Emotion #1: Stress and Anxiety | How to Cast Down Your Anxiety and Adopt a Carefree Spirit
Emotion #1: Stress and Anxiety | How to Cast Down Your Anxiety and Adopt a Carefree Spirit
We’ve been counting down to Christmas by focusing on the 12 different emotions the holiday season can bring. Whether you are overly busy or spending the holidays on your own, emotions are heightened during the holiday season.
Do you find yourself asking, “How do I cope with holiday stress?”
You might feel guilty even asking this question. Don’t be ashamed to admit that the holidays can be overwhelming. When you feel things are out of control, God wants you to trust that He is in control.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV) tells us, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”
From Surviving to Thriving
As you start the holiday juggling act, it’s important to let the holiday unfold. Releasing your need to control the outcome will alleviate any anxiety you feel.
Keep your eyes on our perfect Savior this Christmas season, and have faith that He will bring you through whatever challenges you face.
Here are three practical tips to have a carefree attitude this Christmas season.
- Let go of expectations.
Most of us know that the holidays can turn a family schedule inside out and upside down. One of the best ways to have an enjoyable holiday is to let go of your expectations.
I just want to encourage you to take ownership over the things that are in your control and surrender the things that are not in your control.
The holidays are a wonderful, but sometimes painful, reminder of just how much is out of your control. That’s okay! God’s got this!
Go HERE for some great Bible verses about WHO is really in control.
- Balance your commitments.
Between cooking, shopping, cleaning for company, and more, you might start to feel like the holidays just mean more work for you and your family.
Remember, you can say no! ❌ Try to hold on to some amount of normalcy in your house by avoiding overcommitting yourself.
Here are some easy tips:
- Sit down and carefully select your holiday activities. **Avoid committing to several activities in one day.
- Alongside your to-do list, create a NOT to-do list.
- Create a blank space, every day, that you can use for yourself.
You should have joy when looking at your holiday calendar, not anxiety. The holidays are a time of thanksgiving and rejoicing.
Saying no to some holiday events might be difficult, but think about it this way…
The more carefully you manage your holiday schedule, the more enjoyable the holidays will be for you and your family.
- Stay in the moment.
Stress is a staple of the holidays, and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
If you are not careful, Christmas will become nothing more than a flurry of overwhelming tasks. As you attempt to balance various commitments, like school plays, family parties, shopping for gifts, cooking, and more, spend a few minutes each day focusing on the moment.
Embrace your inner Proverbs 31 woman, clothed with strength and dignity and laughing at the days to come.
Instead of waking up in the morning with thoughts of your to-do list, start your morning with prayer on your lips before your feet hit the floor. Make this your routine; this will cast down feelings of anxiety.
Starting your day with God means starting your day with an attitude of gratitude.
God’s direction will give you the encouragement and power to surpass your problems!