Christian Stress Management Techniques

The Bible teaches numerous Christian stress management techniques that can help you cope with all types of stressful situations. These biblical relaxation techniques include:

Praying

Talk therapy is very effective for managing stress because it serves as a form of catharsis. 

Prayer, which is simply talking to God, is a form of talk therapy which can be used by everyone dealing with stress. 

Though talking to a counselor is good, talking to God is even better because He is a Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) Who can also solve all your problems. Therefore heed the Bible which asks, “Is anyone suffering? Let him pray” (James 5:13) by telling God your problems because He answers prayers even if you do not hear His voice when you pray. Praying also helps you relax especially if you cast your burdens to God because He cares for them. (1 Peter 5: 6-7)  

Praying or talking to God is also safer than talking to a friend about your problems. In addition, is free and it can be done at anytime and in any place. 

The Bible encourages praying during difficult times for it asks, Is anyone suffering? Let them pray. (James 5:13) Therefore talk to God about your problems and emulate Jesus Who prayed when He was suffering and sweating blood in the garden. (Luke 22:42)  

Singing Praises to God

Singing songs is an effective stress management technique because it reduces stress hormones and helps a person relax. It also results in the release of endorphins when help a person feel better.

Singing Christian praise songs to God is even more powerful since God is Enthroned in the praises. (Psalm 22:3) 

Therefore sing songs of praise to God every day and you will scatter the forces of negativity in your stressful situation for we are to put on The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3) and God may even solve the stressful problems for you.

Click here for 10 Relaxing Bible Verses

Meditation

Meditation has been medically proven to be an effective relaxation technique. It has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate which rise when the body is responding to stress.

Meditation is also a Christian relaxation technique since the Bible tells us to Meditate within your hearts on your bed and be still. (Psalm 4:4)

It also encourages us to meditate on the Word of God during the day as well as the night for it says, This book of the law shall not leave your mouth. You shall meditate on it day and night so that you do what is written in it and then you will be successful. (Joshua 1:8)

Therefore create time to meditate on Scriptures so that you can relax even in you are in the middle of a stressful situation.

Bible verses that you can meditate on to manage stress include:
1. I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
2. In all these things I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves me. (Romans 8:37)
3. Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you for He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

Click here 10 stress relief Bible verses

Renewing Your Mind

Negative thoughts can make you feel more stressed and anxious. They can also influence your emotions and make you feel more stressed or sadder. Negative thoughts can also influence your actions and make you engage in destructive behaviors.

Therefore heed the Bible which tells us Do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2) by refusing to think how your negative stressful situation wants you to think.

Instead heed the Bible for its tells us to Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2) To change yourself by renewing your mind, meditate on  positive Scriptures instead of the negative thoughts arising from your stressful situation.

This transformation will help you know What is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Therefore replace all negative thoughts emanating from your stressful situation with positive thoughts arising from the Bible and you will be able to know what God expects you to do.

Laughing

Laughter is an excellent stress reducer because research has shown that it increases levels of endorphins which are feel good hormones and reduces stress hormones.

It is also another great relaxation technique for Christians since the Bible tells us that A merry heat is as good as medicine.(Proverbs 17:22) 

Therefore schedule time to laugh each day by reading snippets from a hilarious book, posts from humorous blogs or watching clean funny YouTube videos.

Click here for 10 Bible verses to help you relax

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for their healing benefits and it is a Biblical therapy because the Bible tells use that Ointments and perfumes delight the heart. (Proverbs 27:9)

Therefore whenever you need to destress and delight your heart, inhale stress management essential oils like lavender and Roman chamomile essential oils. 

You can also add 10 drops of these aromatherapy oils to a bath tub filled with warm water and soak in it for atleast 10 minutes to relax.   

To learn more read my book Aromatherapy for Stress Management (click here for the PDF) or consult me for customized stress management essential oil blends. 

Helping the Less Fortunate

Helping less fortunate members of your society can help you manage stress since it helps you appreciate your blessings even more. 

The Bible also tells us that Blessed is the person who helps the poor for the Lord will deliver them from trouble, preserve them from death and bless them. (Psalm 41:1-3)

Therefore create time to engage in this Biblical stress management technique as you heed Matthew 25:42-45 by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and visiting the sick in your area for God will bless you and He can even deliver you from your troubling stressful situation.

Click here for 10 Bible verses to help you cope with stress

Managing Money Well

Surveys have cited financial stress as one of the most common source of stress followed by work stress, family stress, relationship stress and health-related stress. 

Learning how to manage money is therefore an important life skill and the Bible teaches us how to do this in numerous passages. 

For example it tells us Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and look well to your herds for riches are not forever and the crown does not remain in every generation ...

