Our mental health affects our body and relationships. Jesus tells us not to worry, because our heavenly father cares deeply for us.
It’s possible to stay worry-free in the midst of stressful situations by exploring what methods and habits work best for you. Here are some practices to support your holistic well-being.
Move on from the past. Learning from your past is an important factor of self-development, but contemplating ‘what-if’ scenarios can drive you crazy. If you find yourself getting stuck in this rut, take a moment to acknowledge the past cannot be changed. It’s best to accept what has happened, learn from it, and move on – using your energy towards your future instead.
Work on your thoughts with a positive aim. Sometimes, we inflate a situation by obsessively focusing on the issues rather than being thankful and optimistic. I know it’s hard to think of anything else when you’re suffering, but doing so only makes you dig a deeper pit into negative emotions. Whenever I’m suffering, I spend time to come up with all the good things I might be overlooking, to get a more balanced view of the situation. Keeping a go-to reminder will give you something to lean on during hard times. I always find encouragement when I recall that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” (Romans 8:28)
Do some physical exercise to boost your mood. You don’t need to break a sweat to enjoy the benefits of exercise. Light exercise, such as walking or stretching makes a difference too. I will sometimes put on some catchy music and dance to the beat.
Find something that makes you smile. If there are objects that help you destress, keep them near common places of stress like having a cute plushie at your workplace. Here are some other suggestions:
- Laugh with some comedy.
- Reminisce with your favorite pictures.
- Talk to a friend or family member.
- Find encouragement in God’s word.
- Go outside and enjoy God’s creation.
- Play a game.
- Listen to music.
Talk to the person causing your worry. For example, if you are upset by what a person said, find an appropriate time and place to talk about it with them. You may either get an answer you don’t like, or clear up a misunderstanding. Either way, by talking things out, your mind can move on from the situation instead of being stuck in question-mode.
Don’t linger in anticipation. Why waste your time and mental energy when you could be productive instead? If you’re not sure what to do in your ‘free time’, you can pick up a personal project, learn basic skills, or find a way to bless others. Many times, our fretting makes things worse. Try putting yourself in an outsider’s perspective – what might he or she advise you?
For combating more specific issues, here are some practical ways to prepare for them:
- Public speaking – Reduce your worry by reciting what you will need to say in front of a pretend audience.
- Socializing – Prepare either general questions to ask or questions for specific people. Prepare topics for discussion that may be relevant to the social environment such as the news, technology, or hobbies.
- Traveling – Ask advice from seasoned travelers or those who have gone to your destination. Bring what you need. Check your route details and travel times carefully. Plan extra time in case you get lost.
- Money issues – Make a plan for what to do in different scenarios. Find people or resources that can assist you.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
When I am anxious before an event, I do my best to prepare and ask God to give me peace. These methods, combined with contentment of imperfection, have helped to ease my worries, and I hope they will help you as well.
As every person is unique, I advise you to find methods that work well with your situation and personality.
Hello, I’m Amenda Wong. With years of professional experience in marketing as a graphic designer, I’ve cultivated a diverse skill set. Beyond my career, I’m passionate about understanding different perspectives and meaningful dialogue. In my spare time, I also enjoy using whatever talents I have to serve my community.