All of us get stressed out at times but when we do, we need to do these things:

■ Avoid people who stress us out. When we are stressed to the limit, we don’t need people around us that are going to stress us out more. We need to surround ourselves with positive people that will always be there to give us the encouragement we need to go on. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) NIV

■ Listen to gospel music. Listening to gospel music is one of the best things to do to relieve stress. The minute we start listening to our favorite gospel song and start singing it, we will get so caught up in the song until we will forget what had us stressed out. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19) KJV

■ Recognize what stresses us out. We all have certain trigger points that can stress us out. Each time we feel it coming on, stop and pray. Once we start praying and get in the presence of God, we will feel the relief of our stress leaving us. “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) KJV

■ Watch something funny that will make you laugh. Laughter is one of the easiest ways for us to relieve stress. It’s known to reduce stress and bring on a feeling of relaxation. Just one good laugh a day will keep the stress away. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) NIV

■ Routine exercise is a great way to relieve stress when we feel ourselves getting stressed out. It will help us think clearly, calm our minds and give us a sense of peace. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) KJV

■ Meditate on the word of God daily. The word of God is a good stress reliever. That’s why we have to meditate on it before we lay down at night and when we get up in the morning. By doing this, it will help us handle any stress that we have to deal with during the day. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) KJV

So be encouraged today and always remember: Doing these things will help us when we get stressed out because we can’t handle stress in our own strength, but we can do it through the strength that God gives us. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) KJV

Minister Sherry Ivy is a Minister of the New Providence M. B. Church (Healing & Yoke Destroying Ministry) in Macon Mississippi, under the leadership of her husband, Pastor Willie J. Ivy Sr. you can contact her via email at [email protected]