Relief

One of the things I really prayed about before moving overseas was what truly helps relieve stress for me.  I’m definitely no stranger to stress in my life but I had never really dug deep into what works for me.

I was working on a study with my SIL and we were challenged to really pray about what is good for us and what isn’t.  What brings us joy and what just masks stress for the moment but actually adds to it.

It turns out that binge watching Netflix and stress eating aren’t helpful for me.. who knew🤷🏼‍♀️.

Aside from the obvious quiet time alone in the Word, (of course, right🙃) I needed to find what I could do to fill my time and relieve stress without it being one more to-do.

• Cooking!

Cooking has always been something I’ve enjoyed.  Finding a new recipe and tackling it until I get it right gives me a sense of accomplishment.  My family doesn’t mind that much either when they get homemade Alfredo sauce.  Haha!

The hobby of cooking has proved to be very helpful in a world where convenience is rarely found.  For some going to several places to find the ingredients you need adds stress, but for me it’s a fun challenge and adventure.

• Walking!

One of the things we learned in our pre-field counseling was that bilateral stimulation (walking left, right, left, right) helps calm your nerves and reset your mind.

We walk back and forth to school every day which adds up to be a few miles. Sometimes I head out of language school so frustrated, but that walk home helps a ton!

• Worship Music!

It’s no secret how much music speaks to me.  God has used music time and again to remind me of His promises.  Sometimes when I’m too frustrated to read and I just can’t focus, I’ll just turn on Amazon music and let the Spirit guide my thoughts.

• Coffee

No explanation needed!

______________

I’d love to hear some of the things that you find healthy and helpful when you feel stressed.  I can use all the help I can get 😉

1A4AADCC-6824-43B2-9F9E-7FF164A05797

👆🏼Link to how it looks in my kitchen cooking with Emma.