ARE YOU ACTING ON ANXIETY?

7 Scriptural-based Stress/Anxiety Management Techniques

Everyone gets a little anxious at times. However, do you constantly worry that something bad might happen, or feel tense or fearful when there is no reason? If so, you may be acting on anxiety.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition that involves nervousness, tension, and constant worrying. This kind of worry and fear is mentally and physically exhausting. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, GAD often begins during the teen or young adult years.

HelpGuide, an online mental health and wellness guide, gives the following differences between “normal” worry and GAD.

“Normal” Worry:	Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Your worrying doesn’t get in the way of your daily activities and response-bilities.	Your worrying significantly disrupts your job, activities, or social life.
You’re able to control your worrying.	Your worrying is uncontrol- able.
Your worries, while unpleasant, don’t cause significant distress.	Your worries are extremely up- setting and stressful.
Your worries are limited to a specific, small number of realistic concerns.	You worry about all sorts of things, and tend to expect the worst.
Your bouts of worrying last for only a short time period.	You’ve been worrying almost every day for at least six months.

There are several ways to treat anxiety disorders such as GAD. You should first consult your health professional for treatment. Medication and therapy may be recommended.

There is more Good News! Common management techniques for Gad is also supported by Bible scriptures. Keep reading to discover 7 common management techniques for stress and anxiety. Each technique is supported by Bible references.

7 Scriptural-based Anxiety/Stress Management Techniques

1. Stay in the present.

Stop dwelling your thoughts on what could or will occur later.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, BSB).

You must not dwell on painful memories from your past.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” (Isaiah 43:18, NIV).

2. Re-think your thoughts.

Recognize when negativity is overtaking your thoughts.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8, ESB).

Focus on spiritual solutions to whatever problem you are facing.
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6, NIV).

Avoid obsessing about, and trying to solve the problems of other adults.
“We pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, GNT).

3. Take a break.

Take some time to relax.
“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31, NLT).

4. Exercise often and eat a healthy diet.

Get moving so that you can fulfill your God-given purpose.
“Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19, ASV).

Work diligently at breaking your bad habits of consuming unhealthy foods and beverages (i.e. sugar, fast food, excessive carbs). Try eliminating one thing for 21 days, then move on to the next. Never give up!
“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church” (Ephesians 5:29, KJV):

5. Laugh and find joy.

Find something funny to read, watch or think about each day.
“Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time” (Proverbs 17:22, GNT).

Having time alone with God each day will give you joy even during your difficult days.
“So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure” (Psalm 32:11, NLT)!

6. Accept and admit your personal struggles.

Get needed help through your pastor, medical professionals, support groups, etc.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34 , NIV).

7. Practice intentional prayer and meditation each day.

Rather than just going through the habit of praying each day, focus on the communication process. When praying, talk to God, then quietly listen as God speaks to you. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NASB).

Finally..

This information should not replace the medical advice of your health care professional. SDT is a faith-based organization that offers Christian counseling through Biblical-based practices.

God bless. We’re praying for your peace.

We love hearing from you. Click here to leave a comment or question.