“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

– Marcus Aurelius

36 CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

• Pray
• Go to bed on time.
• Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
• Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
• Delegate tasks to capable others.
• Simplify and unclutter your life.
• Less is more – Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.
• Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
• Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
• Take one day at a time.
• Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
• Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
• Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
• K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
• Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
• Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
• Get enough rest.
• Eat right.
• Get organized so everything has its place.
• Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
• Keep a Journal — Write down thoughts and inspirations.
• Every day, find time to be alone.
• Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
• Make friends with Godly people.
• Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
• Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good, “Thank you Jesus.”
• Laugh.
• Laugh some more!
• Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
• Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
• Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.)
• Sit on your ego.
• Talk less; listen more.
• Slow down.
• Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
• Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before.