Throughout the hustle and bustle of the day we find stress to be a very common factor. We find ourselves running around trying to meet deadlines and trying to fulfill all the tasks and details that require our time and attention. If we don’t watch it, we can get used to the tension that builds up as a result of our tedious daily tasks.

Understand that in-spite of all that is going on around you, you don’t have to suffer the stress and anxiety that results from all of your daily ventures. Here I’ve compiled three things that you can do to combat stress.

1. Take time out for yourself – Sometimes you have to sacrifice other tasks and take time out to regroup. Some may say that it’s selfish to put yourself first but if you don’t take time out for yourself, who will? Everything in life has to be done within moderation.

The scripture says that there is a time for everything. There is a time to born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot… You see, when you’re running all day everyday, you’re not providing that balance that you need to recover and regroup.

2. Pray and Meditate -  One of the best things you can do, when taking time out for yourself, is to pray and meditate. Praying is simply having a conversation with God. In doing so, you’re opening yourself up to His guidance. Praying is one of the best thing you can do to establish peace in your life.

3. Exercise – I talk often about the neuro-transmitters called endorphins that your brain releases when exercising. These endorphins are natural pain-killers that our bodies release when doing strenuous exercises. They are responsible for making us feel good and releasing stress. Therefore experts recommend exercising as a resort to combat stress.

Taking a morning run before the long day ahead is a great time for getting away. It allows you to take time out with yourself and your thoughts. It’s a great way to prepare for the day. As a result of the strenuous exercise, you’re releasing any un-needed stress that you may have built up.

Make a choice today to add yourself to the equation and watch your stress level become more and more a thing of the past!

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Photo credit: Kamoteus (I Shall Return / Voltarei)

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We live in a day in time where work ethic is at an all time high. We find ourselves working sixty to eighty hours a week, operating on lack of sleep. We often find that we don’t have the energy nor the stamina to sustain the task at hand. Our bodies just aren’t meant to run twenty hours a day operating off only four hours of sleep.

I’ll be the first to raise my hand in agreement, there was a time when I felt like I was quote on quote “superman.” I thought, “Oh sure I’m 29 years old, I only need a few hours of sleep to recharge.”

With the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules, we’ve placed such a high demand on ourselves to deliver more work. And we place less importance on getting the proper amounts of rest. In fact, studies show that lack of sleep is one of the major contributors to the sense of grogginess that you may feel.

Do you find yourself operating off a minimal amount of sleep in order to meet the demand of the day?

Well, if this applies to you, you may find yourself in what I like to call “the superman mentality.“

An example of someone who has the superman mentality is someone who simply places a high demand on work and less demand on rest. They fit the description of a work-a-holic who runs and runs and relies on their inner power and will to carry them from day to day.

Those who have the superman mentality often resort to high levels of caffeine intake or energy drinks. They intake large amounts of sugar, which in turn leaves hearts racing and possibly even a sense of anxiety. No wonder we’re more stressed today than ever before.

There’s nothing wrong with having a great work ethic, but a problem arises when we devalue the importance of sleep and substitute it by dosing up on numerous cups of coffee and insanely large cans of Red Bull.

Over a period of time, you are doing yourself a disservice and causing enormous wear and tear on the body. You may say “Well Jarrod, I’m strong willed- I may wake up a little sleepy and tired but once I’m on my feet, nothing can stop me.”

That’s a great mentality to have, but is it worth the cost of jeopardizing your sleep? Is it worth sacrificing your health?

It’s important to pay attention to your body. When you notice stress building up, don’t continue to work yourself into a grave.

Remember, balance is key; Experts recommend that we get 8-9 hours of sleep a night. They even suggest that we make time for an afternoon nap.

I encourage you to put down that extra cup of coffee. Put away that Red Bull. Go the natural way, award yourself with the right doses of sleep.

I’m reminded of how a doctor treats a patient. When doctors see improvement and decide that the time is right for the patient to go off medication, they will wean patients off the medicine. For instance, if the patient is on 100mg of XYZ, the doctor might decide to take them down to 50mg then down to 25mg. Or if the patient is taking two tablets a day, the doctor may take them down to one tablet a day then a half-tablet until the patient no longer has a need.

