Scripture Verses and Tips for How to Manage Stress

We all face stress. Life comes with moments of missing the mark or running late. Stress is a part of our human nature. Some of us handle it better than others. If we don’t manage our stress it can cause our health to diminish. There are several things we can do to manage stress and eliminate the effects it has on our health.

God’s word is filled with instructions about worry and stress. It is the best tool we have to combat the stress that we experience as we live in a chaotic world. Choosing to follow the Scriptures to manage stress is one of the quickest ways to regain your focus.

Tips for How to Manage Stress

Examine the stress you are carrying.

This is not what you are carrying physically but rather emotionally and mentally. It is possible to focus on something to the point of becoming stressed. If it isn’t for you to tend to then you have to learn to let it go.

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”– Luke 12:25, ESV

Know what you can control.

Understanding what you can control is one of the biggest keys to overcoming stress. So many times we get caught up in trying to fix a situation that we have no way to control. Because life involves people, we have to learn that we cannot control the way others think or react. We are only responsible for how we react to something.

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.– Psalm 94:19, ESV

Stop trying to hurry life.

In the last few years, society has become infatuated with the get-it-done mentality and it is starting to take its toll. Having deadlines is a good thing. Having an overload of deadlines is not healthy. Slow down and take time to see the goodness that is around you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34, ESV

Develop a life of gratitude to combat stress.

When you take time to appreciate all the goodness that you experience you will find that you can counteract the effects of stress. Gratitude is more than just being thankful. It is a lifestyle of having a relationship with God and spending time in His Word. Through prayer and listening, you can develop a heart that is thankful for the many blessings that are bestowed on you. This lifestyle is built on trusting God in all areas of life.

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. – Psalm 63:3-4, ESV

Set boundaries.

Some people are consumed with stress because they are instinctively people pleaser who doesn’t say no. When you weigh yourself down with doing tasks for others you can eventually find yourself consumed with stress and even anger. It is okay to say no. Having healthy boundaries is a requirement for having a balanced lifestyle.

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. – Proverbs 29:25, ESV

Find a support system for times of stress.

Sometimes you just need someone to listen to you. You just want to talk to someone without having to be put on the spot. Termed venting, this type of release can help you rid yourself of the stress symptoms that eventually lead to anxiety or panic attacks.

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. – Romans 12:13, ESV

Be mindful.

This is not geared toward others. This tip is aimed at having you stop and engage in your senses and your surroundings. Take time to sit, close your eyes, and take five deep breaths. Then focus on five of each of your senses (see, smell, touch, taste, sound.)

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.– Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV

Take a break.

When you feel that you are becoming overwhelmed with the task at hand it’s time to take a break. Step away from where you are and just take a break. You can go for a walk or even play some music and dance it out. Do whatever you feel will take your mind off the thing that is stressing you.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.– Matthew 11:28, ESV Pet your pet.

One of the best feelings is to sit with your pet and just connect with them. Petting your cat or dog is a great way to just relax and get things off your mind. You could even sing to them or just talk to them about what is going on in life. This is common practice with those who have pets.

Stop multitasking and get organized.
Though some may pride themselves on the ability to multitask, it is a big cause of stress. Trying to complete more than one task at a time can be overwhelming to the thought process. Multitasking can cause you to become unable to focus. This can also cause you to complete a project incorrectly. Getting organized frees you from clutter and helps you maintain your focus on the task at hand. Time management is a great tool to help you get organized.

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints. – 1 Corinthians 14:33, ESV

Take a moment to laugh to manage stress.

Laughing is a great way to release and manage stress. It stimulates your body and increases the ability to relax. Find a funny podcast or video and just laugh. Call a friend who is good at making you laugh. When you laugh you let go of tension and release endorphins.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. – Proverbs 15:13, ESV

Use guided imagery.

Guided imagery is using your imagination to picture yourself in a less stressful place. You can take yourself to the beach or the mountains. Some apps will allow you to listen to someone walk you through a scene. Some people can also use audiobooks to get the same effect. Thinking about the beauty and goodness that God has created brings a sense of peace.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8, ESV

Learn to balance work and home to reduce stress.

There has to be a balance between how much time you spend working and how much time you spend at home. When you are always working you become stressed because your body doesn’t have any downtime. It is the same when you are spending more time at home. In this case, you become stressed because not working affects your finances. Learning to schedule and plan your time in a balanced way is a long-term tip for reducing stress.

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. – Proverbs 23:4, ESV

Improve your communication.

Learning to communicate properly doesn’t seem like it would help with stress. It has been found that when you learn to communicate your need to others you alleviate some of the stress that you experience. Along with voicing your needs, you should also be mindful of when to respond. Sometimes a pause before responding can help you maintain your composure and not respond from emotions.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. – James 1:19, ESV

Practice self-care to manage stress.

The biggest tip is regarding the area of self-care. There are many things you can do to take care of yourself that will help you learn to manage stress. The most important self-care tip is to know when you need to make a change to reduce the stress in your life.

Here is a list of things you can do as you practice self-care:

• Exercise.
• Use aromatherapy.
• Eat a healthy menu and supplements.
• Restrict caffeine and alcohol.
• Use relaxation techniques such as yoga, stretching, and massages.
• Find a hobby.
• Read a relaxing book.
• Light candles and take a hot bath.
• Learn to be creative.
• Understand your triggers.
• Cuddle with your spouse or child.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. – Mark 12:30, ESV

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. – 1 John 3:1, ESV

Christian Counseling for Stress Management

The counselors at Keller Christian Counseling in Texas are here to help you manage stress in your life. Reach out today to schedule a time to meet with a faith-based counselor.