Have you been feeling stressed out lately? I pray this short blog encourages you to (de)stress your life!
MENTAL STRESS WORSE THAN PHYSICAL LABOR
“In one study, a patient was first given a cardiac treadmill exam. Despite vigorous physical exercise, the patient’s cardiovascular status remained normal throughout. He then was asked to subtract seven from 777 serially for three-and-one-half minutes. His blood pressure went up forty points. Similar results have been achieved in other studies. Certain biochemical stress parameters are more affected by psychological stressors than by physical stressors. Chronic uncertainty, sustained levels of increased vigilance, or struggling with a mental task are more stressful than chopping wood.”
“…E. F. Schumacher stated, “Proper physical work, even if strenuous, does not absorb a great deal of the power of attention, but mental work does; so that there is no attention left over for the spiritual things that really matter . It is obviously much easier for a hard-working [laborer] to keep his mind attuned to the divine than for a strained office worker.” (p. 46-47) Excerpt from,“Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives,” by Richard Swenson.
SLAVES TO SCHEDULE
“From a survey of 1,220 adults published in USA Today revealed that most people are looking for more rest in their lives. For most busy ministry professionals, additional fun time won’t happen without intentional planning.
- Nearly, 70 percent of those surveyed cited a need for more fun.
- 67 percent said they need a long vacation.
- 66 percent said they often feel stressed.
- 60 percent feel their time is crunched.
- 51 percent say they want less work and more play.
- 49 percent feel pressure to succeed.
- 48 percent feel generally overwhelmed.” (Kindle Locations 2580-2584)
Excerpt from, “Preventing Ministry Failure: A Shepherd Care Guide for Pastors, Ministers and Other Caregivers,” by Michael Wilson & Brad Hoffmann.
BOTTOM LINE & SEVEN HELPFUL HINTS
Mental stress can be worse then physical labor and we are not scheduling enough time to de-stress our lives. Therefore, here are some good ways to decrease stress in your life.
Seven Helpful Hints:
- Get good sleep
- Unwind with family/friends
- Spend time in prayer/meditation
- Reject negative thoughts (think positive)
- Keep a realistic calendar
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Budget your money wisely
Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
