I am an anxious person. But the Bible tells me that I don’t have to be defeated in my anxiety. This article takes an out-of-the-ordinary approach to working through anxiety. From PierceTaylorHibbs.com blog……………..
Finding New Life in Your Anxiety
In our heads, we know He is supposed to, but in our hearts, we might lay awake at night and tremble in fear. This article reminds us not to be afraid that God will forsake us in our times of need. Here is a takeaway for me: “We tend to live by faith in visible things. Like with our idols (money, skills, other people, etc.) we want to trust in a salvation we can see. However, the promise that God is always watching over us is invisible. I cannot see the Lord’s protection and help, but that does not mean that it is not there.” From One Degree to Another………………..
How can we find peace when our minds and our bodies are racked with anxiety and worry? With Christ, there is a way! Here is a takeaway for me: “Peace comes amidst overwhelming anxiety when we take our eyes off the earthly circumstances and put them on the eternal things.” From Pastor Kelly………….
I am a worrier by nature, and often fall into the “what if” line of thinking. But as a believer, I can replace that thinking with “but even if….” From Core Christianity……………………..
Here is the main takeaway for me from this article: “God is using (and will use) your anxiety disorder to teach you amazing things about your own weakness, your quivering need for him at every moment, and the powerful life that you can receive when you’re bowed in submission to him. Your anxiety disorder, in other words, serves a critical spiritual purpose.” From Pierce Taylor Hibbs……………….
How Should Christians Face an Anxiety Disorder? Counter Intuitive Advice
This article is beautifully written and serves as a great reminder to all believers that God is still on His throne. Don’t let the world drag you down!! From Intentional Faith………….
This past year has, not surprisingly, contributed to a spike in anxiety. You already know why—a global pandemic, sheltering in place, online schooling, unstable job markets, the inability to go to church or meet with friends, racial injustice and tensions, politics, and social media. By now, you’ve heard thousands of stories on those themes. But […]
This Anxious Age — Intentional Faith
Anxiety has become one of the leading causes of all diseases encountered by physicians with their patients — degrading overall health, adversely affecting work performance and relationships with family and friends, and costing consumers billions a year in medication and lost productivity for employers. As an anxiety sufferer myself, I try to make it a daily regimen to practice some of the tips and strategies I will mention below. All of the tips you see have medically and psychologically proven benefits!
SLEEP
Believe it or not, optimal sleep is one of the two most important ways to reduce anxiety. It really is true that the average adult needs about 7 – 8 hours of sleep a night. Try something as simple as going to bed at least 30 minutes earlier than normal for 3 or 4 nights out of the week. And try to keep your bedroom as uncluttered and cool (65 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal) as possible. And NO cellphones right before bed!!
BREATHE
Breathing correctly is perhaps the single-most important thing one can do to handle panic attacks and severe anxiety, due to the fact that correct breathing causes an autonomic response in the body that actually quells the hormones and nervous system responses that we experience as anxiety. The easeist technique is the “4 – 3 – 8” method. One breathes in, using the diaphragm, for 4 seconds and using your nose only. Then, hold your breath for 3 seconds; finally, exhaling through your mouth for 8 seconds. Do this at least 4 times in a row, and your anxious feelings will melt away!
TAKE A LAUGH BREAK
This is another technique that makes use of the mind-body connection to control or remove anxiety. Simply login to Youtube and watch 10 – 15 minutes of funny videos ( I personally recommend funny cat and dog videos, and scenes from “Mr. Bean,” but all to your preference). Just make sure they are video clips that bring you delight and joy!
EXERCISE
We all now by now that exercise has any number of excellent health and wellness benefits. For anxiety reduction, my suggestions are really simple: Get outside (prefavorably when the sun is shining, and simply move around for 5 -10 minutes: This can include walking, stretching, light calisthenics, or simply waling from your parked care to a nice seat in a public park.
KEEP A GRATITUDE LIST
This can be a simple little notebook/notepad. Although it is best to have a physical pad to write in, since physically writing things down involves more of your brain, and has more overall benefits; if you feel you would lost a physical notepad, then by all means keep such a list on your smartphone, or computer so that it will not get lost, and will be easy for you to read and review. It does not have to be a long list, but try to write at least 3 things you are thankful for each day.
LIGHT A CANDLE
Studies have shown true therapeutic effects from breathing in various aromas for 20-30 minutes. (This also works for essential oils). The aromas found to be most effective are: lavender; bergamot; frankincense; sandalwood; orange or orange blossom; and geranium.
CHEW GUM
Don’t laugh, but this is another one of those activities that gets the body’s autonomic system working for you. It makes no difference or flavor or style — simply chew a piece of gum for about 15 minutes and you will notice that anxiety before the big meeting melt away!
I believe these practices are not overly taxing, expensive or impractical. Give them a try for 30 days
straight and see what happens!
Because I am an introvert and struggle with social anxiety, this article really spoke to me! I hope that it will be an encouragement to someone, too! From Core Christianity………….
I am a naturally anxious person, so anything I can find that will help me focus on God rather than my inner thoughts and fears, I gravitate toward. That is why I believe someone may get some serious encouragement from this article as I did! From Servants of Grace……………..
I have often been guilty of running to God in prayer when anxious, pouring out my worries and fears to Him. This is right and good, but the problem is I stop there. This article makes the argument that we need to go to the next step in our prayer, and pray to God while recognizing His love, faithfulness and care for us. From Anchored in Christ……………..
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