While our “thing” might be mortgages — our goal is to be a friend of the family source for all kinds of real life stuff.
And I think we’d all agree — a lot of what’s happening right now — has the potential to lead to a lot of STRESS.
Stress affects all of us differently – sometimes physically, with headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, upset stomach, fatigue and lack of sleep. It can also alter your mood with greater anxiety, lack of motivation, irritability, anger and depression. And it can lead to unhealthy behaviors like over or under eating, angry outburst, social withdrawal, reluctance to exercise and drug or alcohol abuse.
So what’s the solution? The Mayo Clinic suggests a number of ways to get a jump on stress, which we are all going to have, and not let it control us. Here’s a few to try:
- Eat Healthy – we all know the right things to eat…we just don’t do it. Fruits, vegetables, whole foods, less bad fats, less junk food and processed food. If you need those sugary treats, moderation!
- Get Active – Bottom line: MOVE. Walking, gardening, biking, jogging, even housecleaning are all good ways to get the blood flowing and the endorphins activated. When you don’t feel like it is the BEST time to do it.
- Laugh – try and be in a bad mood when you’re laughing. Impossible, isn’t it! Watch your favorite comedy, find funny videos on YouTube, put on a family talent show, hang out (in person or phone/video) with a funny friend. That bad mood will melt away.
- Connect – Stress makes you want to retreat and isolate, but social contact is really the prescription you need. It provides distraction, support, humor, empathy and friendship. And just maybe your friends or family need you just as much as you need them!
- Pray/Meditate – Your faith plays a big role in feeling grounded. Let God know what you’re dealing with and give Him the problems. Meditate on His promises, like Psalm 23, where David is feeling overwhelmed. Make this a daily activity to find spiritual peace and balance even when your world is the opposite.
- Counseling or Coaching – if you are struggling to figure it all out and nothing seems to work, find a professional counselor or coach, or maybe a pastor or ministry leader from your church. They can help work through the challenges you’re facing and come up with a plan to not only cope, but to grow and thrive.
It’s tough out there. We want you to live and thrive!