Dr. Christina Watlington: Too Blessed To Be Stressed

Too blessed to be stressed? Stress is often considered to be negative, but not all stress is bad.  The times in my life when I experienced the most growth, were often the most stressful: getting through graduate school with small children, training for a half marathon, or speaking before large groups of people. Eustress, or positive stress, is healthy, enhances brain development, is short lived and can give one a sense of fulfillment. It feels exciting and it can improve our performance, concentration and motivation.

Stress is simply our body’s way of responding to any type of demand and is required for growth to occur. However, stress levels can become toxic if they are too intense and persist for a long period of time. Negative or toxic stress can result from a number of things, including legal and financial problems, marital problems, abuse, discrimination, chronic neglect, or any other type of adverse experience. It disrupts the brain structure and is associated with mental and physical health problems such as depression, anxiety, weight gain, heart disease and digestive problems, just to name a few. It is pretty difficult to come up with any sort of medical disorder that is not caused by or at least aggravated by stress.

So if you are experiencing toxic/negative stress, it is important to make some very conscious life changes. Here are a few healthy habits that will help you to manage stress:

1.      Connect with others: We are social beings and do well in the presence of others. Talking with others can release hormones that reduce stress, even if you cannot change the stressful situation. So stay connected to positive people in your life to combat the negative effects of stress.

2.      Do something you enjoy: You may feel that you’re too busy to engage in pleasurable activities, but studies have found that individuals who engage in more frequent enjoyable leisure activities have better psychological and physical functioning.  For some ideas about pleasurable activities, check out my blog, Get Up and Do Something.

3.      Get moving: Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood and make you feel good. It can also serve as a valuable distraction to your daily worries. You don’t have to begin with an intense workout regimen. Short, 10-minute bursts of activity that elevate your heart rate and make you break out into a sweat can help to relieve stress and give you more energy and optimism.

4.      Focus your mind: The brain functions best when it only focuses on one thing at a time. Multitasking substantially reduces efficiency, puts stress on our system and causes us to make more errors. To improve your focus, turn off background noise, turn away from distracting activities, and eliminate the pull of computers, smart phones and other such devices.

5.      Be positive: Instead of being pessimistic, setting unrealistic expectations, engaging in negative self-talk, or always seeing the glass half-empty, make an effort to focus on the positive things in your life. The simple act of keeping a gratitude journal and focusing on all that’s good in your life can help reduce stress and give you a new perspective. Being positive helps you to understand that you, indeed, are too blessed to be stressed.

6.      Practice mindfulness: It has been said that we only spend about 10% of our time in the present moment, while we spend the rest of our time anticipating what’s ahead or reflecting on what’s already happened. Mindfulness-paying attention on purpose, in the present moment– can help relieve stress, improve sleep, and reduce or alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. For tips on mindfulness practices, check out my blog, Five Ways to Step Into the Present. 

These are just a few healthy habits that can help you to manage stress. Remember that not all stress is bad, but it doesn’t hurt to practice some of these healthy habits. Show that you are too blessed to be stressed by practicing mindfulness, being positive, connecting with others, exercising, focusing your mind and doing something you enjoy.  Share your story by leaving a reply at the bottom of this post. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at dr.c.watlington@gmail.com.

Warmly,

Christina

Donna Kafer: Conquering Anxiety

Most of us know all too well that anxiety and stress can wreak havoc on our emotions, but it can make us physically sick as well.  What are we to do when the amount of stress we allow in our lives has gotten out of control? What can we do to reign it in before it kills us? There is a spiritual answer to stress, one we can use with a bit of mindfulness, faith and hope.

Part of the problem could be we no longer trust God. We don’t truly believe He is able to conquer and break the strongholds in our lives. Our faith has taken a nose dive and crash landed in a heap, leaving us without a way to take off again. Where do we begin when our faith wings have been clipped? How do we properly set our spiritual buoyancy to the right position?

First we should confess our inability to trust God, that we have allowed fear to reign terror on our hearts and minds. Furthermore, we should profess that we’ll begin to trust God, placing our lives in His capable hands. We will begin each day with a time of quiet reflection. No radio, TV or computer, no electronic devices to clutter our minds until we’ve spent some time with Him. We simply come to God thanking Him, asking Him to help us throughout our day and pray He will guide us in all we do. Then open up His Word, the Bible and chose one verse from Psalms, One verse from Proverbs and one other Scripture of your choice to meditate on. I always advise starting in the Gospel of John, but you can choose. By doing this you’ve armed yourself with the help you so critically need.

If you’re able to find time during the day, repeat this process, perhaps at lunchtime, or on a break at work. On the drive home, let the verses you’ve read that day lift your spirits as your drive in rush hour, they may calm any anxiety that is building. At bedtime, use this same quiet time as an important part of your nightly routine. Turn off all electronic “noise” and let His peace permeate your being, helping you unwind.

What you’re really doing is reprogramming yourself spiritually, emotionally and even physically to reset into a pattern of trust. You are retraining yourself to capture every thought and bring it into godly influence. You are no longer conforming to the ways of the world, but are adhering to the precepts given by our Father in heaven.

Our Savior Jesus reminds us not to worry, to place all our trust in Him, to leave all of our burdens in His capable hands. He will ease our troubled hearts, if we will but cry out to him for help. He tells us in Matthew 6:24-35 to not worry, because would that change anything? No, so we’re to trust in Him, then He will see us through whatever is troubling us, big or small. Why? Because He loves us and cares deeply for us, more than we may ever truly know. Trust Him!

Stress doesn’t leave overnight, but with regular application, you are well on your way to a life filled with peace, joy and inspired living.

Scripture: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone Lord, make me dwell in safety.

 ~ Psalm 4:8

Sherri's Testimony Behind Walk and Talk with God

Sherri's Testimony Behind Walk and Talk with God

In January 2014, Sherri knew she needed to “Do Something Different” in regard to her Health and Wellness Journey. She took a leap of FAITH! Yes, she “jumped!” After all, she had absolutely “Nothing to Lose!”

If you have suffered from Chronic Inflammation, you know how difficult and debilitating it can be. In short, life can seem impossible at times.

 In February 2014, Just one month later, Sherri decided to step things up and she started to prepare herself to get in the best shape of her life. She was on a mission! There were many times Sherri did feel like giving up, but she persisted. She knew she was not only a CHAMPION, but also more than a CONQUEROR! She just kept on going!

How many people have taken it for granted that each day they would be able to get up and walk or talk? Many will not admit it, but if they were honest they have on many occasions found themselves with this type of entitlement mentality.

Slowly, she began gaining her strength so she could consistently walk both indoors and outdoors. This is when Walk and Talk with God was birthed into her spirit. There were so many days when she physically could not go outside to walk, and that memory of not being able to walk inspired her, so when she could walk, she took out time to give God praise, worship, and pray, which allowed God to speak to her and through her.

The messages she received while walking and talking with God, she posted on Facebook. The messages cover spiritual, physical and emotional wellness. Several people have made positive comments and/or sent her messages and emails. After receiving such a great response, Sherri decided to go to the next level with the Walk and Talk with God by sharing this ministry, concept and lifestyle with others who are willing to receive it. Hopefully, with this message, your walking faith and talking faith become interchangeable, while on your Health and Wellness Journey.

Contact information:
www.walkandtalkwithgod.com
www.facebook.com/walkandtalkwithgod
walkandtalkwithgod@gmail.com