In addition to what I mentioned in my last post, there are several powerful yet simple, easy, and effective things you can begin doing to reduce the stress and sorrow in your life--and help you maintain a positive outlook on life. If you’re feeling stressed by your life, depressed and discourage, and feel as if there is nothing good to focus on, then I have some tips that are clinically proven to change the way you think, feel, and perceive. Follow these tips, and I promise you will notice a drastic change in the way your productivity levels, energy levels, as well as the way you think, feel, and act! Not surprisingly, these tips which have been scientifically proven to raise happiness levels are also biblical truths that wisely advise us as to how to live our best, most fulfilling, joy-filled, and productive life! (Just as God intended it!) Next to each tip I’ve included the scriptural reference just in case you’d like to refer to it.
1. Practice gratitude.Make a gratitude list. Focusing on what you have to be grateful for drastically improves your mind frame. Write down at least 3 new things you have to be grateful for each morning, and review and meditate on it at night (See Psalm 92:2, Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
“Every morning tell Him, ‘Thank you for your kindness,’and every evening rejoice in all his faithfulness” (Psalm 92:2).
“Always give thanksto God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus” (Ephesians 5:20).
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
2. Pray or Meditate.Studies show prayer and meditation increase left prefrontal cortex growth and strengthening in the brain. The left prefrontal cortex just so happens to be the part of our brain most responsible for our happiness levels. Prayer and meditation also promotes a sense of peace and focus in the midst of a bustling world (See Philippians 4:6). Meditation is a powerful tool in calming the brain and promoting well-being, but even more so when the focus of the meditation is Love.
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything and with Thanksgiving make your requests known to God" (Philippians 4:6).
3. Do a random act of kindness. There's a part of the brain which is stimulated (it's known as the vagus nerve--often reffered to as "the nerve of compassion") and promotes the release of endorphins when we do an act of kindness towards another individual, or even witness someone doing something kind for someone else. (The Bible is FULL of scriptures encouraging acts of kindness, generosity, love, and selflessness. It’s no wonder God instructs us to live this way: Not only does being kind and generous make us happier, but there is a law of reciprocity, or “sowing and reaping”—others may know it as “karma” –which occurs when we choose to give out of love and generosity. (Please don't be mistaken, being generous doesn't just mean giving all of your money away! You can be generous with the time that you give even if it means doing something as simple as lending someone a helping hand with loading groceries in their car or even striking up a conversation with someone at lunch who always sits alone--kindness does not have to relate to giving soley of your money--it comes in all shapes and forms). This means when you are kind to others, you are blessed for it. See Proverbs 22:9, Luke 6:38, Philippians 2:4, James 2:17, Matthew 25:35-40, 1 John 3:17, Luke 6:35)
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35).
4. Live in Love.Promote love and act out of love in your life, rather than hate or bitterness. Forgive. People who love and forgive have shown to be healthier, more positive, optimistic, and even have a lower blood pressure and a lower likelihood of becoming sick from a chronic illness. (Another thing God’s word is adamant about is LOVE. Love is the bottom line, the essential, and the main purpose and reason for our faith. See John 15:12, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:8, 1 Peter 4:8, Colossians 3:14, Matthew 6:14, Ephesians 4:32).
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
‘Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of faults” (1 Peter 4:8).
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
5. Exercise. It releases endorphins and promotes a sense of productivity and healthy self-esteem. It just so happens to release a chemical in our bodies known as PEA (or Phenethylamine--the same chemical released after sex and in chocolate). Although the Bible doesn’t say that much about physical fitness, it does talk about taking care of our bodies because they are a temple (see 1 Corinthians 3:17) Now more than ever physical exercise has become necessary to staying healthy because of the fast-paced, yet sedentary lifestyle we live.
6. Journal. Journaling about 1 positive thing you've experienced in the past 24 hours allows you to relive it (This comes back to focus—see Philippians 4:8).
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8).