The lambs are for your clothing and the goats are the price of the field.  And you shall have enough goats' milk to feed you and your household and to maintain your maidens. (Proverbs 27:23-27)  

This means that you have to be diligent in knowing the state of your accounts and take good care of the sources of your income because riches and jobs do not last forever or pass on to every generation.

In addition ensure that you invest by using some of your assets (goats) to buy more assets (field). Doing this will ensure that you have enough money to feed and maintain your household.

Managing Work Stress

Work stress is another major cause of life stress and the Bible also gives us very useful job stress management tips. 

For example it tells us Do not overwork to be rich (Proverbs 23:4) because overworking can make a person more susceptible to developing stress related illnesses especially if they do not take time to eat healthily, exercise regularly or take relaxation breaks. 

The Bible also encourages working smarter rather working harder since this can reduce stress on the job for it tells us If the ax is blunt and one does not sharpen the edge, then they must use more strength. But wisdom brings success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10)

Delegation is another method of handling stress from the Word of God. We can see a good example of this when Moses' father-in-law Jethro advised him to delegate some of his responsibilities to other men. (Exodus 18:17-17) Therefore, if you are overwhelmed, delegate some of your tasks to capable people. 

Click here for 10 Bible verses for work stress management

Read more Christian Stress Management Articles

9 Natural Therapies for Depression

Depression is a mental illness that affects many facets of a person's life. 

It hurts a person holistically because the symptoms and signs of depression can be:
a. Physical e.g. weight gain or weight loss
b. Mental e.g. deteriorating memory and poor concentration
c. Emotional e.g. feeling sad and crying for no apparent reason 

Therefore, the best approach for managing mental depression is a holistic one that combines physical, mental and emotional therapies like the following:

Prayer

Prayer is a spiritual therapy that you can use to manage depression naturally because James 5:13 tells us that we should pray if we are suffering. 

Therefore pray every day if you are dealing with depression because God promises you that If you call on Him, He will answer you and He will be with you in trouble and He will deliver you and honor you. (Psalm 91:15) 

As you pray, give the mental burdens that are weighing you down to Jesus because He cares for you (1 Peter 5: 6-7) and so that He can sustain you. (Psalm 55: 22) 

Ensure that you ask Him to heal you so that your joy may be full. (John 16:24) 

Christian Meditation

Christian meditation is a mental therapy that you can use to manage depression depression naturally. 

This is due to the fact that your thoughts contribute to how you feel and who you become. Therefore if you consistently think depressing thoughts, you will begin to feel depressed and you may even become depressed because a person becomes what they think in their heart. (Proverbs 23:7) 


Therefore constantly monitor your thoughts and replace all negative thoughts in your ind with positive thoughts that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4: 8) and you will begin to feel better.

Social Therapy

Social therapy is a physical therapy that can be used to manage depression naturally for Two people are better than one because they have a good reward for their effort and if one falls down, the other will lift up his/her companion. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) 

In addition, Though one may be overpowered by person, two can withstand him and a threefold cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)  

Therefore build your social support system by finding atleast two friends who share the same Christian values with you and whose company you enjoy. Create time to spend with them so that you can share the good times and lift each other up when you are down.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for their healing benefits and it is a Biblical therapy because the Bible tells use that Ointments and perfumes delight the heart. (Proverbs 27:9)

Therefore whenever you need to delight your depressed heart, inhale anti-depression essential oils like rosemary, sweet orange and rose essential oils. You can inhale them directly from the bottle or add 3 drops to a cotton ball and carry it with you wherever you go so that you can inhale their uplifting scents whenever you need it. 

You can even prepare your own anti-depression bath salts by mixing 4 drops of bergamot, 4 drops of rosemary and 4 drops of sweet orange with a cup of Epsom salts. Add a handful of these scented salts to your bath water and soak in it for at least 10 minutes when you need to chase away the blues.  

To learn more read my book Aromatherapy for Depression (click here for the PDF) or consult me for customized stress management essential oil blends. 

Writing Therapy

Writing therapy for depression involves penning your uncensored emotions on paper. It offers a safe form of emotional release which can help you heal from emotional pain and recover from depression.

Writing therapy can be updated to the 21st century by creating a free blog and posting your feelings online anonymously.

Music Therapy

Music therapy has been used for depression treatment and to raise spirits for eons. 

Therefore listen and sing praises to God whenever you start to feel down because the Bible tells us to Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3) 

Talk Therapy 

Talk therapy is very effective for treating depression.  Therefore talk to a friend or consult a Christian counselor.

Self-talk therapy also has an important role to play in the treatment of depression especially if you do not have anyone to talk to or if you are surrounded by negative people.

