Stress relief is a must in most modern family and work schedules that generally sap the life, laughter and general ability to 'stop and smell the roses' out of many people. Health, family, work and even spiritual problems can develop when there is no outlet for stress reduction in a person's lifestyle. Stress in itself is not always bad since it is a God-given signal that can motivate a person to complete responsibilities or that will signal problems or dangers ahead. However, when it begins to steal the enjoyment and productivity of a normal life away from an individual or family, that is the time to re-evaluate the causes and find a solution to the problem. Symptoms of anxiety or stress generally can be categorized into three areas: mental, emotional and psychological. Each area can sustain problems that may eventually overwhelm a person with difficulties.
Some of the mental symptoms include feeling confused, disoriented, experiencing short-term memory loss, feeling like one is going crazy, and feelings that other people are always watching. Emotional symptoms include being afraid that something terrible is going to happen, experiencing depression, having fear of losing control, worrying excessively, feeling alone most of the time, and sometimes wanting to scream with anger at the top of the lungs. Psychological reactions to stress can encompass extreme fatigue with no accompanying physical reason, tightness in the chest, hyperventilating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and extreme sweating. While some of the symptoms can certainly be an indication of many other illnesses, when there is no physical reason for them and there is at least 3 or 4 symptoms evident in all three categories, stress reduction may need to be considered in order for a person to receive relief.
There are practical ways to deal with anxiety that may preclude having to seek professional attention. If these practical measures do not provide enough stress relief, then more serious approaches should be explored. Simple things like making time to get enough sleep, enjoying a calculated break from work and spending relaxed time with the family can alleviate a lot of daily strain. Other tips such as being organized, planning ahead and addressing the most difficult responsibilities early on can also provide significant stress reduction in everyday living. When there are major episodes of trauma or upheavals that seem to pile on, it can be impossible to even implement some logical measures purely because of circumstances. In these cases, an understanding of a higher perspective and the strength that can be gleaned from trusting in a God who plans, cares and provides can offer the possibility of standing tranquil in a topsy-turvy, chaotic world.
Without a firm perspective of viewing life in the light of eternity or setting priorities and circumstances in an order of what is most important, all sorts of neuroses, physical problems and stress-related symptoms can replace the "peace of God which passes all understanding." (Philippians 4:7a) Many times it takes a process of working through difficulties to find stress relief through counseling, lifestyle changes and gaining a spiritual perception. In some cases, medication may be used on a short term basis to provide some relief while a person is working through the various causes and symptoms of extreme anxiety, especially if a problem has developed such as a panic disorder, post traumatic stress syndrome, phobias and general anxiety disorder. Sometimes long term attention is needed to sort through the various underlying causes. Just as an onion is peeled layer by layer, causative factors may be discovered and removed by the various stress reduction methods available both professionally and through self help methods.
The opposite of stress is peace which is generally the optimum human requirement for relaxation and anxiety-free living. In a world that offers little peace in most respects, how is a person to find stress relief in a dog-eat-dog world that is generally out for numero uno? Real peace is found through a relationship with the God of the universe. Religion cannot fill up an empty soul, but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can provide a balm to the soul that fills it with God's peace that is not based on circumstances. Peace that is based on the unchanging character, promises and work of Jesus Christ on the cross can be banked on for eternity by anyone no matter what they have been through, are going through or will go through in this life.
Jesus doesn't necessarily relieve all stress in life, although He is fully capable. Many times, however, His ability to walk with a person through tragedies, disappointments, people's expectations and personal failures as well as the ordinary rigors of life is sometimes of more value in the long run. There is certainly nothing wrong with implementing all the stress reduction methods that are reasonable. Yet, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace and just as Daniel faced the lions in the den, there are times when things just happen and no typical method of relief seems to work. That's when God shows up and walks all the way through the difficulties with those who ultimately trust Him.
Some of the mental symptoms include feeling confused, disoriented, experiencing short-term memory loss, feeling like one is going crazy, and feelings that other people are always watching. Emotional symptoms include being afraid that something terrible is going to happen, experiencing depression, having fear of losing control, worrying excessively, feeling alone most of the time, and sometimes wanting to scream with anger at the top of the lungs. Psychological reactions to stress can encompass extreme fatigue with no accompanying physical reason, tightness in the chest, hyperventilating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and extreme sweating. While some of the symptoms can certainly be an indication of many other illnesses, when there is no physical reason for them and there is at least 3 or 4 symptoms evident in all three categories, stress reduction may need to be considered in order for a person to receive relief.
There are practical ways to deal with anxiety that may preclude having to seek professional attention. If these practical measures do not provide enough stress relief, then more serious approaches should be explored. Simple things like making time to get enough sleep, enjoying a calculated break from work and spending relaxed time with the family can alleviate a lot of daily strain. Other tips such as being organized, planning ahead and addressing the most difficult responsibilities early on can also provide significant stress reduction in everyday living. When there are major episodes of trauma or upheavals that seem to pile on, it can be impossible to even implement some logical measures purely because of circumstances. In these cases, an understanding of a higher perspective and the strength that can be gleaned from trusting in a God who plans, cares and provides can offer the possibility of standing tranquil in a topsy-turvy, chaotic world.
Without a firm perspective of viewing life in the light of eternity or setting priorities and circumstances in an order of what is most important, all sorts of neuroses, physical problems and stress-related symptoms can replace the "peace of God which passes all understanding." (Philippians 4:7a) Many times it takes a process of working through difficulties to find stress relief through counseling, lifestyle changes and gaining a spiritual perception. In some cases, medication may be used on a short term basis to provide some relief while a person is working through the various causes and symptoms of extreme anxiety, especially if a problem has developed such as a panic disorder, post traumatic stress syndrome, phobias and general anxiety disorder. Sometimes long term attention is needed to sort through the various underlying causes. Just as an onion is peeled layer by layer, causative factors may be discovered and removed by the various stress reduction methods available both professionally and through self help methods.
The opposite of stress is peace which is generally the optimum human requirement for relaxation and anxiety-free living. In a world that offers little peace in most respects, how is a person to find stress relief in a dog-eat-dog world that is generally out for numero uno? Real peace is found through a relationship with the God of the universe. Religion cannot fill up an empty soul, but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can provide a balm to the soul that fills it with God's peace that is not based on circumstances. Peace that is based on the unchanging character, promises and work of Jesus Christ on the cross can be banked on for eternity by anyone no matter what they have been through, are going through or will go through in this life.
Jesus doesn't necessarily relieve all stress in life, although He is fully capable. Many times, however, His ability to walk with a person through tragedies, disappointments, people's expectations and personal failures as well as the ordinary rigors of life is sometimes of more value in the long run. There is certainly nothing wrong with implementing all the stress reduction methods that are reasonable. Yet, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace and just as Daniel faced the lions in the den, there are times when things just happen and no typical method of relief seems to work. That's when God shows up and walks all the way through the difficulties with those who ultimately trust Him.
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