Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 565 11-11-2020
DEALING WITH STRESS
Psalms 120:1 In my troubles, I pled with GOD to help me and HE did! [Living Bible]
Psalms 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD. HE will carry them. [Living Bible]
Psalms 18:28 My GOD turns my darkness into light. [New International translation
Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in YOU. [New International translation]
1 Peter 5:7 Let HIM have all your worries and cares, for HE is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. [Living Bible translation]
Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell GOD your needs and don't forget to thank HIM for HIS answers. [Living Bible]
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with GOD. [New International translation.]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
If we are not careful, stressful events can seem “bigger than life.” This is especially so, when we are caught in the grip of anxiety, fear, insecurity, doubt, depression worry---often caused by stress events.
Constantly hearing talk about how stressful the world seems to be because of (COVID 19, the election, hatred, prejudice, crime, the economy, homelessness, injustices in numerous settings around the world and unease in so many people's minds “about the future”) it is easy to lose “prospective.”
Reading the WORD OF GOD and meditating on scriptures like those listed above help us put things back in their proper “spiritual order” because stress and stressful events are not and never will be bigger than GOD.
Reading and studying how others like Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Esther, Ruth, Daniel, Elijah, JESUS dealt with adversity and stressful events, each of us can come to realize that what HE has done for others, HE can do for me too. We too can come to the realization that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD.
THE WORD OF GOD, is a transformative, portable, living, dynamic, healing, SPIRIT filled WORD, in all times, but especially in times of stress.
EXERCISE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
Sometimes stressful events can flood the body with hormones causing a person's heart to pound, their breathing to increase or their muscles to tense. This reaction is called “the stress response.” It is one of the reasons why stress feels so uncomfortable.
Julia Corliss, Executive Editor of the Harvard Health Letter, suggests six relaxation techniques to try to induce a “relaxation response.” With practice, Corliss suggests that using some of these techniques will help a person create a way to return to their inner calm:
- Breath focus. In this simple, powerful technique, you take long, slow, deep breaths (also known as abdominal or belly breathing). As you breathe, you gently disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensation. [Corliss notes that this technique may not be appropriate for those with breathing, respiratory or heart failure problems.]
- Body scan. This technique blends breath focus with progressive muscle relaxation. After a few minutes of deep breathing, you focus on one part of the body or group of muscles at a time and mentally releasing any physical tension you feel there. A body scan can help boost your awareness of the mind-body connection. [Corliss notes that this technique may not be helpful or appropriate for those who have had a recent surgery that affects your body image or who have difficulties with body image.]
- Guided imagery. For this technique, you conjure up soothing scenes, places, or experiences in your mind to help you relax and focus. You can find free apps and online recordings of calming scenes—just make sure to choose imagery you find soothing and that has personal significance. [Corliss notes that this technique is helpful in reinforcing a positive vision of yourself, but it can be difficult for those who have intrusive thoughts or find it hard to conjure up mental images.]
- Mindfulness meditation. This practice involves sitting comfortably, focusing on your breathing, and bringing your mind's attention to the present moment without drifting into concerns about the past or the future. This form of meditation has enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years. Research suggests it may be helpful for people with anxiety, depression, hypertension, and pain.
- Yoga, tai chi, and qigong. These three ancient arts combine rhythmic breathing with a series of postures or flowing movements. The physical aspects of these practices offer a mental focus that can help distract you from racing thoughts. They can also enhance your flexibility and balance. [Corliss notes that if you are not normally active, have health problems, or a painful or disabling condition, these relaxation techniques might be too challenging. She suggests checking with your doctor before starting them].
- Repetitive prayer. For this technique, you silently repeat a short prayer or phrase from a prayer while practicing breath focus.
See, Six Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress, by Julie Corliss, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress/
If you have a medical condition, speak with your personal physician to determine what exercises are right for you. It may also be useful to speak a psychologist or psychiatrist.
BELIEVE GOD's WORD
JESUS said:
Let not your heart be troubled; believe in GOD, believe also in ME.
(John 14:1)
The WORD of GOD assures us that in troubling or uncertain times, we can ALWAYS believe in GOD. GOD is our anchor when the world is unstable. GOD anchors our soul. (Hebrews 6:19)
So, have faith in GOD and believe! Continue to study and meditate on scripture, breathe deeply and move.
And, remember, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!
Believe and BE BLESSED!
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