Don't we all feel like doing this sometimes??
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed is something each and every one of us will feel at some point in our lives, most likely more than once! Stress can really get you down if you let it. The key to managing stress is different for everyone! With our pending move I am sure I will be experiencing some stress in the near future. I thought now would be the perfect time to revisit some ideas of how to handle, manage stress!
There are tons of ways but here are a few that I like.
1. Breath- This may seem like a small thing since let's be honest we have to breath to live so we are already breathing right? Yes, but no! Don't just breath but breathe deep, using your diaphragm (stomach region), not just from your chest.
This will regulate your body's reactions and help you to remain calm.
This technique is used in yoga and if you really focus on your breathing you will feel so much release!
2. Slowly roll your shoulders back three or four times, using as much range
of motion as you can. Then, roll them forward. Repeat as often as you
need. Most people hold a lot of tension in their neck and shoulders helping these muscles relax will give you a sense of relaxation.
3. Tune out. Lie flat on your back and close your eyes. You can listen to soothing music or simply enjoy the silence.
Imagine every part of your body relaxing with each exhale. Start
with your toes, and move up through the muscles in your legs, core, arms
and neck. As you breathe, visualize them becoming one with the earth or
filling with light. Try to be as still as possible.
I do this to help me fall asleep at night. I like to listen to the sounds of rain or storms on my sleep maker app.
4. Find the positive- This is something that took me a long time to be able to do. Finding the 'silver lining' is something that James has helped me to be able to do. I am not going to lie it is still hard for me to do sometimes but even when I can't see it James is there to point it out for me and I do the same for him! Sometimes even the slightest glimpse of the positive can make you feel better!
5. Try meditation or prayer. Even if you're not religious, you can find great peace through
purposely focusing on silencing your consciousness. Find a place where
you can be alone and focus on yourself. Being mindful as a way of life
is very calming and allows you to step aside from stressful events to
assess them with clarity and subtlety. If you are religious here are some ways to pray in stressful situations
10 Bible Verses About Stress-
Bible Verses About Stress- From The Book of Psalms
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 18:3-6
I
call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my
enemies. The cords of death encompassed me, And the torrents of
ungodliness terrified me. The cords of Sheol surrounded me; The snares
of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried
to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for
help before Him came into His ears.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 56:3-4
When
I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can [mere] man
do to me?
Psalm 118:5-9
From my distress I
called upon the LORD; The LORD answered me and set me in a large place.
The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? The LORD is
for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall look with
satisfaction on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the
LORD Than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than
to trust in princes.
Bible Verses About Stress- From the Book of 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 4:8-11
we
are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not
destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that
the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live
are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the
life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 11:27-28
I
have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in
hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from
such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for
all the churches.
Bible Verses About Stress- From the Book of Philippians
Philippians 4:6-7
Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of
God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.
Bible Verses About Stress- From the Book of 2 Samuel
2 Samuel 22:7
"In my distress I called upon the LORD, Yes, I cried to my God; And
from His temple He heard my voice, And my cry for help came into His
ears.
Bible Verses About Stress- From the Book of Exodus
Exodus 33:14
And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest."
Put your faith in God and you can overcome any stressful situation. I
hope these Bible Verses about Stress found you at a time of need and
helped you to trust in the Lord more. Please add any other Bible Verses
about Stress in the comments.
6. Don't beat yourself up. If you're having a bad day,
look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself good things. Take a warm bath, or schedule some leisure time for
your hobbies.
7. Spend time with animals. Dogs and cats can be
tremendously helpful during stressful moments. There's nothing better
than a nonjudgmental furry friend to hug and talk. Talk out your
concerns with your pet around.
8. Do what you love- Immersing yourself into your favorite hobby or thing to do, even if only for a short period of time, can help you to relax and center yourself.
Personally I like to hulk it out "Laney Smash" as my husband would say!
Just kidding! When I get stressed out I like to turn up my music and run, dance, or punch it out on the punching bag (I guess that would kinda be like hulking it out). And sometimes all it take is a good cry - come on, I'm a girl, it's what we do best! ;)
**Not a stressful note but I want to send a shout out to my husband! Tonight is his last check ride (evaluation) of flight school! I am so proud of him! He is an amazing man!
Congratulations baby!! I love you James!!!!!
I have been running a lot more recently! Thanks to my husband who bought me new running shoes! I am so very thankful for them because my old ones were giving me blisters and making my shin splints worse! Plus, they are super cute! I would really really like to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) I know that to some people this may seem easy but not this girl! My shins are killing me after 4 miles! I think that I am going to hold off on starting training for that until we move and I have to get acclimated. I would hate to get a month into training and then lose all my progress due to the altitude change. 
Now that flight school is over for most of the people we have gotten to know while we are here that means it is graduation time! Today was the graduation of one of my best friends here! I am so happy for her! 2 weeks and it will be my husbands turn to get his wings! Then, a little bit longer for another friend! So proud of all of them! Here is a picture of Leilani and I today! YAY! Congratulations Friend! 