What am I saying? If you require three cups of coffee a day, cut down to two and then to one. If you’re addicted to high amounts of sugar, wean yourself off energy drinks. Decide to get a smaller can rather than the larger one. The intent here is that you eventually wean yourself off these caffeine/sugar “medications” all together.

The big idea is that you pay attention to your body. Remember, it all comes down to a decision. You can choose to burn that midnight oil and place unneeded long-term stress on your body, or you can decide that your overall health is important and give your body the proper amounts of rest that it needs. Let go of the ‘superman mentality‘ today and watch as your stamina grows to higher heights and deeper depths as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: Fonzie’s cousin

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Many times we sabotage ourselves when we worry too much about the future. If you have a job that is stressful or tends to be overwhelming, you may find yourself thinking about doing the same stressful tasks over and over again tomorrow and the day after that. You may be saying to yourself, “I can’t do this over and over again, this is too unbearable.”

When you think like this you are doing yourself a disservice because for one, It’s negative thinking and it’s poisonous to your mind. And secondly, you’re worrying too much about the future and this isn’t a healthy way of thinking.

You should learn to take life one day at a time. Don’t worry about the overwhelming work load that tomorrow has to bring. You should realize that tomorrow is a brand new day, with brand new mercies.

You only have two hands

You may have worked yourself into the ground and it seems that you’ve given it all you’ve got. You may say to yourself, “I don’t see how I can take another day like this.” But think of it like this… you’ve only got two hands and you can only carry two bag-fulls at once. You may look down your path and see hundreds of bags in sight but you have to over look those bags for the time being.

When your hands are free again, then and only then will be the time to fill them once again. You can only obligate yourself to one task at a time. The thing is, too often we make the dreadful mistake of stressing out over the future, not knowing how were going to be able to deal with the stress that it has to bring.

It’s important to remember to take life one day at a time. God knows how much you can bear, and He wouldn’t put any more on you. Work like it’s your last chance to work and notice the difference this mind-set will bring, as you charge forth on your journey of life.

Photo credit: by chris@APL

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Throughout the hustle and bustle of the day, we get stressed out over the wrong things. We may find ourselves focusing too much on the past or the future.

The moments that are worth focusing on, have a tendency to go over our heads. Too often, I have to remind myself to let loose and enjoy the moment. Below, I’ve devised 25 examples that are worth letting loose and enjoying the moment. They come far and few in between, so when you find yourself in one of these moments, be sure to kick back and enjoy.

1. The sound of birds chirping at dawn.
2. Watching the sun rise.
3. Watching the sun set.
4. Enjoying the evening breeze.
5. A view of the city from the top floor of a 30 story hotel.
6. A long relaxing back rub.
7. The sound of a nearby fountain.
8. The sound of rain on the rooftop at bedtime.
9. Inhaling the brisk morning air through an open window.
10. Endless laughs with friends.
11. Gazing into the sky while lying in a hammock.
12. The smell of freshly cut grass.
13. A ride on a bridge overlooking a large body of water.
14. The sound of the rain-forest.
15. Swinging on a swing.
16. Watching a fireworks show.
17. The sound of nearby wind chimes.
18. Catching a shooting star.
19. A magnificent view of the earth from the window seat of a plane.
20. Watching a live orchestra perform.
21. The sound of a baby laughing.
22. Going up on a parachute ride.
23. The smell of bacon and eggs first thing in the morning.
24. Spending precious time with some one you love.
25. Emerging yourself in a spa at the end of a long day.

What are some additional moments that are worth losing yourself in? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

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Stress is our bodies’ way of telling us that it’s being over worked. Without it we just might work ourselves into our own graves. Often enough we over look those signs and overwork ourselves until we just can’t work anymore. I can totally understand, when you’re a go-getter and you’re naturally ambitious, it’s always about getting the most done in the smallest amount of time.

