Stress Relief

Fall semester begins at Berry, and with it will be the challenge of keeping it all together without losing my mind. Juggling classes, practicing, rehearsals, planning for meals and keeping up with my family's schedule can take it's toll. Here are some ways I manage my sanity:

1. PLAN. "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail." I have long range plans, but it's the weekly plans that make it work. I talk to my family and find out who will be home for dinner on what night, as I always want to have good food ready. What has to be accomplished on Monday? Who am I meeting with? What do I need to have ready for my classes & rehearsals?

2. PRAY AND READ THE WORD. Pray without ceasing is good, but set aside a time to pray and read the Word. I won't lie, I get busy and this gets pushed aside. But, I handle life better when I'm talking to my heavenly Father and hearing Him through His Word.

3. TAKE A WALK OR A DRIVE. I walk Kate to school every morning, it's part of our routine. For me it's about 1.5 miles. We talk on the way to school, then on my way home I talk to God. Exercise is so important to our mental & physical health. Whenever possible I take a hike at Berry. An hour on the trail, sitting on a rock to reflect & pray refreshes me like a mini-vacation. You might enjoy a drive in the country with the windows down and music blaring. Just a change of scenery can change your attitude & focus.

4. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Are you complaining about all you have to do? About your situation? It's cliche, but thank God for all you have. Living in the USA, I have much to be thankful for. I have a roof over my head & air conditioning! I have water that is clean and comes out of the faucet. I have a job. I can walk in my neighborhood without fear. My family is currently healthy, including my parents that are in their late 80's. I have great kids, even though they can drive me crazy. I have a Godly husband the loves his family & works hard to provide for us. My car is not new, but it runs. I have food in my cabinets. I have a dishwasher. The list goes on and on. Thank God for everything!

5. SAY NO. This is hard, but I can't be responsible for and do everything. That is what God says in Romans 12 about their being many gifts: "For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly."

6. ASK FOR HELP. I struggle with this too. I'm self-sufficient, and I don't want to bother people. It's taken a long time for me to see the advantage of asking for help. Having 4 children, especially in their teen and young adult years has made me realize that I can do it alone. I need to ask for wisdom from God, and from those who have walked the road before me.

7. BLESSED ARE THE FLEXIBLE. I'm not sure this was an original "Stovall-ism", but that is where I first heard it, from Hailey. Her mom said it was one of the Beatitude's. I think it's great advice for those stressful days.

Here's to a great fall semester!