Strategies for Managing Stress

At our MOPS meeting last night, the topic was managing stress.  It was, overall, a lighthearted meeting and I think that is ok.  Every meeting doesn't have to be a deep, soul searching experience.  (although those are my favorite.)  I do think the topic deserves plenty of "air time" though, so I decided to turn it into a blog post. 

Natalie's son, Wyatt, was a little overwhelmed with all of our pretty faces last night and I think got a bit of stage fright.  From talking with Natalie, though, I think he would tell you that he deals with the stresses, worries and hardship that accompany dealing with his Perthes bone disease by facing them head on.  By talking about it.  By not letting it scare him.  He doesn't let self pity steal his childhood joy.  He knows God chose him for this life, to deal with this disease and he already, at age 5, trusts God fully to help him and his family battle through it.  If you get a chance to talk to Wyatt in a smaller setting, you should talk to him about it.  I bet he'd love to share with you.  He sure is a cute little guy.  And Natalie was right about his "energy", lol, that wheelchair does not dull his spirit or contain his energy!  And I think that's super!  (Sorry, Natalie!  haha)

Jacque shared with us about raising her daughters and how she learned to deal with her stresses of being a young mom and a military wife.  Doodling.  It's a fun word to say.  I don't think I will ever doodle without thinking of her from now on.  She had books and books and books FULL of doodles.  Years of stress relief.  Years of her heart and mind and soul recorded on those pages.  It may look like silly doodles, meaningless pictures...but I saw late nights, darkened rooms, seasons of sadness and seasons of joy, fond memories, family, love and honesty in those books.  (and a shopping list or two.  :-)  Jacque uses this method.  What method do you use?  At our table, we shared a few things that we use, such as list making, cleaning house, curling/tearing/folding paper, taking walks, vacuuming.  I've never thought of the importance of such idle things before.  I never thought of them as serving a purpose.  They certainly do.

I found some really great information about managing stress on the internet.  I passed it out at the meeting, but want to include it here, as well:

Managing Stress

Recognizing Stress: Stress symptoms include mental, social, and physical manifestations. These include exhaustion, extreme reactions, extreme emotions, rash behavior, loss of/increased appetite, headaches, crying, sleeplessness, and oversleeping. Escape through alcohol, drugs, or other compulsive behavior are often indications. Feelings of alarm, frustration, or apathy may accompany stress.

Stress Management

Look around

Set realistic goals for yourself.

Remove yourself from the stressful situation.

Don't overwhelm yourself

Don't sweat the small stuff

Learn how to best relax yourself.

Selectively change the way you react

Change the way you see your situation; seek alternative viewpoints

Avoid extreme reactions.

Do something for others

Get enough sleep

Work off stress

Avoid self-medication or escape

Begin to manage the effects of stress

Try to "use" stress

Try to be positive


Here are a few scriptures that I gathered up that may help you refocus during tough times:

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
Matthew 6:27-30

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
"I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe."
Psalm 4:8


This is a prayer that I wrote out.  This is my heart reaching out/crying out to God.  Don't critique it.  :-)  I know some people say that just don't know what to say when they pray.  Well, I don't either.  Sometimes I think, I must sound like a child to God, when I pray.  Well, that's exactly what I am and that's exactly what you are.  We are His children.  I think He cares more about the time we spend talking to Him than the "grown up" way we speak to Him.  My group prayed this prayer before we left last night.  It was all I could do to hold back my tears.  We hurt so much deep down where nobody sees it.  I brought it all to the surface last night when I prayed this prayer to my Savior.  I hope that it might help you release your hurt, too.

Dear Lord, Please help me fight these feelings of stress and worry and anxiety. I am tired and can’t do this on my own. Your words of scripture comfort me and remind me that doing it on my own is something that I don’t ever have to do. I’m giving my problems to you, Lord. Each burden, each worry, each stress…I lay them at Your feet. Please take them from me. Fill me with Your peace. Fill me with Your rest. Fill me with Your heart. Flood my soul with calm and help me to rest so that I can take care of the things in my life that You have given me. From this moment, Lord, I ask that You help me to remember that You are always with me and there is nothing that can defeat me. Thank you for loving me and being patient with me. Hold me tight in your hands and there I will find my rest. I love you, my Abba, my Father. Amen

The following is a song written and sung by Matthew West.  It is called Strong Enough.  These lyrics really speak to my and when I'm in the car, I really belt it out, almost like my battle cry.  :-)  I hope you will look up Matthew West and listen to his stuff.  You can find his cd titled, The Story of Your Life, at Wal-Mart but also at Amazon.com for 7.99.  I strongly suggest you buy it.  (No, I'm not working on commision.)

Strong Enough

by

Matthew West

You must-You must think I'm strong-To give me what I'm going through

Well, forgive me -Forgive me if I'm wrong -But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I'm not strong enough to be everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up -I'm not strong enough -Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be -Strong enough -Strong enough
For the both of us

Well, maybe -Maybe that's the point -To reach the point of giving up

Cause when I'm finally -Finally at rock bottom -
Well, that's when I start looking up -And reaching out

I know I'm not strong enough to be Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up -I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me -Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough -Strong enough

Cause I'm broken -Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing -You are God
and you are strong -When I am weak

I can do all things -Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be -Strong enough -Strong enough

I can do all things -Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be -Strong enough -Strong enough

I know I'm not strong enough to be Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up -I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me -Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough -Strong enough -Strong enough