True or False: The Only Way to Deal with Stress is to Eat

Written by Branda Polk

Many people think that a stress-free life would be ideal. If only life were easy and smooth then they could be healthy. But we are all familiar with the stress of life. From the tough economic times that possibly lead to job cut-backs, layoffs and relocating; to the loss of a loved one; or a family or personal illness, life is stressful. As a matter of fact, to live is to have stress. Since we can’t control the events that lead to stress, how can we best deal with and come through stressful times stronger? 

True or false: the only way to deal with stress is to overeat (or insert your own destructive behavior.) False. Stressful times do not have to lead to unhealthy habits and the side effects that inevitably follow. It’s been said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But, so often we live under the false belief that during stressful times we are given free reign to do harm to ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This is not how God intended His children to live. When stressful times come (or if you are currently there), use one or more of the following healthy strategies to process, deal with and move through the stressful event with flying colors. 

10 Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress

1. Pray. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7-8) Never underestimate the prayers that come from your heart to God. He loves you and wants to give you peace (the opposite of stress) to walk through stressful times. What we see temporarily, He sees eternally. God is good. He wants to hear the prayers from His children and carry your burdens.

2. Read God’s Word. “Your Word (the Bible) is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Ps. 119:105. When the darkness of an unseen path through life overcomes you, turn to God’s Word for strength, encouragement, and a light on your path. You won’t need but enough light for the next step. 

3. Get enough sleep. Go to bed at a reasonable time and wake up so your day doesn’t begin rushed. Studies prove that well-rested people are better equipped to handle stress because they think more clearly and can control emotional responses.

4. Eat healthy foods. Foods that contain healthful nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals aid your body in handling the hormonal effects of stress that can break down your immune system and lead to increased risk of illness. So, eat ample servings of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low fat dairy instead of junk foods.

5. Exercise. Physical activity productively uses the stress hormones that are produced by the body during stressful times. If unused, these hormones damage the linings of the blood vessels, and lead to an increase in stored fat, higher blood pressure, and higher heart rates.

6. Talk to a trusted friend. Confide in an accountability partner that will encourage, support, and pray for you during stressful times. Share your stresses without whining or complaining. Use your friends as a sounding board but don’t hold him/her responsible for fixing your situation or carrying your burdens. That is a task that only God is able to do.

7. Treat others as you want to be treated. When life is hard we often feel entitled to snap at, nag, ignore, respond with aggression, act unkindly, or complain to others and then expect them to treat us well. Instead, choose to treat others as you want to be treated. Act with kindness, consideration, gentleness, respect and patience with other and they will be more willing to extend the same to you.

8. Laugh. Laughter positively uses stress hormones much in the same way as exercise. Laugh at yourself and at the irony of your circumstances. Think of how you will retell this experience in the future and find humorous incidences to relieve the stressful intensity.

9. Be thankful. It is much harder to wallow in your circumstances when your heart is thankful for what you have. Appreciate the large and small blessings that are still yours in spite of your circumstances. When you don’t know what to pray, thank God for who He is, His presence, and His provision. 

10. Forgive and release anger. Grudges, unforgiveness, and anger only harm the one who carries it. Let it go and release yourself from the added stress of anger and unforgiveness. 

Branda Polk, B.S. Exercise Science, is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, conference speaker and health writer in Lebanon, Tennessee. Sign up for Branda's newsletter, Wellness Connection, to receive encouragement and coaching in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and stress relief. Follow Branda on Twitter.

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article