It’s that time again to have some questions answered from a man’s point of view. The topic for the Men’s Meme at Families Again is listed below. My husband, Tom’s comments will be in BLUE:
How do you deal with stress? Is there really a good way to do it? Is there a Biblical way? Is there a medical way?
Biblical remedies require a soft heart, humility and self honesty. Those are difficult conditions for a raging, stressed individual. Gospel practices or remedies are best used on a regular preventive basis with regular prayer, meditation, scripture study, worship and song. This is often referred to as “putting on the full armor.”
Thank you for your input Tom. His take reminded me of Maxine’s take on stress…
The best way to reduce stress is to try to prevent it. Here are a few tips:
Time management: Create a schedule and a To Do List with tasks listed in order of importance. Avoid filling every minute of every day. Allow time for relaxation.
Health: Practice good health by exercising, getting plenty of rest, limiting alcohol intake, stop smoking and eat healthy food.
Coping mechanisms: Talk. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up so that you blow up at intervals. Be assertive in protecting your right to not be stressed by others. Communicate your feelings with family, friends, religious leaders and/or a psychologist. Ignore negative comments and people.
Change: Step back and look at the whole picture. Understand that everything changes and you can only control your own actions. Say “no” when necessary for self-preservation. Walk away from volatile situations that try to draw you into drama. Focus on the positive.
Ask: When you need help, ask for it. Strengthen friendships. Not only will it help when you are in need, but it will help enrich your life now.
Relax: Take time to relax. Try new relaxation methods to keep your stress level lower. Treat the time committed to relaxing as important as any other appointment you make for a doctor, dentist or job.
What is my secret for handling stress, you ask?
Hi Redhead,
Great post as tand great advice on your part. Please thank Tom for joining in and putting up with your question and answer session every Sunday evening. It's good to have you and Tom back :-).
Tim @ Families Again
I used to be wound up pretty tight but then someone reminded me of how great and wonderful my life and family really are. So I started looking at things from the outside in.
So now I see a great family that has time to laugh with each other and not the house that is a bit dirtier than I would like it to be.
I see a family that is lucky enough to have healthy and happy kids. Two of which are teenagers that are not troubled and have a great head on their shoulders, I don't see the kid that I have to tell what feels like 40 times to take out the trash.
This has really helped me. If I am having a bad day with my 3 year old I watch some show about a mom with 10 kids and see how much less stressful my life seems.
My Mom has a really great saying that always makes me laugh;
If you are going to have a pity party be sure to only invite your self that way you are the center of attention!
That always makes me smile and I stop feeling sorry for my self.
Great advise, I'm plenty stressed I guess… ..
Thank you for stopping by…
BM
Have to tell you that each time I see the pic for Men's Meme … I think testicle … and I am really really sorry, because I am so not skanky like that – really!
Red, I have spent quite some time reading this meme. I will ask my Skip to read it too! I have the feeling Tom and Skip have quite some things in common, not only that you and I are both redheads! Wonderfully, loving and caring written