Take A Break And BREATHE! Combating Stress

by Susan on March 19, 2009

This week has been a bit stressful in our household as we are preparing for our return to Pohnpei. Preparing for a move to a place 9,000 miles away is stressful in itself, but when you add to that 3 conferences and another speaking engagement the week before flying out, preparing the house for the next renters, and numerous dental, doctor, and other last minute appointments, things can get a little chaotic. And of course 5 of the 6 of us are sick with bad colds, and I must say the living room rug catching on fire early this morning didn’t help matters much!

It’s time to take some time to breathe!

I’m writing this as much for myself as for anyone! Here are a few of my own tips for keeping your sanity in the midst of bedlam! And no, they’re not new, earth-shattering solutions; just some reminders I know I need when combating stress.

Have available some quick and easy healthy snacks such as protein or granola bars, fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, trail mix, raw nuts and seeds. And then make sure you actually EAT them! When busy and stressed, it’s easy to skip meals or snacks and then binge when you get too hungry.
Drink your water. Keep it with you as you work!
Get outdoors for a quick walk! It will change your perspective on things!
Take a break and rest for 10 minutes! (I know, easier said than done…but hey, give it a try!) Even better, have a cup of coffee or tea during your rest break.
Take each task one at a time! Rather than looking at how much you have to do, pick one thing, concentrate on that, then move to the next. (I finally forced myself to do that yesterday evening, and what a difference! I got a lot done last night!)
Pause throughout the day and take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. It actually does give you a little burst of energy.
Stop and stretch! It only take a couple of minutes to go through each set of major muscle groups and really relieves stress build-up.
“Do your best and forget the rest.” Ok, we’ve all heard this saying before, but here’s one I heard that I like even better: “Do your best and leave to God the rest.”
And last of all, remember Christ’s offer, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)