Stress

By Ken Canedo

Our lives are filled with great and small things that constantly demand our attention, pulling us in seemingly opposite directions. Have you ever started work on a term paper the night before it's due? Of course, the printer has run out of ink at midnight, and you're still mad about the way your girlfriend dumped you. Or, how about the working single parent who has to study for night classes while getting dinner on the table for her young children who, by the way, are getting into a loud fight over which TV show to watch. Enough is enough! Even an accomplished multitasker has a breaking point.

Stress is not a good thing. It can wreak havoc on our physical and mental health. Unchecked stress can lead to inappropriate behavior and burnout. Here are three simple ways to help you deal with the stress in your life.

BREATHE (Pray):
What can be more natural than breathing? When things start to overwhelm you, get away by yourself, sit down in a quiet place, and just breathe slowly. Close your eyes and allow the air to go in and out of your lungs as you empty your mind. While you're at it, realize that it's the Holy Spirit who breathes within you and let this become a moment of prayer. Make a habit of this and you'll begin to find an inner peace that will help you put everything in your life into a better perspective.

SHARE (Spiritual Direction/Confession):
Too much stress in your life? Don't keep it to yourself; that will only make things worse. Get it off your chest. Talk it over with a trusted friend or mentor. Try to identify the source of your stress. Want to dig deeper? Find a spiritual director, counselor, or other professional. Need forgiveness? Go to confession and be reconciled with God. The point is this: No one should have to deal with the stress of life alone. Just knowing that you have friends who support you is an important first step toward wholeness.

LET GO (Surrender to God):
The last suggestion is simple and difficult at the same time: LET GO! If your To Do list is longer than your left arm then you might want to consider letting go of some stuff. Sure, it's great to be involved in after-school activities and church-related projects, but are you taking on too much? Are these things, however worthy, detracting from other priorities with your family, your studies, your life? There is no shame in admitting that you might have too much on your plate. Share the wealth! Empower others to work with you or take on your tasks. Let go! And while you're at it, surrender to God, who can lift you from your burdens and enlighten your life. Let go and let God!

According to legend, Pope John XXIII used to pray this prayer every night before he went to bed: "God, it's YOUR church. Good night!" That's how the Holy Father was able to get a good night's sleep, despite his overwhelming responsibilities. Pope John knew who was REALLY in charge!

When my life gets overwhelming I like to pray and listen to this song by my friend, Angus McDonell. Jesus, I Trust in You helps me to breathe a little easier and put my life in proper perspective.

Let not this heart be troubled,
but let it rest in you.
For with you
every sorrow will be washed away.

Let not my mind be burdened,
but set it free with truth,
for every care is lost
in understanding grace.

Jesus, I trust in you . . .
. . . all that I am is in your hands.