Releasing Anxiety

Life as a kid was so simple! No stress! No worries! No bills! Just fun! I grew up in the 80's-90's and it wasn't as tech savvy as it is today. Crime wasn't as bad, neighbors would visit with each other, no social media or easy access to personal information. That was about 30 years ago and now we communicate through our cell phones and we never leave home without it. We use our phones as a tool to see our popularity status; through number of calls, text or how many likes we receive through social media. We can use it for our finances, locating our family, shopping online at our favorite stores. Everything is now at our fingertips. Sadly, what is convenient can also slowly controlling our emotions. Fear, stress and anxiety can creep into our life and we don't know how to handle it. If unhandled we might start to isolate ourselves from the ones we love most.

Let's seek God's Word

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV says: Rejoice in the Lord always, I will again say; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your quest to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

When I was growing up, anxiety wasn't talked about. "Suck it up buttercup", was the common phrase people would tend to say. I'm so glad we can now express our true feelings with one another. In Philippians 4, God tells us to not be anxious about anything and asks us to come to Him when we are. Which tells us, anxiety is real and it's not in our head!

When you need advice don't you go to your best friend or maybe your parents? Think about it. When you get a new car, who do you tell? When you come back from an amazing trip, or win money, got engaged or found out you are pregnant? How about if you got in a car accident, broke up with someone, had a miscarriage, or a death of a loved one? Sharing with others help us cope with our emotions. God, our Heavenly Father, wants to be your best friend! He wants us to go to Him first, in prayer, instead of trying to fix it on our own. When we do, we allow Him to take the situation from us and He can give us rest. Remember there is nothing too big or too small that God can't fix!

Give yourself 15 minutes

Anxiety can be handled and controlled. It will give you warning signs like; irritability, insomnia, lack of appetite, overeating, nail biting, or teeth grinding. When we are stressed, we can make others feel uncomfortable. Your emotions can cause unnecessary tension and could develop into something worse. Take a 15 minute break, to recharge, refocus and reevaluate. Some positive things to do to help change your mood; pray, positive music, or just a quiet moment. You have to remember you can only fix you and not the situation.

Techniques to help manage anxiety

* Use a calendar to remind you of future plans

* Build a $1000 emergency fund so you're better prepared for the next breakdown

* Meal prep- on a busy day prepare the meal the night before or morning of

* Ask for help- when you have too much going on see if others can help you

* Crowded places/air flights/test- Medication might help you with these situations so talk with your doctor to see if you can get help.

* Bills- talk to the lender and see if you can make payment plans

* Spouse or children- Talk to a Christian friend, pastor, Christian counselor. You need to talk to someone who will give you Godly advice.

* Driving- See if you can ride with someone or ask if someone van take you there

Remember: Anxiety only last as long you allow it. Don't let it over take your life!