“Tension Is a Sign of An Exhaustive Inner Struggle“
It’s crazy where I heard this, but I’m going to tell you anyway. It is a quote by an actor (who played a Doctor) in a movie. Doesn’t matter which movie (a very old movie). I thought it was quite the statement when I heard it. What made me think of it today, is conversations I’ve had with several people over the last few days~who are experiencing stress. How many of us can relate to that? Who hasn’t had stress from ‘a lot on you plate’? I hesitate to say, ‘too much on your plate’, because sometimes it just can’t be helped.
So how does the above statement enter in to the subject of stress? First of all, the definition of stress is: “an emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension (which may be a factor in disease)”. The definition of tension is: “inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion“. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Stress causes tension, which is inner unrest, which together can cause physical, emotional and mental stress and tension! Whew! I’d say that could cause ‘something’ exhaustive, including an inner struggle or confusion (I added that last word~been there done that).
Stress Relievers ~ For Your Consideration
#1 Learn to say NO! It’s okay to say, “I’m sorry, I can’t do that or go there because I already have a commitment”. It’s better to do one thing well, than to do a lot of things not well. My “Hubby” taught me to not take on more than I can handle by saying to me, “What are you going to give up, if you do this?”. He hasn’t felt the need to say that to me in a long time. I’ve learned to say it to myself.
#2 What, and who, are your priorities in life? No one, or any thing, is worth leading you away from your relationship with the Lord or your family. Here’s a worksheet I use in my Bible study “God Has A Plan And A Purpose For Your Life”. It will help you to assess your priorities. I call it “Extensions of Your Heart”. In the middle is a red heart which represents your #1 relationship with God. You will find 7 hearts around the red middle heart. Here is where you will place your relationships, commitments, your duties and/or responsibilities. For example: If you are married, the relationship with your husband will go into the 1st heart surrounding the red heart in the middle. The next heart area would be your children and grand-children. The next heart area might be your extended family…the next your friends. Think about your relationships, about the amount of time you put into them. Not enough in some, too much in others? After you have entered your relationships you will move on to responsibilities such as a job….go on to church responsibilities and/or other places where you volunteer your time. Think about the amount of time you are putting into these also. The point is to get a handle on your life. You may find that you are doing “just fine”, or you may find that you are ”over extended” The farther away you move from the inner circle of your heart (the more people, places and things you try to pack in), the less time you will spend there. It’s okay, if you give some things up. The world will understand, and your family will love you for it.
#3 Purge some of the ‘stuff’ in your life. The ‘stuff’ we have, has to be taken care of. Too much ‘stuff’ can overwhelm us, just like too much to do. And, learn to organize the ‘stuff’ you feel you need. I need to get better at this one. I just read a really helpful article in “June Good Housekeeping” about organizing and purging your ‘stuff’. Spring is a great time to do this.
#4 Watch those lists, that we all make. I had a cartoon, at one time, that said, “Okay, I’ve made my A, B, and C lists. Now what do I do with them? It’s okay to make lists. But, if you have to make a list to organize your lists, you have too many lists. I know someone who puts so many of those sticky notes up, they forget about them because they become part of the home decor! Been there, done that one too!
#5 This is the most important thing for you to remember. Here’s what Jesus says on ‘Stress Management’. It is a very effective technique to get a handle on your life. Jesus says, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find much rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Thought to Ponder: Stress and life go hand in hand. There’s no getting around it. We all experience lots of stress in life. Why would we want to add to the unavoidable stresses of life, by adding the avoidable? Today, ask the Lord to help you in becoming ‘more skillful’ at saying No, assessing your Priorities, Purging your ‘stuff’, Organizing and making ‘To Do Lists’. He will give you the rest you seek for your soul, and peace in your daily life. Amen!
This entry was posted on Friday, May 21st, 2010 at 9:02 pm and is filed under Daily Steps. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
