If you haven’t had the opportunity to read the first two parts of “Stressed Out!”, now would be a great opportunity to do so. If you have read them, it’s never a bad idea to do a quick review. You can read them here:
Today we continue the series with four more proven techniques to manage stress, lower dangerous Cortisol levels and live a happier life:
ANIMALS
Spending time with furry (or not so furry) friends has proven mental and physical benefits. Some long-term care facilities are even using resident pets to improve the lives of their patients.
“And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures… And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:24-25 ESV)
“The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10 NLT)
GIVING
Giving to others has been shown to activate the body’s natural healing. One lady with Multiple Sclerosis saw her symptoms diminish after giving twenty-nine gifts in as many days.
“… God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT)
“…’It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:25 NLT)
“… give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap…” (Luke 6:38 ESV)
CREATIVITY
Engaging in creativity such as music and art causes your body to release endorphins and other “feel-good” neurotransmitters which help reduce depression and anxiety, improve the immune system, reduce physical pain, lower heart rate and blood pressure and slows breathing.
“… [God has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze…” (Exodus 35:31-32 ESV)
“Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!” (Psalm 96:1 NLT)
RELAX
Relaxation has demonstrated benefits such as lowering blood pressure and heart rate, increased blood flow, reduced anger/frustration, increased confidence, reduced fatigue, improved focus and emotional state, and more. Go ahead, take a walk, get a massage or just chill by the ocean.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
Between these and the ones from last time, you now have eight techniques to lower stress and improve your life. Keep up the good work! I’ll be back again with a final blog and four more techniques plus a bonus. See you next time!
U R Blessed!
Rodney