“It is not the load that breaks you down, it is the way you carry it.” ~ Lou Holtz (Author)

There are things we can do to relieve the strain and recover control, even though it might seem like there is nothing we can do about stress at work and home. We run the danger of harming our overall health if we are under a lot of stress. Both our physical and emotional well-being is negatively impacted by stress. It limits our capacity for clear thinking, efficient functioning, and enjoyment of life. There may seem to be little we can do to relieve stress, and there will never be more hours in the day, the bills will not stop rolling in, and our obligations to our jobs and families will always be demanding. Despite what we may believe, we have a lot more control.

Stress is the body’s and mind’s physiological and psychological reaction to conditions that feel too overwhelming. We frequently question how to handle stress. There are various ways for us to handle stress and lessen the general tension of daily tasks. Our lives might feel tense and overwhelming at times because of the quick pace of work and home, the continual barrage of technology, and the need to connect with others around us.

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To be happier, healthier, and more productive, effective stress management enables us to release the grip that stress has on our lives. The overall purpose is to live a balanced life that includes time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun, as well as the fortitude to withstand stress and face obstacles head-on. Nevertheless, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to stress management, so we must experiment to determine what works best for us. The following stress-reduction advice can assist us in achieving that.

• Finding the sources of our life’s stress.

Finding the roots of our stress is the first step in managing it. It is not as easy as it seems to do this. Finding the causes of persistent stress can be more challenging than identifying big stressors like job changes, divorce, etc. It is far too simple to ignore how ways in which our attitudes, sentiments, and actions add to the stress we experience every day. For instance, we may be aware that we worry about work deadlines all the time, but perhaps the stress is being brought on more by our procrastination than by the demands of the job itself. This means that to pinpoint the real causes of our stress, we must carefully examine our attitudes, excuses, and habits.

• Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Exercise and nutrition are two crucial factors in how we react to stress, says Mayo Clinic Health System. Our minds can be healthy when our bodies are, and the reverse is also true. Exercise is shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and enhance the overall quality of life. Since stress can deplete several vitamins, such as vitamins A, B complex, C, and E, nutrition is crucial. Maintaining a healthy diet not only makes our bodies feel better but also makes our minds feel better, which makes it easier for us to deal with stress.

• Teaming together with others.

People are social creatures. To feel empowered, we need relationships with other people. Finding a feeling of community is crucial to our wellbeing, whether it is at the workplace, with a religious group, or through shared pursuits like team sports. Participating in a joint activity enables us to build relationships and receive support through trying times.

• Allowing time for leisure and rest.

In addition to taking action and being optimistic, we may lessen stress in our lives by scheduling “me” time. We should not let the stress of life overwhelm us to the point where we neglect to take care of our personal needs. Self-care is a requirement, not a luxury. If we routinely carve out time for fun and rest, we will be better equipped to deal with the stresses of daily life.

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No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

We all continuously encounter temptation as we go about our daily lives, even the most revered, and we might still give in to temptation even if we decide to live indoors for the rest of our life. We are all susceptible to temptation, and we will never be free from it. Therefore, we need to comprehend what the Bible says about resisting temptation. We may tell we desire to live a life that pleases God by the fact that we are considering strategies to resist temptation. This is so crucial that Jesus incorporated it into ‘The Lord’s prayer.’ He said, “… and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

WHAT IS TEMPTATION?

Temptation is as old as humanity. It started at the very beginning of the Bible. It has existed from the time of Adam and Eve, and it will exist until the end of the world. Nothing in this world, not even prayer, could remove it. We just have one choice, which is to overcome it. Fighting against something we do not understand is nearly difficult. It would be like “boxing the air” to do that. So let us first discuss what temptation is before discussing how to resist it.
The impulse to give in to fleeting pleasures that jeopardize long-term objectives is known as temptation. For certain religions, temptation refers to the urge to sin. Temptation can also refer to the manipulation of a person’s curiosity, desire, or fear of losing something significant to them to persuade them to engage in such an act.

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

The steps below for resisting temptation are practical approaches. They are doable and successful strategies that provide resistance to all forms of temptation. Furthermore, these are not the insights of humans. Since they are taken from the Bible, we may be sure that they are timeless lessons that will never expire.

