The world has changed since the pandemic. People have changed. And these changes have caused much stress in the lives of teachers.
The World Health Organization defines stress as “any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain.” Change causes stress. However, the way we respond to stress makes a big difference to our overall well-being.
Stress originates in our minds as we grapple with the realities around us. The Bible has a lot to say about our thoughts. But a recent article from ISM substantiates a lot of what the Bible states.
A few weeks ago, LCS hosted the annual Encounter camp for middle school students. Our theme was “Tango Down,” drawing from the military jargon for eliminating an enemy. The idea behind the theme was that our thoughts are the birthplace of sin and stress. If we can eliminate those thoughts, we can manage our actions (responses to those thoughts). That is the guidance for managing stress as well.
ISM encourages teachers to Challenge Intrusive Thoughts as the primary means of managing stress. They state, “the key to all…interventions is breaking the spiral of stress-producing thoughts that leads to chronic anxiety and depression.”
But how is that accomplished?
ISM offers four great strategies for you to redirect your mind. And each have a corresponding scripture to support it.
- Refocus your thoughts.
- 2 Cor. 10:5 – We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
- Rom 8:6 – For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
- Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique.
- 1 John 1:1-4 – That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we also proclaim to you so that you too may have fellowship with us, and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
- Practice deep breathing.
- Ezekiel 37:6 – And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”
- Daniel 10:17 – For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.
- Job 33:4 – The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
- T.H.I.N.K.
- Phil. 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.