Wow! Thanks for all the wonderful entries in this month’s contest. I’d like to add a suggestion to the stress management contest–whenever a person is feeling stressed, a great option would be to read all the comments in this post and follow what rings true at that moment. The entries go to show that there isn’t ONE correct answer for everyone, or even one option that works every time for the same person. However, there are LOTS of great ideas.

First place and winner of an Expect Success book is Jeff Johnson (#10). 

I reduce stress by praying and reading the Bible. I also find that surrendering my life to Jesus Christ has given me great strength and hope in times of high stress. He said that I will not add a day to my life by worrying. He is right, I will actually reduce my life expectancy if I worry or stress out!

Another thing I do is pretend that I am in a grand production called “life” and that everything going on around me is basically a play in which I am a character. Stressful situations definitely make for interesting theater, so I have to look at them like a good drama.

 I mentioned that not every answer is what every person would say, but since I get to choose the contest winner this month, I chose someone whose answer resonated with me deeply: surrendering to Christ and finding the strength and hope in Him. I also appreciated Jeff’s comments about watching the “life” drama and seeing himself as a character because I just wrote an article that said the same thing. So Jeff, you win the prize!

Second Place and winner of a Freedom Personal Development Water Bottle is Sharon Esterly (#61).

Two very wise people gave me advice at different times in my life when I was super-stressed: one said, “Stay in the day,” which helps me to not look back at “shoulda’s” nor forward at “what-if’s”, and the other told me I had incredible power–too choose. “You are choosing to be stressed, and instead, you can choose to be un-stressed.” The minute you choose the latter, you begin to think more clearly and then can plan a strategy to deal with the stressors.

The two points she summarized are keystone ideas around Freedom Personal Development and have helped many people find relief from stressful situations–staying present and making choices.

Third Place is tie between John Misch (#44) and Michelle Kooi (#51)! John and Michelle have each won a Happy Highlighter and Tangle Puzzle. Here is what they said:

John Misch: 

My stress is triggered by events in my life that may or may not be real or in the present. I can be stressed out by something in my past or future real or unreal – think physical / mental / emotional. But it is my stress and I have full ownership. So how do I cope with stress:
1) Don’t blame someone else or pin it on an event – boss / wife / kids / work / money / whatever / economy / politics
2) Try to stay in the present – don’t deny the stress , it is what it is – denial will only give it more life
3) Random acts of kindness – stress makes us so full of ourselves – start giving back / sharing / mentoring
4) Prayer and Meditation – an exercise for the mind and spirit
5) Physical exercise / yoga –
So, I have tried all of the above and even drugs and alcohol aren’t working. Put your wounded ego on the shelf and ask yourself if being stressed our makes you feel important or alive or helps with self recognition? Seek out help.

Michelle Kooi:

Yoga helps calm my mind and release stress. Eating healthy and avoiding caffeine helps keep emotions steady. Being outdoors in nature really helps me relax and appreciate God’s beautiful design. Prayer helps me focus on what’s really important. Planning and being organized does wonders for preventing stress in the first place. Music – listening (and singing along sometimes) takes you to a different place.

 Both John and Michelle summarized a lot of ideas that were prolific in others’ responses. I personally appreciated Michelle’s comments about nature and music as both are so helpful for me. I also appreciated John’s thought that putting your ego aside and getting help–from someone…anyone–can be a big step in de-stressing.

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest.  Watch for the next contest on our blog this Thursday.

Be Free!

Leah Simpson
Instructor