We’ve all heard it before… that famous line that we tell ourselves, “I’ll just work the next ten minutes, then I’m calling it quits.” Well sometimes it doesn’t happen like that. Ten minutes turn into twenty minutes, then thirty minutes, and the next thing you know an hour has gone by and you’ve over worked yourself. You’ve pushed yourself to that last straw.

One of the biggest stress signals that we get are those pounding headaches that come from working ourselves to the limit. Over a period of time, stress starts to manifest itself into our bodies and leaves us with tensed up muscles and overwhelming thoughts. By this time it seems as though it’s too late, we’ve gone overboard in working ourselves.

I always say that life is about balance and the best way to prevent stress is by taken action to neutralize it. Here are three stress busters are helpful in limiting the amount of stress that you will experience.

1. Exercise – Have you ever gone on a short run or did some sort of strenuous exercise and noticed how great you felt afterward? When you exercise, your mind releases neuro-transmitters called endorphins which aid in reducing stress. These endorphins are also partly responsible for making you happy. Exercise is an all the way around win-win act.

2. Laugh – “Laughter is the best medicine” and I believe this to be true. I believe laughing to be a great stress buster because it allows us to release a lot of that negative energy that builds up. Some people are up-tight about smiling, let alone laughing, because they’re afraid the world won’t take them seriously. *Newsflash* There is nothing degrading about laughing. Take sometime out and watch a funny movie, or go to the local comedy club. This could be the one move that could change your life.

3. R&R – Rest and relaxation is one of the greatest rewards you can give yourself for your hard work and labor. Sometimes you have to stop right where you are and make a conscious decision to simply rest. It will pay off in the long run.

It’s very important for you to pay attention to the signs that your body is giving you. Remember, your body is your temple and you only get one. It’s much better for you to obey the signs and take care of yourself now, than to pay the penalty in the long run. Take some time out now and relieve stress, you will see the difference it makes as you charge forth on your journey of life.

Photo credit: by porcelaine

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In the world we live in today it can be difficult to keep a positive attitude with so much going on. Many people are becoming so bogged down by the economy and the job layoffs that they are loosing inspiration.

It’s important that we keep a positive outlook no matter how hard the trial because it’s that positive outlook that will influence our decisions. No matter how dark the day know that you will overcome it.

Here are some helpful tips on how to stay sane in an insane world.

Develop a closer relationship with God.

I believe that there is no such thing as being too close with God. Never put God on the back-burner. He’s always advancing and making us stronger therefore we must constantly stay in that place where we’re praying and seeking His face.

Study the Word of God.

Many of the trials we face today were brought about in the bible days in one way or another. God has always been a provider. I encourage you to study and meditate on the Word of God. The same power that Jesus used to heal the sick and raise the dead is the same power He will use to turn things around in our world today. There’s encouragement in the Word of God.

Relax! Take a breather.

Throughout our busy day where we’re constantly trying to meet deadlines, we allow ourselves to face unnecessary stress. Next time you feel your stress level rising take a break and breathe in and out. I read that when we make a conscious effort to breathe in and out correctly, we are communicating to our bodies that everything is going to be okay. We’re also providing more oxygen to the brain which allows us to think clearer.

Plan a vacation.

Save up some money and plan a vacation. Sometimes when we have so much going on around us, the stress we feel is our body’s way of telling us that we need rest and relaxation. I know when many people think of a vacation, they think of a long distance travel to the beach or a cruise or something along those matters.

Although those are great vacations, if you’re on a budget, there are many ways to vacation where you don’t have to spend lots of money. You can simply drive to a lake for the weekend with friends and go fishing and grill-out ,or plan a family trip to a theme park out of town.

Laugh

Studies show that laughing is one of the best ways to relieve stress. When we laugh our bodies release chemicals that make us feel better, therefore laughing is a natural healer.

We live in a world where we take ourselves too seriously. Take time out and enjoy a funny movie or go to the comedy club with friends.

My friend, God has our best interest at heart. We shouldn’t worry about the trials of life, instead lets be mindful that the Lord has a master-plan and in the end we will triumph. While the world is stressing out, I encourage you to wait on the Lord and be of good courage as you go through your life journey.

