Stress is behind 99.9% of illnesses.
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
Matthew 6:27-29
"Stress is taking a terrible toll on the nation’s health and economy. It is a heavy contributor to heart disease, cancer, respiratory distress, lupus and many other life threatening illnesses.”
Dr. Paul Rosch, Medical Scientist and Stress Expert
Okay, so diet and genetics play a part in illnesses as well, but honestly I think as a society (esp. Americans) we down play the weight of stress in our lives. Long story short, when our bodies are under stress it weakens are immune system - which weaken our ability to fight serious illnesses and diseases - this is not to mention how much easier it is to catch a cold, infection, or a "distressed" illness. This doesn't even deal with the emotional aspects of being under stress - irritability, agitation, depression, and fatigue.
According to the World Health Organization, stress is America's #1 health problem.
What can you do? A lot of things, but guided imagery has really helped me here lately! See below for the definition from Helpguide.org. What I do is go outside during a break, sit down, and begin the technique (most of the time I think of amazing memories). Somehow my memories or images are always by water - my refuge from everything.
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6-7
Matthew 6:27-29
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Dr. Paul Rosch, Medical Scientist and Stress Expert
Okay, so diet and genetics play a part in illnesses as well, but honestly I think as a society (esp. Americans) we down play the weight of stress in our lives. Long story short, when our bodies are under stress it weakens are immune system - which weaken our ability to fight serious illnesses and diseases - this is not to mention how much easier it is to catch a cold, infection, or a "distressed" illness. This doesn't even deal with the emotional aspects of being under stress - irritability, agitation, depression, and fatigue.
According to the World Health Organization, stress is America's #1 health problem.
What can you do? A lot of things, but guided imagery has really helped me here lately! See below for the definition from Helpguide.org. What I do is go outside during a break, sit down, and begin the technique (most of the time I think of amazing memories). Somehow my memories or images are always by water - my refuge from everything.
Guided imagery for stress relief
Visualization, or guided imagery, is a variation on traditional meditation that can help relieve stress. When used as a relaxation technique, guided imagery involves imagining a scene in which you feel at peace, free to let go of all tension and anxiety. Choose whatever setting is most calming to you, whether a tropical beach, a favorite childhood spot, or a quiet wooded glen. You can do this visualization exercise on your own, with a therapist’s help, or using an audio recording.
Close your eyes and let your worries drift away. Imagine your restful place. Picture it as vividly as you can—everything you can see, hear, smell, and feel. Guided imagery works best if you incorporate as many sensory details as possible. For example, if you are thinking about a dock on a quiet lake:
- See the sun setting over the water
- Hear the birds singing
- Smell the pine trees
- Feel the cool water on your bare feet
- Taste the fresh, clean air
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6-7
