by Donna Gibbs
Did you know that April 16 is National Stress Awareness Day? The day after tax day – that’s fitting, don’t you think? April is also National Stress Awareness Month. I know, there is an awareness day or month for everything under the sun, but this really is an important one, so we are going to discuss it in today’s blog!
Though we always hear that stress is terrible for us, it is certainly inevitable this side of eternity. I believe that God created us with the capacity to feel negative emotions like stress in order to fuel a productive response. A little stress keeps us on our toes. A little stress can allow us to show more attention to detail, and to be more focused and efficient. You’ve probably even heard some people say that they work best under pressure.
But, what about a lot of stress? You guessed it – Too much of a good thing….is still too much! Truth is, chronic stress is down-right toxic. Our body releases chemicals and hormones that allow infrequent and low-level stress to have a positive effect, but when we receive too much of these chemicals they begin to build up, and are the culprit for many physical and psychological struggles.
So, today, let’s just take a moment to evaluate your stress levels. Where is a little stress working to your benefit? Are there some unnecessary stressors in your life that must be addressed? What emotional or psychological struggles are you experiencing due to chronic stress? What physical problems are you experiencing that are potentially related to elevated stress in your life?
If you are overwhelmed by the thought of facing your stressors, it’s time to reach out to a trusted friend, pastor or counselor. Other great stress-relief tips? Exercise, healthy nutrition, deep breathing and adequate rest are great physical skills. Prayer and bible-study will allow you to maintain an eternal perspective on stressors. Lastly, there’s laughter, which will connect you with others, and is “good like medicine”.
Praying you have a “stress-free” weekend ahead!
Donna Gibbs, co-owner of Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC, is author of the recent releases, Silencing Insecurity and Becoming Resilient. Donna has authored numerous other books, her blogs are frequently shared in various media outlets, and she is commonly featured on radio broadcasts across America, and occasionally internationally as well. Donna has been providing individuals and families the hope and help they need for more than twenty years as a national certified counselor, board-certified professional Christian counselor, and licensed professional counselor supervisor. A member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), she is a leading professional provider for Focus on the Family, Christian Care Network, r3Continuum, FINDINGbalance, and Samaritan’s Purse.
Follow Donna’s author page at https://www.facebook.com/DonnaGibbsResilience/ for daily encouragement, the weekly blog, and updates regarding events and speaking engagements.