Therefore create time to engage in self-talk therapy by speaking good words to yourself since Anxiety in the heart causes depression but a good word cheers it. (Proverbs 12:25) 

Here is a great example of self-talk therapy

For effective self-talk therapy, speak anti-depression Bible verses over yourself as positive affirmations each day for at least 10 minutes. For example you can confess:
1. This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) 

2. I will be happy because the God of Jacob is my help. (Psalm 146:5) 

3. I can do all things including overcome depression through Christ who strengthens me (Adapted Philippians 4:13) 

Diet Therapy

Diet therapy for depression treatment begins with eating foods which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids since studies suggest they can alleviate mood changes. Oily fish like salmon, halibut and tuna are perfect examples of foods which are rich in these essential fatty acids.

Vegan sources of these omega 3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans, winter squash and extra virgin olive oil. To incorporate them into your diet you can grind 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds and sprinkle them onto your breakfast cereal and snack on salads with walnuts tossed it in extra virgin olive oil. 

Dark chocolate is another delicious anti-depression food since it helps you feel better through the release of "feel good hormones" known as endorphins.

Click here to learn how to use Chocolate for Stress Management so that you can also use it to relieve depression. 

Herbal Therapy

St John’s wort (hypericum perforatun) has been shown to be effective for treating mild depression.

Rosemary is another herb used to manage depression. You can use it by steeping 1 teaspoon of rosemary in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes to make your own uplifting rosemary tea. Strain the leaves and sweeten it with honey before drinking. 

However, before you begin taking medicinal amounts of these or other herbs always consult your doctor.

Medical Therapy

Medical therapy is not a natural therapy for treating depression but it is important to include it here because the treatment of depression should begin with consulting your doctor so that they can:
a. Evaluate you 
The aim of the evaluation is determine whether your symptoms and signs are due to depression or to another medical or mental condition 

b. Determine the cause of depression 
There are many causes of depression and they include medications like acyclovir (Zovirax which is used to treat herpes or shingles), atenolol (Tenormin which is used to treat high blood pressure, angina chest pain), atorvastatin (Lipitor which is used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks).

c. Prescribe medications to treat depression
There are many medications used to treat depression and these include duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa) bupropion (Wellbutrin) and amitriptyline. 

Click here it you need Christian Counseling

How to Deal with the Pain of Christmas and the New Year

Does Christmas and the New Year find you painfully tossed from your high horse of abundant health, satisfying relationship, fulfilling family life, rewarding career or financial freedom?

Does Christmas and the New Year find you painfully groveling in sickness, loneliness or joblessness?

Does Christmas and the New Year find you painfully wondering why you are being led, managed or employed by those you were formerly leading, managing or employing? 

Does Christmas and the New Year find you painfully wondering what went wrong when all along you thought you were doing the right thing?

Does Christmas and the New Year find you painfully blinded by pain and confusion?

Does Christmas and the New Year find you painfully questioning everything you have ever been taught?

If it does, learn from what Paul, the man formerly known as Saul, experienced in Acts 22:3-11 for he says:

³I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

 ⁴And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

 ⁵As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

⁶And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

 ⁷And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

 ⁸And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

 ⁹And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

 ¹⁰And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

 ¹¹And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.                                                                                                                                                                                  

We can see that Saul-Paul was on his way to Damascus to discharge the duties of his high profile job (we know that his was a high profile job since he received orders from the Council of Elders) of arresting Christians and taking them back to Jerusalem to be punished for being Christians when he fell from his high horse and high profile job.

We can also see that one minute he was healthy man and in the twinkling of an eye, he was totally blind. 

This sudden change of his condition necessitated that the people he had formerly led to track down Christians, (and even those he possibly supervised as they stoned Stephen), now had to lead him instead.   

We can also see that Saul-Paul thought he was doing the right thing (for he says he was zealous towards God as he had been taught about Him at the feet of the great Gamaliel) when all of a sudden it all went “wrong” and he ended up lying on the dirt road blind.

We can also suppose that Saul-Paul thought he would take just one moment riding through that spot on the Road to Damascus and yet he took much longer for he was struck down from his horse, blinded, had a conversation with Jesus and then his travel companions had to organize themselves to lead him as he could no longer see.

We can also suppose the sudden bright light at noon (meaning it must have been very bright) “could have also blinded him mentally with questions such as “What is going on?”, "How come I can't see?", "Who put of my lights", “Was that a UFO?” before Jesus spoke and identified himself.

Finally, we can also see that Saul-Paul who received approval and authority from the High Priests and Council of Elders to arrest these “bad” followers of Christ, could also have questioned everything he had ever been taught according to the perfect manner of the law of his fathers when Jesus Christ asked him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

Therefore, if Christmas and the new year finds you tossed from your high horse and wondering why everything went so wrong as you question everything you have ever been taught understand that Saul had to go through his painful experience so that he could be shaken and become the Paul who would fulfill his purpose by doing the things which were appointed for him to do (Acts 22:10). 

