Dealing with Anxiety: 5 TIPS

Statistics show us how real of an issue anxiety is. These times, filled with so much uncertainty and unfamiliarity, tend to really fuel anxiety. We have to know that as followers of Christ, there is a solution to anxiety. We must learn how to deal with it, by responding to it in a faith-filled, Godly way.

Dealing with Anxiety: 5 TIPS

1. Determine the source.

We must get to the root of the anxiety. Why is it there? Why am I feeling like this? Don’t let your feelings have the final say. Instead, consider them the starting point. Take the time to identify how you’re feeling and then focus in on the why.

2. Pray.

This morning, I prayed about anxiety, fear, guilt, and worry. Early morning time with the Lord provides a blessed opportunity to really get to the source of our feelings. I like to write out my prayers. This allows me to really focus in on them and also refer back to them. Much of my time praying is simply re-praying prayers I have already written in my prayer journal.

However you do it, be honest in your prayers. I think sometimes we fail to see results when we pray, because we’re really not being honest in the first place. Ditch the fluff and the fake, and get real with God. He knows anyway. We must grow in getting real with ourselves. The truth may hurt, but the truth will also set you free. Get real and pray.

3. Write.

One thing that is sure to cause anxiety is letting stuff build up inside of you. This morning, I realized that I haven’t looked at my planner in a few days. That explains why I was starting to feel anxiety within me. We’re not designed to mentally carry loads. Matthew 11:28 tells us:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

We often feel anxiety because we are carrying more than we’re supposed to carry. Writing will help you to get things out of you and on paper. Get a system in place that works for you. A planner, journal, or dry erase board are just a few examples. Start writing and watch the anxiety diminish.

4. Prioritize.

Prioritizing will help you to determine when & where to place your energies. We all have various obligations in life, which is often a key source of stress, though it doesn’t have to be. Having various obligations and responsibilities is actually a sign of a fruitful and blessed life. Now, it can also indicate being overcommitted and only the Lord can show us where we are as it relates to our commitments, and if we need to make any adjustments.

When we find ourselves in a season of life with various obligations and commitments, one way of dealing with anxiety is to prioritize. Take the time to list out your priorities in order of importance, determine when you can/will commit your time to each of them, and then follow through one step at a time.

5. Slow Down.

Once you take the time to determine the source of your anxiety, pray, write, and prioritize, you must begin to focus on one thing at a time. Slow down. The pace of this world is a source of stress. We constantly feel rushed and demanded of. Don’t let the pace around you, get inside of you. Calm yourself. Take deep breaths and consider the pace of Jesus.

Though He was purposeful and productive, He moved with a calm pace. Jesus is peace.

Dealing with anxiety is not a one-time fix, rather it is a lifestyle- A way of living that we must cultivate. Regardless of our external circumstances, in Jesus we find peace that is able to calm our mind, our soul, and our emotions. The more we seek Him and learn His way, the more we’ll find ourselves blessed with the abundance of peace- free from anxiety.