Address Your Stress (Causes & Cures)

25 Causes of Stress
1. Prayerlessness; lack of "quiet time"
2. Ignorance of God 's Word & His promises
3. Poor nutrition and lack of rest/exercise
4. Undesirable living space/cluttered environment
5. Workplace issues (office politics, peer conflicts; incompetent subordinates; problematic bosses)
6. Obsessing over weight or personal appearance
7. Associating with argumentative, frustrating, negative people
8. Competing; keeping up with the Joneses
9. Envy; viewing someone's success as your failure
10. Inflexibility; inability to accept change
11. Failure to delegate tasks; being a control freak
12. Failure to distinguish between "important" vs. "urgent" tasks
13. Seeking perfection
14. Sweating the small stuff (bad drivers, rude clerks, put downs, etc.)
15. Unrealistic expectations of yourself or others
16. Unresolved interpersonal conflicts; silent treatment
17. Failure to establish boundaries or to communicate your preferences
18. Poor financial management; past due bills
19. Poor time management; failure to plan for unexpected events
20. Guilt; refusing to apologize
21. Allowing others to "push your buttons"
22. Undue concern about the opinions of others; fear of rejection
23. Saying yes when you want to say no
24. Over extending yourself; too many commitments
25. Swallowing your anger


25 Cures for Stress
1. Make and keep a daily appointment with God.
2. Recite Scriptural affirmations daily (e.g. "This is working for my good…"; "I am more than a conqueror…")
3. Remind yourself that God has sealed your destiny; therefore, no one can thwart His plans for you.
4. Tell the truth; do right; wrongdoing causes stress.
5. Extend grace, mercy, and generosity to others.
6. Respect other people's opinion; refuse to argue about anything that does not personally impact your life.
7. Chose one day of the week to enjoy real food; no "light", "non-fat" or "low-carb" stuff.
8. Admit your mistakes, faults and failures (people connect with you better when they see your vulnerability).
9. Express your boundaries, desires, and preferences - in a calm, non-hostile manner.
10. Take the "high road" in conflicts; humble yourself.
11. Learn from the burn, but forgive to live.
12. Hug your loved ones (or somebody) daily; show and accept affection.
13. Let go of what you can't control (events, other people's behavior); control what you can (your response).
14. "Fast" from complaining, criticizing, and cussing.
15. Delay material gratification; practice spending less or spending later.
16. Accept your unchangeable physical features as God's special "branding" for His purpose.
17. Laugh often-especially at yourself.
18. Prepare and follow a prioritized "to do" list; limit tasks to 3-4 per day.
19. Applaud someone's success; don't hate-congratulate, appreciate, emulate!
20. Slow the pace at which you talk and move.
21. Minimize the consumption of "white" foods (sugar, flour, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc.) and caffeine
22. Stop using stress-related phrases ("run to the store", "grab a bite", "jump in the shower", etc.).
23. Breathe deeply & slowly (10 breaths) at least five times a day - preferably outdoors.
24. Use "waiting in line" time productively (take a mental time-out; tighten your muscles, memorize a Scripture).
25. Do some form of exercise daily (walking, stair climbing, (at least a few minutes).

Thank you so much sister Deborah Smith Pegues for coming up with such a blessing way for us all to address our stress. I pray the Lord continue to bless your gifts, talents and ministries abundantly. PS. It’s official; I now own a copy of all your books. Thanks!