are not healthy ones.  I either YELL or I BINGE.  Both can be destructive and hurtful.  But do not solve or give aid.  Both can give more stress later on.

This past week has been a very stressful week (yes, it is only Tuesday!).  There have been some amazing blessings, but there have been some stresses with life that gets thrown into the mix.

My grandmother passed away this week.  Conflicted with sadness and happiness… I found myself overcome with stress as I tried to plan a way to make it back home for the funeral.  Have you ever tried talking on the phone with those automated machines (that require a vocal response) when you have three wild children in the background?

I YELLED.

I CRIED.

I YELLED.

If I had chocolate in the house… I would have binged. (I checked we were all out).

So I YELLED some more.  The orange Rhino challenge would be very disappointed in me.

Then I felt the wave of shame as I felt guilty for yelling AT my children for something they didn’t quite understand.  I wasn’t mad at them for being loud (they are always loud).  I was mad at my stressful situation (finding a cheap flight home for me and my family).  Stress brings out the ugly in me.

You see, stress is not necessarily what happens TO US.  It is our response to what happens.  And response is something we can choose at any moment.  WE are in control of OUR actions.

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. Proverbs 29:11

I find myself telling my children, that they are in control of their actions.  No one else can MAKE them do anything.  This is the same for an adult.  My actions and my reaction to my stress… was my choice.  How I choose to act with my stress was an unhealthy one.  It was hurtful and was not helpful.

There are many healthy ways one can react to stress (to even reduce the stress they feel).  Today I am going to share a few things that I did after I yelled and searched the house for chocolate to binge on.  Not proud of my ugly hour… but now that I have slept on my emotions… I have clear perspective.

How to React to and Reduce Stress in a Healthy Way

Pray, Meditate, Breathe, Reflect

Pause to take time out to reflect upon your feelings and emotions.  Slow down to breathe in fresh clean air into your body.  This will slow your heart rate and calm your body.  Think about the positive things in your life, your many blessings that bring you happiness.  Pray to God and ask Him to take care of the situation that is causing you stress.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.  Philippians 4:6-7

Move, Exercise

Get outside (or plug in a DVD) and move.  Exercise has so many amazing health benefits… but it is also a fantastic way to reduce stress.  The endorphins, hormones and fresh air will give you amazing stress relief.

I know that when I am a sweaty betty and have had time to pound the pavement or lift heavy things and throw them down… I am happier!

Laugh, Giggle, Sing

I should have taken note from my children yesterday… and joined them in their hunt for joy.  They are always laughing, singing and giggling.  Of course, many times they are up to no good (those stinkin’ giggles are their dead giveaway).  But laughter is good for the soul… it is good medicine.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

When feeling stressed, try letting your guard down a bit and laugh, smile and even sing!  It will do your heart some good!

Life will always have its stresses of highs and lows.  How we react to those situations is our choice.  It is obvious to me that I have acted foolishly in my response to stress.  Today as I begin my day (with a steaming cup of coffee in hand), I am committing to my suggestions mentioned above: pray, exercise and laugh.

I choose joy amidst the storm.  No matter how severe the storm, when you are with God there is always a rainbow waiting at the end.  We just have to wait out the storms of life… and trust that God has a plan.  Choosing to react to our stresses in a healthy, constructive manner that is not hurtful.

How do you react to life’s stresses?
What are some helpful tips that you do to reduce stress that I did not mention above?

What tips or suggestions do you have for telling my boys about the loss of their Gi-Gi?