Faith in God is one Key to better health – The Impact of Stress and Your Health.
APRIL 2021 BY NATUROPATH: SONIA BARNES LOCKER Work-related stress was considered the highest form of stress experienced by adults during 2020 in the UK. A staggering 79% commonly experienced work-related stress. (Perkbox)
Your stress might not be work-related but falls into other stressors of life. Stress does not always arise from an unpleasant situation in life. Significant changes such as planning your wedding and getting pregnant are exciting times. However, they are drastic changes to the regular daily routine and incorporating these changes can be short-term or long-term, and the body will respond to either. Are you aware of how chronic stress can impact your health?
Exposure to long term stressful situations or chronic stress increases the risk of ill health. The stress hormone cortisol has a ruling on the entire body. It will result from an imbalance of hormones, reproductive hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone—digestive symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including bloating, burping, reflux, malabsorption of foods. The body's cardiovascular system is likely to be impaired with high blood pressure, and also the immune system faced with diseases, skin problems, autoimmune problems, to name a few. Plagued with diseases often hinders growth both spiritually and physically, leading to breaking point and no hope. During times of distress, always remember what God's Word says about who He is and how He cares for us: replace your name where you see the word 'she' below. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations He has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields[d] with fire. He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Bible.com Bottom line, I know of no antidote better than to turn to God and receive His love and
promises, including stressful situations. Keep a solid connection to God and be encouraged to apply the other seven keys to health to cope. A healthy diet and lifestyle support the body in responding to stressful moments and ward off illnesses or recovering quickly from disease or symptoms that tend to appear unexpected during the most difficult of times. The pen of inspiration says “To keep the body in a healthy condition, in order that all parts of the living machinery may act harmoniously, should be a study of our life.
The children of God cannot glorify Him with sickly bodies or dwarfed minds.” ― Ellen G. White, Counsels on diet and foods: A compilation from the writings of Ellen G. White
- Eat good nutritious foods; eat fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts that provide nutrients that support the body. Refrain from sugary snacks and drinks. - Find ways to exercise, take long leisurely walks and reduce activities that add extra stress to the body. - Keep hydrated, and water is best. - Top up your vitamin D levels if you are fortunate to get the sunlight or take a supplement. - Keep a balance in all you do, do not overdo anything even in your thoughts. - Find time to relax and rest. Schedule a time for sleep and keep to this routine even on weekends. - Take deep breaths of fresh air. Open windows in your home and always crack your room windows to allow fresh air while you sleep.
Stress is inevitable. We all have to live with uncertainty, whether experienced for a short while or a long period but finding strength through coping mechanisms helps. For He reminds us in Isaiah 41.10 that says, 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness'. And He says in Matthew 21:22 that 'whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.'
Gods blessings are yours always.