scenic view of lake and mountains against sky

This picture beautifully symbolizes calm to me with with its cool blues and soft green. Calm as we know it is the opposite of anything stressful. It is hard while living in this world to find calm, but definitely worth seeking after.

I can easily tell you the difference between feeling stressed out and feeling calm. However calm has not come easily for me where stress seems to pop into my life without an invitation. So what can we do to relieve the stress in our lives and stress less?

Here are a few things I have learned that have greatly reduced my stress:

  1. Stop comparing yourself and your life to others. Be content with who you are and the experiences you and your family have had. Our Father in Heaven knows what we need as individuals.
  2. Own your day, leaving a little wiggle room for the unexpected. Make sure you give yourself time to breathe and relax. Waiting in my car for my granddaughter to get out of school has been fourty five minutes that I look forward to each week. Figure out what helps you feel calm and make a little time for it each day.
  3. When you have raised and taught your children to the best of your ability, cut those apron strings and learn to let them govern themselves. This has been a hard one for me but I have faith in my kids to eventually figure out those things that will bring peace and true happiness into their lives. All I can really do is pray for them and be a good example.
  4. Stop trying to change the things you have no control over. Instead have the courage to accept that there is simply nothing you can do with this particular situation. Exercise patience and Trust that God is aware. He is there to help and support you through difficult things if you call on Him.
  5. Take care of yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally. Eat healthy, get plenty of rest and exercise. If your stress level becomes unmanageable get help. And don’t forget to treat yourself every once in a while. Try listening to relaxing music or eating chocolate. You deserve it!

“Keep Calm and Carry On!!!”

by Tanya Christiansen