LESSEN THE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE

Does it seem as if the world is out to get you? Do you feel like you're losing the battle from the time you get out of bed and race to work - to the end of the day when you are tired and still have laundry or paperwork to do?

Stress doesn't have to dominate your life. Perhaps the best approach to dealing with stress is to change your thoughts and perspective on what is taking place in your life. At the heart of most of life's stress is your attitude. I have the strength of all things through Christ who empowers me (Phil. 4:13 AMP).

How to reduce stress:

Begin each day by asking God to help you prioritize those items that need to be done first. Do only those you have time for. If you feel you can accomplish five items during the day, do only four.
Reduce your tendency to think and talk rapidly and make a conscious effort to listen to others. Become "a ready listener."
Try to accomplish one thing at a time. If you are waiting for someone on the phone, don't attempt to look through the mail or a magazine. Instead, look at a restful picture or do some relaxation exercises. When someone is talking to you, put down your newspaper or work and give the person your full attention.
Make it a point to relax without feeling guilty.
Re-evaluate your need for recognition. Instead of looking for the approval of others, tell yourself, I did a good job and I can feel all right about it.
Look at the behavior of others. Ask yourself, Do I really like that person's behavior? Do I want to be that way?
Read magazines and books that have nothing to do with your vocation. Read lots of novels.
Play soft background music at home or at the office to give a soothing atmosphere.
Plan your schedule so that you drive or commute when traffic is light. Drive in the slow lane of the highway. Reduce your tendency to drive faster than others.
Pick days to leave your watch at home.
Don't evaluate your life in terms of how much you have accomplished or how many material things you have acquired.
Make your noon hour a rest time away from work. Go shopping, read, or have lunch with a friend.
Begin your day 15 minutes early and do something you enjoy. Take your time eating breakfast. Enjoy looking out the window.
When you arrive home, announce to others that the first 10 minutes belong to you. De-stress yourself before you deal with home.
Get into the longest supermarket line to practice waiting without getting upset. Discover how you can make it - and other waiting situations - pass pleasantly.
As you play games or engage in sports, do it for enjoyment and not for competition.

H. Norman Wright is the author of more than 60 books on communication, marriage, and family, including Quiet Times for Couples, Quiet Times for Parents, and Finding Your Perfect Mate. He and his wife, Joyce, have a married daughter, Sheryl, and a son, Matthew, deceased.

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