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This information is from a LifeSeries by Dr. Gregory L. Jantz
You can download this document on your computer in word format by clicking on this file: lifechangesstress.doc
Change is imminent. It is the change process by which we go through life.
Everything changes eventually. Except of course, our Creator and Lord, Jesus Christ.
This fact is what holds us together and gives us hope! It is the mainstay that keeps our eyes on the cross, and not on any one of the circumstances of life that can lead us astray. Without this knowledge our lives are unmanageable, incomplete, and for some, not worth living at all.
The verse below is meant to be a comfort to us as we move through life. But for some, it may bring unnecessary anxiety or stress. My hope is that as you encounter change in you life, you will be more informed about change and how you allow it to affect you.
“There is a right time for everything: A time to be born; a time to die. A time to plan; a time to harvest. A time to kill; a time to heal. A time to destroy; a time to rebuild. A time to cry; a time to laugh. A time to grieve; a time to dance. A time for scattering stones; a time for gathering stones. A time to hug; a time not to hug. A time to find; a time to lose. A time for keeping; a time for throwing away. A time to tear; a time to repair. A time to be quiet; a time to speak up. A time for loving; a time for hating. A time for war; a time for peace.”
-Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
Let’s take a moment and take stock
of the changes you have incurred this past year.
In my personal life, I have experienced:
o illness or personal injury
o change in my religious views or beliefs
o pregnancy/adoption in my life/partner’s
o ending a relationship
o change in roles (parent/non-parent, etc.)
o signs of aging
o change in my financial status
o change in my regular habits
Use of: alcohol, drugs, tobacco (circle)
Change in: nutrition, exercise (circle)
o marriage
o family member(s) leaving home
o separation/divorce
o trouble with in-laws or other
o family members
o new family members
o change in holiday events/gatherings
o death of a close friend or family member
o illness/healing of a family member
o parent/child relationship
o change/tensions
In my professional life, I have experienced:
o change in my work load
o started a new job
o promotion/demotion
o change in hours/time
o commitment to job
o change in job security
o change in job satisfaction
o change monetarily
o strike/lay-off
o retirement
In my environment (and the world around me), I have experienced:
o a natural disaster
o crime against my property (car/home)
o road rage/ drive-by shooting or crime
o war
o house remodel or major renovation
o moving to a new:
o house/apartment
o neighborhood/city
o assisted living/nursing home
o climate
o culture
Other: _________
When we take time to take stock of our lives it becomes more and more evident how much we need balance and wholeness in all of the areas of our lives. It also makes us realize the importance of developing and maintaining our spiritual life.
“Oh Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit or stand. When far away, you know my every thought.
You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment, you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say before I even say it.
You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.”
-Psalm 139: 1-5 (TLB)
Isn’t this a comfort as we continue on this life journey?
Take a look at the Stress Thermometer below and fill in the appropriate level of stress you are feeling today. Do the same for one year ago, and finally, your goal.
Is your current level of stress where you want to be?
? Yes
? No
Is your stress level stable, rising, or falling?
o Stable
o Rising
o Falling
Now take a look at the following list and circle each stress symptom that you have experienced in the last three months:
anxiety apprehension addiction arguments apathy abuse boredom “back-biting” backache blues & blahs colds canker sores claustrophobia compulsiveness crying spells cynicism “clamming up” conflict confusion crabbiness drinking drugs depression diarrhea divorce distrust defensiveness edginess emptiness fear forgetfulness flu fatigue frustration guilt grudges hopelessness heart attack high blood pressure headaches indigestion insomnia irritability irrational thoughts indecision intolerance judgmental stance joylessness jitters “Know-it-all” attitude knots in stomach loneliness lowered libido lethargy lashing out lack of concentration muscle twitches martyrdom mood swings melancholy nagging negative attitude nightmares nervousness orneryness “out of touch” out of control panic poor judgment personal attacks quiet quick to take offense questioning rudeness resentment rash righteous indignation rapid/racingheartbeat sulking stewing spirirual void temper tantrums “too much to do” tension trouble setting priorities unhappiness unforgiving spirit uncertainty unproductivity unrealistic expectations volatile vague aches & pains values confusion weight gain/loss whirling mind worrying wasting time x-tra pounds x-travagant living yelling yawns “yeah buts” zero energy
Did you circle more than seven of these symptoms? If so, this could be an indicator that your life’s stress meter is being pushed to the limit. Stress affects the whole person; the emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, relational, and nutritional areas of our lives. Each of these areas needs to have attention if we are to attain whole person health. Can you see how stress can affect us in many ways? Amazing!
