1. TIME WITH GOD
a. Worship –
Spending time in worship loosens you up and reduces stress! During these quiet moments, thank Him for all He’s done. As you do this you are reminded that God is big and everything else is small. He will speak to you in these times of intimacy and encourage your heart. I usually light my candles and put on worship music, or an instrumental. I always walk away refreshed and hopeful.
b. Intercession –
Praying for someone else points your heart in the right direction. Sometimes the best thing to do when you’re stressed is to stop focusing so much on yourself. Caring about another person turns your mind away from harsh introspection and brings you back to what’s most important, loving others.
c. Power praying –
“Build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20
Praying in tongues builds you up! If you’re feeling burdened and anxious, this is one of the best things you can do! The Bible teaches us that if you don’t know what to pray, let the Holy Spirit pray for you! He knows what’s best, so pray in tongues and let His wisdom flow through you.
Don’t have time to pray for an hour? Take 5 minutes to just close your eyes and pray deeply in the spirit. Pray on your lunch break, in the bathroom, in your car – focus fully on this communion with God, nothing else. Even if you don’t feel a change in perspective right away, just know that as you are doing this, you are being built up in your spirit. Pray softly under your breath throughout the day and thank God for every good thing.
2. RELAXATION
What stimulates a sense of inner relaxation? Learn to create peaceful environments for yourself, and find activities that bring you happiness.
a. Nature –
One of my favorite things to do is to grab a blanket, head out to my backyard and lay on my hammock. Sometimes I just sway back and forth in silence looking up at the trees to clear my mind and talk with God. Other times I listen to a podcast or music, either way, it always feels good to get outside in the fresh air. I even go out there in the Winter! I just put my boots on and bundle up – spending time outside plays a big role in our overall wellbeing.
b. Hobbies –
I love to play my guitar, write songs and sing. While I’m playing
I sense an instant feeling of release and creative flow which leads me to a place of comfort, self love and the ability to see things as they really are.
3. LISTEN TO SOMEONE WISER THAN YOU
a. Podcasts –
I listen to Bethel church podcasts every week. Bill Johnson (senior pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California) has been a beloved mentor over these past few years. After I listen to these teachings, my mind is in a better place and my heart is encouraged. There is always someone out there that has more experience than you and can help steer you in the right direction. Be wise, and glean from wise people.
b. Audio Bible –
There are apps you can download on your phone so that you can listen to the Bible (you can also listen online at Biblegateway.com). I usually listen and read at the same time so that I can really focus and not get distracted by other things. But sometimes I just close my eyes and let the words fall into my heart.
c. Books –
There are so many good books out there, I’m always reading something. I just read a book called “Visions from Heaven: Visitations to my Father’s Chamber” by Wendy Alec – it really made a mark and altered my perspective. Other classics include Heidi Baker’s book “Compelled By Love” and Bill Johnson’s “Strengthen Yourself in the Lord”, to name a few. Sarah Young’s devotional “Jesus Calling” was also a daily read for me.
We feed ourselves with junk all day through TV, Facebook and other media – why not try to implement something that will actually help you? Get your hands on some good books! They may just ch
ange the way you see the world.
4. PACE YOURSELF!
So much to do and so little time? Consider this:
a. Organize –
Instead of leaving all the things you need to get done swirling around in your mind, write them down or put it into your phone. It will help you to feel less overwhelmed to just see it for what it is.
b. Know Your Limits –
Now that you have everything written down, think about it. Do you really have to do all these things right now? Take the pressure off of yourself, certain things can wait for another day. Once you figure out the things you actually need to do, keep a slow pace. Have a plan and make realistic goals, taking each task one step at a time. Learn to rest between tasks. Even if you really want to get something done, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed take a break! If you treat yourself kindly, you’ll find yourself actually enjoying your life, instead of wringing your hands through it all.
5. EXERCISE
a. Enjoy It! –
Find a form of exercise that you actually enjoy. Something that is easy enough so that you’re able to do it consistently, but something that you’re able to grow in and challenge yourself so that you don’t get bored with it. Do you like to run? Train for a race! You will enjoy seeing yourself improve through your training.
b. Wellbeing –
I used to think the only real reason to exercise was to keep the weight off – I now know there is so much more! When I set out on my run in the morning, no matter how tired or lazy I may feel before I start running, by the time I get home I feel great! I feel accomplished and balanced, and ready to take on the day.
Here’s to a healthy mind!
– Missy Gordon
