Posted by We are moving into the season to be jolly. Christmas lights and decorations are popping up everywhere like the budding of flowers in springtime. This is definitely a festive season that many of us look forward to. However, along with this time of year comes more stress, perhaps more than any other time of the year. There are preparations on the way for Christmas parties and large celebrations that involve much planning and gathering of resources. This is also the time of year in which there are more tests and exams in schools and colleges, while students are anticipating a long break until classes resume in the new year.
Stress is something that we all experience to some degree. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes stress as “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Although it may be uncomfortable, a little stress is not bad to experience because it helps motivate us to fulfill our obligations and grow into more wholeness.
However, unfortunately, stress can also have a negative effect on us. If it is not properly managed, it could cause mental and/or physical illness. Fortunately, there are ways of reducing stress so that the stress that is experienced can be a catalyst towards growth and fulfillment rather than illness. Realistically, we all become ill at times, but stress management may reduce some of the burdens that excessive stress can bring.
The WHO has some good suggestions for dealing with stress and I have also included some of my own. These are practical solutions that most of us probably already know but sometimes drift away from because of the anxiety that stress can cause. A few stress management techniques are simply maintaining routines as much as possible, such as exercise, eating, time with family or friends, chores, and recreation. Also, it is recommended to get the proper amount of sleep that works for you. Do your best not to isolate yourself, call a family member or connect with friends. Just a casual conversation can take your mind off of stressful thoughts and help you disconnect from stressful feelings. Attending church or a chapel service can also relieve stress. Lastly but not least, journaling is a great way to manage stress because it helps you to get your emotions out in the open instead of trying to sort them out internally where they can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Stress can become like a giant which can be very intimidating for most. The idea is not to focus so much on the giant but instead, focus on the things that matter most. Even if life events do not seem to work in your favor, remember that there is another day and you have survived through other experiences that were just as bad, or worse. This is because all that was most important was already within reach, which is the difference between values and goals. Values are what we have right now, and they are what makes us who we are; they are like the foundation of life. Goals are those things we want to achieve. It is good to have goals, but often times, the goals can cause stress, which if not properly managed, can cause unnecessary problems.
It is good for us to have goals, just as it is good to have a little stress to motivate us toward reaching those goals. But focusing on the goals more than on the values of life can result in unhealthy stress. Recently, in a time of devotion I read in the Bible from James 1:16-18 which says: “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” This was a stress reducing passage because I was reminded that the one who matters most is not the one causing the stressful situations, thoughts, or feelings. Instead, He is the one helping me through them. God remains kind, gentle, patient, all of the fruit of Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, focusing on this greatest value or truth provides a sense of peace for the holidays and beyond.
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