4 Christian Counseling Self Care Tools to Minimize Stress and Anxiety

Are you struggling finding peace in the midst of your busy schedule? Even the thought of finding time to relax on a daily basis can seem stressful. So what do we do? We go about our days as we normally would, wait for burnout, or just cope. What if you didn’t have to live that way? Caring for ourselves in the middle of the inevitable busy-ness of this world is crucial to our sanity and ability to live life to the fullest, as God has intended it. This can feel overwhelming at times, but there are helpful ways to stop and enjoy the little blessings in our daily lives.

Be Intentional

Taking time for yourself can feel impossible, if not stressful when life is busy. As humans, we tend to go into zombie auto-pilot mode because it can sometimes feel like the only way to get through the day. What if we didn’t have to just “get through”, but we could find joy in the small things in life that seem to pass us by when we get caught up the everyday rush? Being intentional about how you spend your time, especially moments of self-reflection can help to bring balance back into our lives, as well as help us to spend time and energy on areas of importance instead of “sweating the small stuff”.

Start Small

Each and every one of us has ways that we unwind and relax. When we begin to feel the overwhelming sensation of stress, even the thought of taking a break seems overwhelming. Start small. Try spending 10 minutes a day intentionally reflecting, whether in prayer, journaling, or even going on a walk. Renewing our minds in this way can help bring a new sense of gratitude toward life and our creator, as well as gives us a break from whatever may be burdening us as we put our energy into peaceful reflection.

Be Mindful

Our bodies are such great indicators of stress and anxiety. Because of this, it is so important to be in touch with how we are feeling when we start to feel overwhelmed. We all respond to stress in different ways, whether it be a tightening in our chest, butterflies in our stomach, or even a lack of focus. When you begin to feel the bodily indicators of stress, try using this breathing technique. It can be useful not only to calm your anxiety but to also help you develop a mindful awareness of your body and its reactions to stress. Place your hand on your chest and inhale deeply. Exhale your breath at a slow rate, and repeat 10 times, paying attention to the rise and fall of your chest, as well as your body’s ability to calm itself as you are focusing on your breath – instead of what you may feel anxious about.

Stay Engaged

Being in a relationship with others can be difficult when we feel like we barely have time for ourselves. That being said, our stress and anxiety can also make us isolated before we know it. Having community and support in our daily ups and downs in life helps us not only to process these highs and lows but can also bring us so much joy. God designed us to be in relations with one another. Counseling is such a wonderful resource to access when you may feel disconnected, stressed, or are just trying to work through some difficult life decisions.

Christian counseling can help you work through stressful seasons of life by serving as a space for you to talk openly in a grace-filled environment. Counseling also provides a great opportunity for self-care step by taking time to reflect and connect with a counselor who is ready and willing to walk along side you. If these words resonate with you, my hope is that you would connect with a counselor to begin a new journey of self-care and mindful awareness to empower you toward a life of fullness and peace.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28-30