Stress

[Snowman37]

How do you all deal with stress? I ask, because stress had been getting to me so bad that I spent the back half of 2010 battling heart problems. I managed to sort that out, but my chest has been starting to bother me again as of lately. I am 27 and live at home with my parents. My responsibilities are to help them with the house, yard, one of the cars, and financial matters when I can. I have a nice job as a bagger at my local grocery store. I'm getting only one shift a week right now, but I offered to change my availability in the vein hope of getting more hours. I'll know when the next schedule prints out if this will help. With such a simple life, why is it that I stress out so much to the point where my heart feels heavy as lead? It makes me tired, somewhat numb, and nauseous. Do not suggest I go to a doctor, because such suggestions shall go ignored. All I'm asking is how you deal with stress, how do you maintain that cool feeling of relaxation? People say I look young, but when I see myself in the mirror; I see someone who is old, tired, and gray.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

I have a nice job as a bagger at my local grocery store.

You are capable of more then this man.

 

[Snowman37]

Why do you declare this? I have thought of training to be a cashier, but it's dizzying to try to remember all of the keyboard commands and codes.

 

[LWB]

Snowman37, we don't have to be victims of our external circumstances. It is possible to train yourself to depend upon inner resources, rather than outer ones. Unfortunately there is no Biblical text I can point you to regarding this form of wisdom, though its presence is throughout the Gospels and Epistles. It was the Stoics, like Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who wrote extensively about this subject. Theology students would no doubt touch upon their lives, and so should any Christian who wishes to learn tranquility of mind.

The greatest inner resource you have to depend upon is God himself.

 

[ezeric]

Hey brother Snowman37

First of, thank the LORD for whatever job you have.
Every good gift comes from above, so if your job is good and needed
its from HIM. see James 1:17

But what brother SoldierofSoul, was stating (I think) is that GOD (our DADDY)
wants to bless us, and empower us to make a difference out there, so
HE is willing (if we are willing) to do more than we ever hoped or imagined.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

So at one hand being thankful where we are and the other, looking for more.
The formula if you will is this:
Godless with contement is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

At the same time, using faith, and being open to HIM leading you into greater
things/ greater opportunity - not only for money, but to help others/ love others.

Lastly, JESUS told us that HIS yoke was easy, and HIS burden is light. Matthew 11:30

Use this as a sort of 'barometer', on where you are at spiritually.
Because it is just as easy to walk in the Spirit, then to walk in the flesh - its simply your choice!

If the load isn't easy and the burden not light.
You are walking in your own strength, trying to solve problems and not
kicking back and trusting your LORD to do it.

You see the flesh is all about 'self', while the SPIRIT is all about JESUS.

So, if you are getting 'stressed out', your focus is on you! (not HIM)
you are looking inside (to self) and not to JESUS and HIS POWER.

Now, when I say your focus is not on HIM (JESUS) that doesn't mean you
are not saved, or condemned or anything, because we all (if we were honest)
have days like this.

However, as you learn to trust the outcomes to the LORD, you will find your
stress levels leaving you. And if you are having better days, and then the stress
comes back - remember, its just a choice.

Trust myself.
or
Trust JESUS.

This Christian life, is impossible to live by ourself.

IMPOSSIBLE

Its a life and love of another living through you.
You rest/ trust and let JESUS do all the heavy lifting!

Use that scripture as your 'check point' to see if you are in the SPIRIT or
not, and if not - then get in the SPIRIT and 'kick back and depend'.

-eric
The Exchanged Life

 

[insurchoftruth]

Stress eventually can lead to burnout, which means, you body can not cope anymore.

The main fighting weapon against stress in more rest, and relaxation. Life will put thousands of demands on you, but you have to learn to say 'No' on many of those demands, in order to give your body to restore itself to normal. As much as you can, have frequent time to relax, and rest, doing NOTHING during that time but only relaxing. No reading, no talking, no watching TV.

Another thing to try is physical exercise. It does not need to be going to the Gym. Just enough walking on a regular basis, every day, will help. Exercise can make you tired in your body, but at the same time, will help to reduce the mental stress.

Also, try to drink at least 4-5 cups of black tea per day, because, there is an amino acid in the black tea called 'L theanine', which reduces the stress hormone in the body called 'cortisol', and helps you become calmer and more relaxed. And yes, do not worry about the caffeine, because the L-theanine also makes caffeine to be gradually and slowly assimilated in the body, so it does not give you quick jump, like the caffeine in coffee for example.

Also, try to put as much honey in the tea, but not sugar, because honey will also help you to relax more. The Chinese have a proverb like this - "In the time of stress, sweeten the tea".

Hope this helps!

 

[ChristianEMT]

Hello Snowman37

So sorry to hear that you are having a lot of stress. A simple life like you have spoke of is quickly changed into a complex life when health issues occur. I'm also 27, and I have a cardiac pacemaker, and take heart medication everyday. I know the toll of cardiac problems on the body, and sometimes that can be really stressful too. Things that help relive stress for me is praying, and giving God everything, and realizing that He is in control.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

Studying Gods word, and His many promises.

Matthew 11:28-30
"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."

John 14:27
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.

And also, Going to church, and spending time with others who are uplifting, and encouraging.

I will be praying for you. I hope that you feel better soon, and that God takes all your stress and worries.

 

[SplendidTree]

When I feel stressed I dim the lights and put on Christian music on my headphones. Prayer helps or sometimes getting out of the house to go on a walk and fellowship too. I too live at home again so I understand that to a degree. It is hard. I can definitely pray for you.