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Most of the struggles we face in life can be eliminated by changing our thoughts. When something gets the best of you it’s because you allow it to take control over your life.

Our thoughts are directly tied to our emotions so when we’re upset, sad, tired or discouraged, we don’t think as clearly as we do when our emotions are in a neutral state.

If you get discouraged about something, it’s often harder than normal to come to your senses because the weight of the discouragement is over powering your ability to rationalize.

Therefore, often times our worst mistakes are made when we’re weighing our decisions based on our emotions and not our logic. It’s very easy to give up on our dreams because we get discouraged due to lack of progress and growth.

Many times the discouragement stems from us getting impatient and not putting our faith in God.
You may find yourself looking at the progress of your goals and you might find that you’re not where you want to be. Don’t let that discourage you. Don’t operate based on that emotion of discouragement.

Continue to put your faith in God. The night is always the darkest before dawn. When you’re in your darkest state and it seems like you’ve lost all hope and despair, remember to yet hold on to the promise of God.

Ephesians 6:12 says “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Friend, it should be encouraging to know that you have the power to change most of your difficulties by changing your outlook on life.  Most of what seems bad in life are the strongholds that we hold in our mind. Therefore, by changing your thoughts and actions you’re relieving most of stress in your life.

Next time you get discouraged and tempted to give up on your dreams, know that you can go to the Lord in prayer and He will make provision for you.

Don’t operate on discouragement, that’s the enemies way of stirring you in the wrong direction. Always look to the Lord and He’ll guide your footsteps along your journey today.

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The holidays are one of the most joyous times of the year. Unfortunately, for some it can be a rather difficult time of year. As we grow older, we find that it’s not as easy to get into the Christmas spirit as it was when we were younger.

We put so much pressure on ourselves during the holidays that we forget what it’s like to have fun during the holidays. Here is a list of things to do during the holidays to help relieve stress and develop the Christmas spirit.

1) Decorate Around The House.

For me one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit is putting up the Christmas decorations around the house. Some people might say it’s a chore, but instead, look at it as an opportunity to put all your cares aside and focus on having fun during the Christmas season.

2) Spend Time With Family and Friends.

Throughout the year, it’s can be hard to commit time to family because of our hectic schedules. However, one of the best ways to relax during the Christmas season is to commit time to family and friends. Especially those who you don’t get to see throughout the year.

3) Plan A Christmas Get Together.

Schedule a Christmas party for family and friends if it’s easier. The fellowship and the laughter is a great way to ring in the holiday season.

4) Watch Christmas Movies With The Family.

Entertain yourself during the holiday season with Christmas movies. Christmas movies are a great way to help you engage into the holiday season. There are a number of Cable networks that devote the holiday season to playing Christmas movies throughout the season. These networks consist of the ABC Family channel, Hallmark channel, Lifetime, Disney and a number of others. (Check your local listings for these channels.)

5) Play Christmas Music.

The Christmas season is the perfect time to pull out Christmas music. You’ll find that this is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and put a smile on your face. There are radio stations that also devote the holiday season to playing nonstop Christmas music. (Check your local radio stations.)

6) Sing Along To the Christmas Music.

Singing along with the music that is playing is another helpful way to develop the Christmas spirit. This will bring about that special holiday cheer that you’re seeking.

7) Play In The Snow.

If you live in a climate where snow is predominant, lighten up this Christmas season and play in the snow. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight with the family and friends. The kids will love it. This fun and laughter will bring about a special memory for a special time of year.

8 ) Bake Christmas Cookies.

A great Christmas tradition to make is to bake cookies. It can be something that the whole family engages in doing. It shouldn’t be a chore but a time where the whole family comes together to make great memories. This will surely get you into the Christmas mood.

9) Volunteer For The Needy.

The thing about giving to others, is that it makes us feel good about lending a special hand to someone in need. There is nothing like seeing the smile on someone’s face when you’ve volunteered your time and love. This will help us realize how thankful we truly are.

