I attended a lunch-time seminar on A Heart at Peace at work this week. The corporation I work for has interesting 'workforce inclusion' groups. This workshop was sponsored by CERG (Christian Employee Resource Group). These groups are themselves unique, but the workshop is what I mean to talk about.
First, the definition of stress that was presented: our response to situations, environment, life. This may not be new to anyone, probably not even me if I think about it, but it was a timely reminder. No one can stress me out, situations aren't stress inducing, I have a choice on how to respond. There is so much written lately about the negative effects of stress. I always find it interesting that the Bible addresses our "modern day" issues: A heart of peace gives life to the body. (Proverbs 14:30) I have been thinking about that quite a bit this week, I think I need to start making some different choices.
The speaker (Betsy Lee of Prayer Ventures) went through 3 keys to finding & maintaining peace in your life.
- SLOW DOWN
Ruthlessly eliminate hurry in your life. The extreme pace of today's world creates a hurried environment which includes clutter, multi-tasking & diminishes our capacity to love. - KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS (5 stress stoppers)
- exercise regularly
- make time to relax & play
- cut down on over committing - choose wisely
- be more open & honest in interpersonal relationships
- have unhurried quiet times with God
- ASK FOR HELP!
Don't be an island in the sea of God's love.
My choice is to "Seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)
Sounds like a really useful workgroup. I've been reading a book called "Your body in your mind" that deals with how you need to consider what is best both for your body and for your mind/spirit and how to allow your mind to make the decisions, NOT the body (i.e. deciding against eating tons of chocolate even though the body crave it, etc.)
ReplyDeleteIt also dealt a lot with stress, and I think the advice given in this workgroup is really good. I've seen the effect exercise has on my stress level - it's amazing how much more energy I get, and how much better I feel. I need to be better at saying no, though. I always think I can manage -anything- and I tend to say yes to every obligation and responsibility...
Anyway, didn't mean to ramble on for pages and pages on your blog, I just found the subject interesting. Stress is the villain of our society, and I think stress management is among the most important things one can learn nowadays :-)