April is Stress Awareness Month: Learn to Calm Your Mind When You Feel Stressed From Our Partners at Learn to Live
This article is brought to you by our partners at Learn to Live. Learn to Live is a free wellness and mental health service offered to all Pension Fund members who are active ministers and their household members (spouse and children) over the age of 13. Learn more on our Learn to Live page.
We usually feel stressed when we’re afraid of something that might happen at work, home or in general. These non-life-threatening triggers fool our body into believing we’re under attack. We might respond by pulling back and withdrawing or fighting back. When this happens, it’s helpful to remember that you are safe. You don’t need to solve the problem right now. Your only job is to help your body calm down.
Here are a few ways to calm down when you begin to feel stressed:1
» Go somewhere quiet.
This allows you to focus and hear what’s going on in your head. Take deep breaths for about a minute. Notice any thoughts that come. Let them pass.
» Clear your calendar.
A busy schedule can make you feel stressed and anxious. Schedule free time, even a few minutes in the day, week or weekend to reduce stress. Free time is just as important as your work and social commitments.
» Do something with your hands.
Focus your attention on journaling, baking, gardening, drawing or anything active. This will help calm your mind and reduce stress.
We can help.
Learning to relax during stressful times takes plenty of practice. Your body will always tell you when you need to take a break. The hard part is learning to listen! Learn to Live’s Stress, Anxiety & Worry program will help you identify your fears and stressors. You will learn how to deal with the thoughts and activities that are keeping you stressed or anxious. Our experienced Learn to Live coaches can be helpful, too. Your coach can answer all your questions and provide support through weekly emails, texts or phone calls.
Get started today by visiting our Learn to Live page. If you’re already a member, simply sign in with your username and password. Learn to Live is available to you and your family members, ages 13 and older, all at no cost to you as a member of Pension Fund of the Christian Church.
Gifts by generous donors to Ministerial Relief and Assistance (MRA) make programs like Learn to Live possible. Learn more about MRA here.
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Learn to Live
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Learn to Live April Webinar Series
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Join Learn to Live as they walk through several concepts and exercises specifically selected to help you manage the increased emotional challenges many of us are facing. You’ll learn how to recognize different signs of stress and take immediate action to reduce negative emotions, restoring a feeling of calmness and improved wellbeing!
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Join Learn to Live as they explain perfectionism, what the pressure does to us, ways to think differently about high standards, and how to face fears of imperfection.