STRESS is an opportunity to make positive changes in our lives.
Sometimes we need to “feel the stress” in order to modify and be alert to what changes we need to make in our lives. Please check the words below that best fit into the following sentence for you.
What I really need more in my life right now is more. . .
| o vitality |
o contemplation |
o intimacy |
| o self-esteem |
o fitness |
o communion |
| o tenderness |
o challenge |
o sleep |
| o composure |
o support |
o money |
| o security |
o serenity |
o patience |
| o recognition |
o relaxation |
o integration |
| o generosity |
o variety |
o coordination |
| o prayer support |
o self-expression |
o responsibility |
| o activity |
o trust |
o sensitivity |
| o confidence |
o comfort |
o surrender |
| o caring |
o structure |
o exercise |
| o awareness |
o companionship |
o experience |
| o health |
o insight |
o receptivity |
| o motivation |
o nutrition |
o faith |
| o sharing |
o accomplishments |
o self-control |
| o solitude |
o harmony |
o freedom |
| o strength |
o touching |
o self-awareness |
| o knowledge/skill |
o control |
o purpose |
| o music |
o romance |
o peace |
| o devotion |
o commitment |
o solitude |
| o energy |
o sex |
o excitement |
| o opportunities |
o imagination |
olove |
| o laughter |
o joy |
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Unresolved Stress leads to burn-out. Another term I use in my book, Becoming Strong Again, is the term emotional exhaustion. This is the one definition of burn-out that encapsulates our overall feeling and nature when we experience it. This is not what God intends our life to be like!
Listed below are six typical symptoms of burnout. Check any stress exhaustion symptoms that you have experienced lately. Make additional specific notes on symptoms that are regularly a part of your life.
YES NO
o o 1) Irritability and a general distrust of others’ intentions.
o o 2) No new ideas in the past six months.
o o 3) Lack of energy-both physical & emotional.
o o 4) Feelings of isolation and lack of personal judgment.
o o 5) Urge to get out of my present job situation.
o o 6) An attempt to feel good about myself by focusing on “how much” I do.
How many of the above symptoms are you currently experiencing?
What symptoms, other than those listed, are you experiencing?
Which symptoms concern you the most? (in your own words) “I am particularly concerned when I begin to feel:”
Which symptoms would you say are sure signs that if you don’t change something, you are headed for trouble?
Any other observations or comments?
“Come to me and I will give you rest-all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke-for it fits perfect-and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.”
Matthew 11: 28-30
That’s more like it! That’s how we want to live, with the assurance that we are not alone as we travel this life’s journey. We have God, and he wants to help us by showing us His will for our lives. Now. . . how do we get there, and then, stay there?
The concluding part of this pamphlet will take an on-going commitment of time to complete. This is a time of personal reflection that only you can truly answer. You are the one who can make the necessary changes that will empower your life. But with God’s help, and some good reflective thinking, I know you can do it!
My 30-Day Plan For Stress-Free Living
One thing I can eliminate from my schedule:
One thing I can incorporate into my daily schedule that is just for me:
One thing I can offer others, while still being true to myself and my goals:
One thing I can ask of others that will give some assistance to my day:
One way I can give thanks each day to God for my life:
For the next 30 days, I commit to review and revise this plan as necessary:
This 30 day plan is something that you may wish to share with a close personal friend, loved one, or confidant. Keep in mind that this is your reflective plan, not someone else’s. This is between you and God, but sometimes it is nice to have someone to help us be accountable to our plan. In this way, we can also share with others the blessing of a growing and constantly changing you!
Remember, progress, not perfection
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope!
-Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB)
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