Stress is caused by two opposing forces which pull against each other. We usually think of this as something negative but actually some stress is essential for living. For instance, gravity is a stress to your body - but you couldn't live without it.

You'll never be able to eliminate all stress from your life. You wouldn't want to. But you can reduce the intensity of stress and you can learn to manage it.

When a violinist tightens the strings on a violin, she puts stress on them. The strings are pulled in two directions. The capacity of a string to be stretched is called "tensile strength." If the strings are weak they break when stretched. But if the strings are strong, the violinist is able to produce beautiful music because of the stress.

People are like that. When pulled in two different directions some people snap from the stress. Others, however, are able to handle the stress and use it to produce something beautiful. The difference is the spiritual strength of the individual.

1. PAUSE! Step back from your work for a moment. But instead of taking a coffee break, take a spiritual break! Take a deep breath, quiet yourself and focus on the fact that God is with you right now. You're not alone. God is ready to help you.
   "God says, "Be quiet and still, and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10 (NCV)

2. PRAY! Prayer is a powerful stress-reliever that you can use any time of the day. It works best when you pray aloud - but when your situation doesn't allow that you can talk to God with your thoughts. Tell him exactly how you feel. Of course, he already knows. The relief comes from getting it off your chest. God won't be shocked. He made you and he loves you.
   "I pour out my problems to him; I tell him my troubles. When I am afraid,
   you, LORD, know the way out." Ps. 142:2-3 (NCV)

3. PRIORITIZE! Pinpoint what's really most important to do and what isn't. You can't do everything, so clarifying your priorities is essential to reducing stress. Your work will be determined by pressures or by priorities. It's your choice. If you don't determine what's important - others will decide it for you.
   "There is a right time and a right way for everything." Eccl. 8:6 (NCV)

Until next week...

FOL#70