Stress Management Tips for Christians

When I was a junior in high school, our school counselor came into the classroom and gave a presentation on techniques to help manage stress. As a teen, you likely experience many times when you feel like you’re under pressure. With activities going on, tests to prepare for and choices to make, these times can feel pretty overwhelming. My counselor discussed this in her presentation, and she gave a few tips for working through and coping with stress. Recently, I opened my notebook and looked at my notes from the presentation, and I immediately began to see the spiritual aspects of each tip.

Live in the Moment

During the week, you may have tests to study for, homework to complete or activities to go to. When you feel like you have a lot on your plate, it helps to slow down and focus on what you need to do, one thing at a time. This is sometimes referred to as mindfulness. We are instructed not to worry about tomorrow, but to draw our attention to the needs of today (Matthew 6:34). Narrowing our focus to our daily needs helps us manage our time and energy. Scripture also tells us not to be overwhelmed by every aspect of this physical life. Instead, we are to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (verse 33). When you feel surrounded by the demands of everyday life, don’t overreact. Take it one thing at a time and strive to be pleasing to God.

One technique related to mindfulness is grounding, which involves focusing on what you experience with your five senses. Chances are, a lot of the things you see, hear, feel or smell were created by God. Creation teaches us about many of our Heavenly Father’s qualities, and “even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20). Enjoying nature and the beauty around us connects us with God, which helps take our minds off the things that make us feel stressed. Some of us may see birds when we look out our windows, which should remind us of the verse where Jesus asks, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God” (Luke 12:6). Christ uses the sparrows to make the point that God values His people. Take a moment each day to relax and appreciate the marvelous creation God has made for us.

Take Care of Your Health

How much exercise do you usually get in one day? Being physically active produces endorphins, which help improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed. We need physical exercise to maintain good health, and we also need the spiritual exercise of studying and living God’s way. Bible study is vital to our spiritual wellbeing because all Scripture is useful for teaching and correction (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we go about our daily routines, we need to study God’s Word and work to apply it to our own lives. Reading our Bibles also gives us peace of mind, knowing what lies ahead for our world. Although we know there will be terrible times in the future, we must remember that the Kingdom that Christ is going to establish will have “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:4). Let us cling to the hope that God has revealed to us and strive to learn more about Him every day. Consider doing some simple stretching or walking while meditating on God’s plan and purpose for you.

Another way to take care of our health is to make sure we’re getting enough sleep each night, which reduces stress hormones in the body. We need good quality rest every night, but we also need rest from our normal routines. Coming together for services every Sabbath enables us to “stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Keeping the Sabbath is an important way to get spiritual rest, and it’s a time to build our relationship with God and show kindness to each other. Another way to find rest is to stay close to God and put everything in His hands. Jesus tells us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Certain things may seem huge to us, but God has the power to help us and give us relief. Instead of staying up late on your phone or playing video games, give your body the sleep it needs every night.

I imagine most of you love a good laugh, and it turns out, your body does too! Laughter creates an increased intake of oxygen, soothes tension and reduces stress hormones. Laughter is associated with joy, and as King Solomon was inspired to write, “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Happiness has health benefits, both physically and emotionally. It’s good to find happiness in the good parts of life, but it’s just as important to find joy even when things aren’t going well. James instructs us, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). We should allow the obstacles in our lives to produce good qualities within us and bring us closer to God. Try surrounding yourself with people who encourage you or watch a funny movie at home.

Pray and Give Thanks

Sometimes, our thoughts can be like a spinning wheel that never stops. Whenever you feel that you have a lot on your mind, talking to someone and receiving advice is very beneficial. Since our primary source of wisdom and comfort is God, we should also go to Him in prayer with whatever we’re dealing with. Paul assures us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Instead of worrying about what we can’t change, let’s bring to God what He can change. Also, we should remember that “we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). Christ knows exactly what we’re going through because He was once a physical human being who suffered for our benefit. Set aside time to pray to God about what you’re feeling and ask for His guidance in your life.

At Thanksgiving every year, we reflect on the blessings we are most thankful for. Gratitude should be more than an annual tradition, and it should be in our thoughts every single day. A mindset of gratitude promotes good health by reducing stress. We should always acknowledge that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). God is the one who blesses us, so we should remember to thank Him every day. It’s especially important to count our blessings when faced with challenges. God’s desire is that we always give thanks, no matter what our circumstances might be (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we thank Him for every good thing in our lives, it helps us take our minds off the bad things. Consider writing down three to five blessings each day or writing someone a thank-you note.

Focus on God and Our Calling

I imagine that in one of your science classes, you’ve been taught that we always need to breathe because our bodies can’t store oxygen. I believe that the reason God made us this way is so that we are reminded to rely on Him every day. God assures us, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). We can trust Him to always be there to guide us as we strive to follow His way of life. We can also rely on Him to bring us through the challenges we face. Jeremiah wrote, “You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You” (Jeremiah 32:17). When we focus on what God can do, we worry less about the things we can’t do. When you feel overwhelmed, take some slow, deep breaths, knowing that God is always there for you.

When was the last time you took a break from being on your phone? Some of the ways to manage your stress include limiting the amount of time you spend in front of a screen each day, and taking breaks from using social media. As Christians, we are warned that “evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). If we spend too much time surrounded by negative influences, they impact our thoughts and behavior. We need to be different from those around us and follow God’s way, and we are instructed, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Our focus on developing a Christ-like mindset helps take our minds off the pressures and worries of our society. Let’s take a break from the world every once in a while, and strive to be a positive example to those we interact with.

One of the things people need in their lives is a purpose; a sense of belonging. While many people search for meaning in romantic relationships or hobbies, our purpose comes from God’s calling. Paul tells us that we “are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). Because we are called into God’s family, we can focus on something greater than ourselves. Besides our relationship with God, we have the opportunity to build relationships with each other. We’re instructed to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Connecting with others relieves stress, and it reminds us that we are not alone in the obstacles we face. Instead of becoming too focused on daily hassles and uncertainties, let’s keep in mind the bigger picture of being in God’s family.

I found my school counselor’s presentation to be very insightful, as she explained unique ways to manage stress. When I reviewed my notes from the presentation, I started putting some of them into practice. There are many methods for managing and coping with stress, and I hope you will find the one that works best for you. God doesn’t want us to be troubled, but to trust in His plan to bring an end to all the suffering in the world. Whether you find yourself dealing with a decision to make, a deadline to meet or another challenge, remember that nothing in this life “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

Andreya Halvorsen