Are You Stressed?

How do you deal with stress? I mean we all have it. The burdens of this life at times pile up like that stack of  dirty laundry we seem to never get finished.

Did you know according to the Medical experts~ 60% to 90% of all medical patients complain of stress-related symptoms? Stress can be deadly. The Doctor tells us that stress can be good or bad but either way it takes its toll.

A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. They say it is heredity after all ~ my grandparents and parents had it. And if you are a medical expert don't email me with facts~ I am sure it really is. But I begin to evaluate my blood pressure. Was there things I could do to get it under control?

I began to study how families deal with the stress and pressures of life. Could that contribute to "the hereditary issue?" In fact~ I was once told my father's family had no coping skills. I have to admit it was true.

 I fear I may have handed down my worry problem to one of my children. Our habits can be hereditary too. Ouch!

 I begin to evaluate my coping skills. Why did my blood pressure rise when life got complicated?

First of all~ I realized that I needed a closer walk with the Lord. I needed the fruits of the spirit. I mean I could quote the verse and most of the time I even bore those sweet little fruits until my world came crashing to a halt. I needed those attributes even when I was under pressure~ and I did not at all when life was stressful!

When the crisis of the day hits we need to be driven to our knees~ not run with fear ~ or call our list of worry buddies. We need to run to the Father. He will handle our problems and we can just rest. I have found that when I am resting in the fact that God can handle everything without my help my blood pressure stays down. I have tried my best to make life style changes but I have found not allowing stress to have control has made the biggest difference. It is a daily battle for me. But I am learning to trust more and worry less and it shows in my health.

When we go to God ~ He gives us rest and sweet peace as we lie down in green pastures.

One of the greatest things we can do for our health in this brand New Year is to commit to pray and study God's Word more in 2013. It certainly shows in my blood pressure readings.

Hebrews 13:5

King James Version (KJV)

⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Have a fabulous Friday~