Dealing with Stress

Have you ever had a week that was so stressful that you couldn’t function? That was me last week; it was so off that I just had to take a break and chill. I’m not sure how fast it got to that point, but it had me numb. I realized I had to shut everything down as I was overwhelmed. With the realities happening around me in the nation, family, and job, it all came to a halt. During this time of being home, there have been so many changes with my home becoming my new workplace, gym, and church. I honestly thought it would be comfortable being home, not having to do regular activities, or be in traffic. However, I come to realize it's the same pace, but I seem to be busier.

So how do you create boundaries when you are home 99 percent of the time? It's hard, but you have to make time for self-care. Even though we are not on our routine, many of us are working overtime mentally. We are processing the injustice around us, work, bills, and family. Therefore, it's crucial to end your day from work when it's over because I guarantee you the work will be there. You also have to turn the outside noise off, especially if you are not able to recognize the effect it is having on you. Also, if you do not understand the impact on you, you need to reach out to others for healthy dialogue, such as a counselor, pastor, family, etc. You have to protect your mental state because only you know how much you can handle.

So, I want to encourage you to take care of yourself. Do the things that you enjoy that give you balance and peace of mind. Remember to release and let go to close your day correctly and don’t allow things to linger over to the next day. Take quiet moments to breathe in and out. Also, get your rest, exercise, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, know we need you in this season. Hence, my prayers are for you to be strengthened in this season and have peace.

Pray with me:

Father, we release every residue of stress and close the door to negativity. We surrender to you and are not operating in our strength but yours. God, we need you in this season to increase our discernment and give us the tools to manage in this world. We ask that you cover our minds and our well-being. Cover our households and provide us with balance. Bring peace in our homes and allow it to be our haven. We pray that you connect us with the right relationships that help us grow and prepare us for your plans. Father, we pray that you cover our jobs and that you send promotion and open doors for those that are unemployed. We even pray a hedge of protection for the youth and that you cover their mind, body, and soul. We pray for divine connection and visitation with you this season. Send your wisdom and knowledge. Open our senses and give us clarity. Fill every void and close ever gate that we have provided access to unknowingly. We bind up any and every retaliation that would try to form or come against us. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen!