Yikes, I can’t believe that I have this much stuff to do. I should probably drop out of college right now. I’ll never make it! How will I be able to get everything done?
This is one of the classic panicky thought processes that I have when I feel overwhelmed. While I’m stressed, I typically don’t remember that I felt the same way last week—and the week before that and the week before that and so on. Similarly, I don’t typically remember that I’ll feel the same way next week—and the week after that and the week after that…and so on.
Stress is simply part of life. I’m probably going to experience stressful situations throughout my life. In five years, I may feel stressed about a career. In 10 years, I may feel stressed about a husband and kids. In 50 years, I may feel stressed about retirement and health issues.
It’s true that stress is normal and that you’ll probably experience it throughout your life. But we all get stressed, and the world isn’t as awful as it seems in the midst of our stress. Here are five practical ways to handle stressful seasons of life:
1. Remember that everyone feels overwhelmed.
You’re not weird, emotional, or mentally ill if you feel overwhelmed sometimes. You’re human, and so is everyone else. People might not talk about the stress that they have experienced or are experiencing. But everyone deals with stress! It can be very comforting to remember that other people get stressed, too.
2. Trust that God will provide.
A Bible verse that I find comforting when I’m overwhelmed is Philippians 4:19 (NASB), which says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” I may not have everything that I want—like a stress-free evening or a chill weekend at home—but I do have everything that I need. God will give you everything that you need to get through the stressful situations in your life.
3. Pause to pray.
No matter how defeated and discouraged you feel, set aside time to pray. Prayer is so much more important than whatever you’re trying to check off your to-do list. Direct your attention to the One who meets all of your needs. Let Him carry your heavy burdens.
4. Take time to be still.
You may not have a lot of time to be still during finals week or the day before your pregnancy due date or the week your family is visiting from out of town. But when you have the opportunity, turn off your phone and go to a quiet place by yourself. Pray, read God’s Word, meditate on His promises, enjoy His creation, or just sit. This isn’t a time to scroll through Pinterest, watch Netflix, or read a novel. This is a time to focus on your relationship with God and de-stress.
5. Enjoy less stressful seasons of life.
It may be hard to believe right now, but not every season of your life will be overwhelmingly stressful. Yes, many of them will involve a certain level of stress. But not all stress is the same. Your stress will ebb and flow—at least your level of stress will. Thank God for the less overwhelming seasons, and don’t waste them.
Closing Thoughts
I know that it may be difficult to imagine a time when you won’t feel overwhelmed and exhausted, but that time will come. As Christians, we can look forward to being in Heaven, where there will be absolutely no stress. Rather, there will be eternal peace and rest.
For now, don’t feel discouraged or become hopeless when life is stressful. There are practical ways to manage stress, as I shared above. We can trust God to meet our needs in this life—and look forward to the next life when we will see Him face-to-face and experience His perfect peace.
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. (Psalm 116:5-7 NASB)
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