@bethvogt
I snapped a photo of a Good Housekeeping magazine article’s title – “15 No-Fail Stress Busters to Deal with This Year’s Chaos” – and texted it to my 3 daughters and one daughter-in-love.
“I think I need every one on this list.” Ha Ha. They each responded with laughing emojis, but I’m certain they all felt the same way I did: Give me everything on the list. Now!
Of course, I got interrupted before I could read the list. And then I asked my 4 daughters to help me compile a list of their go-to stress reducers:
- Prioritize sleep. There are always things to be done. Always things I could be completing. But if I’m able to get more sleep, then the next day, I’ll be more rested and (hand in hand) more productive. (Amy, 32-year-old wife, mom of a 4-month-old baby, and a college student)
- Prioritize working out. Sometimes if I need a break from a stressful situation, I go to my gym and lift weights while blasting some music. It helps me feel less helpless in my situation because if I can do something physically hard, I feel more confident in my abilities. Sometimes it’s mentally hard, but even if it’s not super structured or strict, even just a short, 15-minute workout helps me feel more accomplished and capable. (Christa, almost 20-year-old college sophomore & volleyball player)
- Prioritize your priorities. Make a list of what you need to do that is stressing you out – and then cross them off as you accomplish them. My stress drops off drastically as I get things done. Plus, I often find that the things I’ve been putting off doing take less time than I thought they would. I’m able to do the things I enjoy without dreading doing what I’ve put off. (Katie Beth, 34-year-old wife and mom and extrovert who loves helping others learn more about how they are wired, what makes them tick, their strengths – and helping them apply that knowledge in everyday life.)
- Prioritize both relaxing outdoor and indoor activities. An excellent hike, preferably in a new location, always helps me feel more settled, followed by a wonderful hot tub soak and a good book and a cup of tea. And don’t forget a few pieces of chocolate. (Meagan, 31-year-old wife, mom of 4 kids, and former Microsoft project manager)
What would you add to their stress busters list?
Choosing to Make Less Stress a Priority #stressless #encouragement https://bit.ly/2TzxeZ6 Click To Tweet
'It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.' #Quote by Lou Holtz https://bit.ly/2TzxeZ6 #stress #choices Click To Tweet
Comments 14
I wonder if He got stressed out,
our Saviour, our example?
What of the time He had to rout
the merchants from the temple?
How ’bout the blasted fig tree,
no fruit when He was hungry?
Stress would be no mystery
on an empty tummy.
And perhaps He ground His teeth
when disciples botched a healing;
the pissed-off words He did bequeath
told us what He was feeling:
“How long must I put up with you?”
says He was on the stress-road too.
Author
Andrew: Thank you for your words that so eloquently ask the questions we all ask. And yes, the Word tells us that Jesus understands what we wrestle with. I find it ironic that my morning is absolutely bonkers the day my post about stress relief goes up live! But I keep pushing the reset button … and sometimes that is all you can do.
Keep on pushing reset, Beth, and I’ll keep praying for you.
Author
Got myself a reset, Andrew. And know that you are in my prayers. Funny thing: One of my reactions to stress is a desire to … get a puppy!
Well, that’s a wise and fun post. Love the pics included and your opening quote. Important tips for challenging days, but I think I see people slowly getting a little smarter in how to carry their loads. I like the Franklin Graham spots on TV that what our nation needs now is not better politics but Jesus accepted in our lives and the overall picture.
Author
My daughters encouraged me so much with their insights. And yes, my hope and confidence is not in politics, but in something — Someone — more eternal.
Great list, Beth. I love the idea of prioritizing your priorities. If anything is going to get us down, it’s dwelling on “what we should have done.”
Author
Kathy: So glad you were encouraged by my daughters’ suggestions. And yes, prioritizing the priorities is a game changer!
I agree with every one of your beautiful daughters’ suggestions. When we learn self-care and incorporate it into our daily living, then we are more equipped to help care for others.
Author
Lisa: I know you’re good at stress reduction in your daily life, too, my friend.
Prioritize eating healthier over the long haul.
Author
Yes! Such good advice. One bad day doesn’t mean you should quit eating healthy …
You know, one thing I could add is to take a moment, get your Bible, and read a Bible verse. It really really will calm you. You don’t have to carve out a big amount of time right then in your stress moment, just take 5-10 minutes to read a verse or a chapter in the Bible. God will do the rest.
Author
Debbie: I agree. One thing I’ve tried to do since the pandemic started is to begin each day by reading Psalm 91. It settles my heart.