Elections are stressful to all, yet kicks off the holidays. Already behind, I’ve destressed by avoiding much news and Facebook. In fact, I’m so far behind, I think I’m first.
Our Word in Action Ministry and its host of volunteers is planning its 8th annual Thanksgiving Dinner for our county. Planning over 700 meals involves cooking and deboning turkeys, and peeling potatoes the entire Thanksgiving week. Normally, flyers have already been passed out, but it’s master lay trapped in a dead computer. No time for reviving yet. On to Plan B? Canned goods are already ordered, but our frozen food hasn’t returned home from its vacation. It was redistributed over the countryside three weeks ago when our walk-in freezer went out. Repaired, time must be found to retrieve the food…in amongst cooking our nightly meals and running the thrift store for our ministry.
My main job for our Thanksgiving extravaganza is taking orders ahead for dine-ins, carry-outs, and deliveries. After typing I pass them on to the coordinators.
Every year, the church we pastor packs 300 Christmas gift bags for Mexico. Items are collected all year, put together, and picked up before Thanksgiving. However, not all items have been ordered. Yes, behind again. We’re close though.
In addition, this year, our church is presently trying to get some remodeling done before Christmas. Stress seeps in occasionally, especially when adding in Christmas programs, family get-togethers, extra practices, shopping, baking, and decorating.
So, how do I handle my stress? I cry and sleep a lot. Just kidding.
Besides God’s grace being sufficient enough, I use the Serenity Prayer as my guide. When the pressure builds, I Ask myself, “Is this in my control?”
If yes, I take pressure off by changing what is in my control:
* I can change my reactions anytime. Getting angry, nervous, losing sleep, or eating more, doesn’t solve anything. It’s unproductive.
* I can control much of my schedule.
* I can eliminate small problems (irritants) by solving them as they come to my attention…postpone an activity or rearrange my schedule for a much-needed time-out.
* I can call a friend to help solve larger problems.
* I can choose to communicate. For stressors involving others in my family, work, or church, I will be brave and communicate with them to learn their priorities to align mine with theirs. After all, we have not because we ask not. More than likely, I’m worrying about something that doesn’t really matter to them.
If the pressure is rising from things I cannot change, I ask the Lord to help me to accept them.
* I cannot change equipment breaking. I cannot change volunteers not showing up, nor what others do. Realizing this allows me to change what I can…let go and let God. Prayer melts stress away.
PRACTICAL TIPS:
Get plenty of rest, eat less junk food and caffeine.
Don’t start a new routine right now. Stick with usual shopping places and recipes.
Focus only on what you’re doing. No wandering off to other things on your list, worries, or concerns. It’s unproductive.
Ask yourself is getting angry or worried helping the situation? Is it relieving my stress or adding to it?
Don’t allow guilt or shame. Omit the words “could’ve,” should’ve,” or “would’ve.” everyone makes mistakes. Beating yourself up isn’t going to get your list done. Forgive yourself. Refocus.
Give yourself permission to say “NO.” A new tradition might need to be created due to financial changes, health issues, or growing families. Stay happy and healthy.
Choose two stress-reducers to apply this season.
(exercise, listen to music, laugh awhile, breathe evenly and deeply, enjoy a hobby, be creative, read Bible or a good book, and pray or meditate)
During the holidays…
Prevent pressures – don’t over plan. Know your priorities.
Let off steam – distract yourself, and relax!
QUESTION: Which method might take more pressures away? What can you add? Please share below in the comments. I love hearing from you!
I’m so thankful and appreciative of you guys and gals. I hope those of you who subscribe enjoyed your note from me in your inbox. I hope to send you a personal message every month to encourage you in some special way – might be a song, video, scripture, special story or tips, or I could answer any questions you might send me. Blessings
© 2016, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Robin Dixon says
Hello Pastor Jena!
I enjoyed this read and I totally agree with everything you have said. I think the holidays can be enjoyable or stressful in many different ways. For me, I have had to learn to say no to myself and others. I am a person who gets excited and likes to be involved in everything with my family and at the church, but…….when we over commit it can cause problems. Trying to do too much, can consume our time so much that it makes the holidays no longer a joy, the true meaning of the holiday gets lost in the shuffle, we can become stressed, and we can even dread the holidays.
So…..for myself, I have had to learn a healthy balance on this topic!
Love, Blessings & Happy Holidays,
Pastor Robin
Jena Fellers says
Hello, Pastor Robin. You’re so right. The true meaning of Christmas should be our #1 priority. I believe relieving stress is an on-going life lesson every year because of new changes that come about. Be blessed.