He had to feel the pain of being blinded and falling from his high horse and high profile job and hearing a Voice that those who were now leading him could not hear so that the Paul within Saul could be open to being led to his life’s purpose.  

Therefore, understand that pain often precedes fulfilling your purpose and learn from Saul-Paul to ask Jesus, “What shall I do Lord?” (Acts 22: 10)

Then, let doing the things He has appointed for you to do or fulfilling your Life's Purpose be the only New Year's Resolution you make so that the pain can fuel the purpose as the purpose heals the pain. 

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year

CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES: INAPPROPRIATE PLACE TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS

From the conflict in John 8:2-11 when the Pharisees and scribes brought a woman caught committing adultery to Jesus, we can learn how to resolve conflicts which are complicated by being resolved in an inappropriate place.

The Pharisees and scribes brought the woman to the Temple where Jesus was already preaching and teaching. This was therefore not the ideal place for conflicting parties to meet let alone to discuss an issue like adultery as it was a sacred place of worship.

The Temple was also the Pharisee’s turf and they were likely to be joined by like minded peers while it was highly unlikely that anyone would dare side with a woman accused of such an immoral crime in such a sacrosanct place.

In addition, by bringing the woman to the Temple, the Pharisees were putting her on public display for her private crime for it was a public place and a crowd had already gathered to listen to Jesus’ teaching.

If, like in Jesus’ case, you are unable to influence the choice of venue, make the best use of where you are.

If you can, choose a place that is not owned any of the conflicting parties and not where any of their supporters usually congregate.

An appropriate venue for conflict resolution should also offer privacy especially when sensitive matters like adultery are being discussed.

Therefore for effective conflict resolution, choose a venue that is private but not privately owned by any of the conflicting parties so that you can resolve tricky conflicts timely and increase the peace in your home, the productivity of your ministry and the profitability of your business. 

Adapted from Resolving Conflicts just like Jesus Christ by Dr. Miriam Kinai © 2010.

Christian Stress Management

How to Resolve Conflicts part 1

From the conflict in John 8:2-11 when the Pharisees and scribes brought a woman caught committing adultery to Jesus, we can learn how to resolve conflicts which are complicated by inconveniencing timing.

The timing of this conflict was inopportune for Jesus since He was already teaching when the Pharisees brought the woman. It does not seem that they had notified Him in advance that they would bring a conflict for Him to resolve at that particular time.

But, Jesus stopped teaching and begun resolving the conflict even though it may have inconvenienced His day’s schedule.

He even took His time because after listening, Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground. He could have done this to buy time to think or pray for a solution but in any case, He did not rush through the process so that He could get back to preaching.

By not dashing through the conflict resolution process, however, inconveniencing it may have been, Jesus showed great consideration for it was the woman who had the most at stake because it was her life which was threatened.

Therefore, if you find yourself entangled in an inconveniencing but grave conflict, voluntarily or otherwise, create time in your tight schedule so that you can resolve it immediately and effectively. Take as much time as you need, just like Jesus did, to ensure a satisfactory conclusion for this prompt resolution of conflicts will increase the peace in your home, the productivity of your ministry and the profitability of your business. 

Conflcit Resolution part 1
Conflict Resolution part 2
Conflict Resolution part 3
Conflict Resolution part 4

How to Resolve Conflicts part 2

From the conflict in John 8:2-11 when the Pharisees and scribes brought a woman caught committing adultery to Jesus, we can learn how to resolve conflicts which are complicated by poor positioning of the conflicting parties.

We can see that Jesus was already teaching a crowd when the Pharisees and scribes (another crowd), brought with the lone woman and placed her in their midst.

She was placed in the middle of her many accusers who were also baying for her blood as well as all the people Jesus had been teaching. This nerve-racking arrangement was most inappropriate for effective conflict resolution as countless censuring eyes converged on her from all corners and it may have been one reason why she couldn't speak up for herself.

Therefore, if you are entangled in a conflict or called on to mediate one, ensure there is proper positioning of the parties by asking them to sit around a round table or stand facing each other with the mediator between them.

If you are unable to influence the seating (or standing) arrangement of the different parties, do what you can to make all parties feel comfortable.

You can bend down to a child’s eye level for when Jesus stooped down to write on the ground, He may have assumed this position to get down to her level so that He would not be towering over her like the Pharisees and scribes.

Therefore, position the parties properly for effective conflict resolution so that you can resolve tricky conflicts and increase the peace in your home, the productivity of your ministry and the profitability of your business.

Conflcit Resolution part 1
Conflict Resolution part 2
Conflict Resolution part 3
Conflict Resolution part 4