Part I. 25 Causes of Stress
- Prayerlessness; lack of “quiet time”
- Ignorance of God ’s Word & His promises
- Poor nutrition and lack of rest/exercise
- Undesirable living space/cluttered environment
- Workplace issues (office politics, peer conflicts; incompetent subordinates; problematic bosses)
- Obsessing over weight or personal appearance
- Associating with argumentative, frustrating, negative people
- Competing; keeping up with the Joneses
- Envy; viewing someone’s success as your failure
- Inflexibility; inability to accept change
- Failure to delegate tasks; being a control freak
- Failure to distinguish between “important” vs. “urgent" tasks
- Seeking perfection
- Sweating the small stuff (bad drivers, rude clerks, put downs, etc.)
- Unrealistic expectations of yourself or others
- Unresolved interpersonal conflicts; silent treatment
- Failure to establish boundaries or to communicate your preferences
- Poor financial management; past due bills
- Poor time management; failure to plan for unexpected events
- Guilt; refusing to apologize
- Allowing others to “push your buttons”
- Undue concern about the opinions of others; fear of rejection
- Saying yes when you want to say no
- Over extending yourself; too many commitments
- Swallowing your anger
Part II. 25 Cures for Stress
- Make and keep a daily appointment with God.
- Recite Scriptural affirmations daily (e.g. “This is working for my good…”; “I am more than a conqueror…”)
- Remind yourself that God has sealed your destiny; therefore, no one can thwart His plans for you.
- Tell the truth; do right; wrongdoing causes stress.
- Extend grace, mercy, and generosity to others.
- Respect other people’s opinion; refuse to argue about anything that does not personally impact your life.
- Chose one day of the week to enjoy real food; no “light”, “non-fat” or “low-carb” stuff.
- Admit your mistakes, faults and failures (people connect with you better when they see your vulnerability).
- Express your boundaries, desires, and preferences – in a calm, non-hostile manner.
- Take the “high road” in conflicts; humble yourself.
- Learn from the burn, but forgive to live.
- Hug your loved ones (or somebody) daily; show and accept affection.
- Let go of what you can’t control (events, other people’s behavior); control what you can (your response).
- “Fast” from complaining, criticizing, and cussing.
- Delay material gratification; practice spending less or spending later.
- Accept your unchangeable physical features as God’s special “branding” for His purpose.
- Laugh often—especially at yourself.
- Prepare and follow a prioritized “to do” list; limit tasks to 3-4 per day.
- Applaud someone’s success; don’t hate—congratulate, appreciate, emulate!
- Slow the pace at which you talk and move.
- Minimize the consumption of “white” foods (sugar, flour, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc.) and caffeine
- Stop using stress-related phrases (“run to the store”, “grab a bite”, “jump in the shower”, etc.).
- Breathe deeply & slowly (10 breaths) at least five times a day – preferably outdoors.
- Use “waiting in line” time productively (take a mental time-out; tighten your muscles, memorize a Scripture).
- Do some form of exercise daily (walking, stair climbing, (at least a few minutes)).
©dpegues 2005 ~ www.confrontingissues.com ~ (323) 293-5861 ~ ddpegues@sbcglobal.net
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