10) Remember The Reason For The Season.

Remember that Christmas is the time that we celebrate the Birth of Christ. If nothing else gives you Joy, knowing that God loves us enough to send us His Son, should be more than enough to bring about a smile to your face this holiday season.

Choose to love better this Christmas season. Make a choice to say, “I’m not going to focus on the negative, but I’m going to be positive this Christmas season.” Know that God loves you and remember that you have so much to be thankful for. Make this season a joyous holiday season!

P.S – …And yes I did say to have a snowball fight…(Smile) Merry Christmas!

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As Christmas draws closer, it can be a rather stressful time trying to meet deadlines. It’s easy to focus on all of the negative aspects of the holidays such as the rush of Christmas shopping, crazy traffic, not knowing what to get friends and family, or even feeling obligated to give to everyone.

Therefore, Christmas can be a stressful time of year. I want to remind you to take a step back and be in the moment this holiday season. As cliche as it sounds, remember the real reason for the season.

Over the years, the world has taken Christ out of Christmas and put the focus on other tangible things. Remember if it wasn’t for the Birth of Christ we would not be saved. We wouldn’t have the right to a tree of life.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Friend, because God sent His son Jesus, our lives are forever changed. We know this because, in John 10:10, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and He says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Remember, as you go through the holiday season, take a step back and live in the moment. The holidays should be the least stressful time of year simply because it’s a time for friends and family to come together and share love and thanksgiving.

One of the greatest gifts, if not the greatest Christmas gift, is the gift of spending time with friends and loved ones. Sure you want to take time out and hit the shopping malls and brave the holiday crowd, but in the interim, be mindful of the real reason for the season which is the birth of Christ.

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Happiness is dependent upon people and material things. Many times happiness comes and goes depending on whether our situations are in our favor of not. Happiness is only temporary.

Joy is not based on people or material things, it’s based on the spirit of God within us. Joy is eternal. When you develop the true Joy of the Lord, you make the choice that no matter what comes your way, you will walk in the Lord’s perfect peace.

The bible says that He will keep us in His perfect peace if we keep our mind stayed on Him. You may have so many things hitting you left and right but if you choose to be joyful, and trust that the Lord will keep you in perfect peace, you’ll find life to be a lot less stressful. Joy is something that the world didn’t give and the world can’t take it away.

Notice, I frequently use the word choice. That’s what it all boils down to. It’s your choice to choose a life of peace and joy. Here are some ways to help you establish the joy of the Lord in your heart:

• Improve your relationship with God – Stay in the will of the Lord, and trust that He will guide your footsteps. Know that you can have anything you want when you ask God. He’ll give you the desires of your heart and grant you joy.

• Never react Immediately - When the enemy throws you a curve ball, never react immediately based on the emotions that you feel. Instead, take a moment to calm down you are able to think more logically when you are in a relaxed state of mind.

• Pray Daily – You’ll find that when you pray and release all of your burdens into God’s hands, He will grant you peace and joy. It’s not something that happens over night but overtime you will learn that God is a God that cannot lie. He will stand by his word. If He says it in His word, it will indeed come to pass.

• Study the Word of God Daily - When you have the word as a strong foundation in your heart, you have the assurance that, the same way He healed the sick, and fed five-thousand with two fish and five loaves of bread is the same way He will work in your life. Knowing that alone is enough to give you joy.

I remember when I was younger, if I ever felt like I was lonely, I’d be tempted to get down spirited but as long as I knew my mother and father were there to show me the way, I then knew that everything was going to be alright.

At that time, my happiness was based on the fact that my mother and father were with me to encourage me that everything was going to be alright.

Now that I’m older, I’m able to make decisions of my own. And although my parents are still very active in my life, I’ve developed a personal relationship with Christ for myself and as a result I have joy within my heart. As long as you have Him in your heart and understand that He is the Alpha and Omega, He is the beginning and the end, then something about that will resonate in your heart and give you peace.

Remember if you keep God first, He’ll make a way of provision for you. And if that isn’t enough to rejoice over, I don’t know what is.

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