• We should pray to resist temptation.

It was better articulated by Jesus in Matthew 26:41. He said, ” Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – NIV
In other words, prayer is crucial in the fight against temptation while we watch.

• We should not disregard the guidance of our spirit.

The Holy Spirit speaks to us through our human spirit all the time, warning us not to do what is wrong. Surrendering to him will enable us to resist temptation.

• We ought to confide in someone.

The Christian life is not intended to be lived alone. For all believers, it is crucial to have supportive friends and family members. Sometimes resisting temptation necessitates that we answer to both God and other men who share our values. When we need assistance, we might need to confide in someone who can provide it. We should seek out a confidant with whom we may discuss our plight when we are faced with problems in life or temptation. Our confidants should be informed of the situation, and we should be prepared to put any advice they may have into practice. Accountability will assist us in avoiding sin when it manifests itself, as well as in overcoming temptation. Our spouses, parents, coworkers, classmates, or members of the same church group can all serve as our confidants. We should use caution while deciding on a confidant, though, so that our hearts do not be hurt when we are attempting to be strong. We must confide in someone mature enough to manage messy circumstances.

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We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 NIV

Sometimes it can be difficult to live out our life’s purpose. We have a choice to either remain in the current situation or move on. Having gratitude can also assist us in achieving our life’s goals. All we have to do is make sure we are surrounded by thankful hearts rather than hostile ones, and be careful to surround ourselves with individuals who can have a great impact on our lives and encourage us to succeed. Since we are “formed in the image” of God in many ways, the wonderful future that awaits all people in the very Kingdom or Family of God is virtually beyond human conception. If we are willing to submit to Him, He will work with us. He is forming and reshaping us. He will continue to impart wisdom to us throughout time, but we must be prepared to humbly dedicate ourselves to God and actively seek out His will for our life.

Realizing why we were created is the simplest definition of fulfilling our purpose. Vision is sparked and developed by purpose, and passion is then fed by vision. Success is a byproduct of passion. Everything on earth was designed for a purpose including us, thus, it is our job to identify and move to achieve our mission. Everyone has a purpose in life. Our existence in this world and our birth are neither accidental nor the result of chance. The fact that no two persons on earth have the same fingerprints serves as proof that the world needs what we alone can provide.

Although our purposes differ from person to person, our main objective is to exalt God. Here are some actions we can do right away to start living out our God-given purpose.

•  Become accessible to Him

We must first make ourselves available for God to use if we are to accomplish our purpose. We may occasionally have to take actions we are not prepared to take if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. It could need stepping outside of our normal routine, but when we do so, let us keep in mind that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).

•  Examine our abilities.

God grants us spiritual gifts, but often our purpose calls for us to use the abilities and skills we were born with. We need to take some time to consider the things we do well, and consider how we may use those abilities, resources, and talents to exalt God.

•  Consider several options.

We will likely discover certain areas in which we need improvement as we evaluate our abilities. We should not let what we perceive to be inherent incapability keep us from doing new things. Our mission can occasionally be found in hidden talents. Given the variety of ministries available within the church, it is a wonderful place to try new things. It should be our mission to test out new ministries.

• Ask God to reveal our purpose in prayer.

Let us ponder it in prayer. Ask God to disclose our unique calling. Ask Him to reveal to us how we might accomplish our purpose. We will eventually need to remind ourselves of our goals and the calling that God has placed on our lives.

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“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:10-12 NIV

Who has never been harmed by the remarks or deeds of some other? Perhaps your spouse had an affair, your father continuously berated you as a child, or you went through a tragic experience like being physically or emotionally molested by a family member. If you do not practice forgiveness, you can be the one who suffers the most from these wounds, leaving you with lingering sentiments of resentment and wrath. You can embrace joy, serenity, hope, and thankfulness by practicing forgiveness. Think about the path to emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being that forgiveness can take you.

To each person, forgiveness means something different. To let go of bitterness and thoughts of revenge is necessary, though. Although the act that injured or offended you might still be with you, forgiving the offender might assist loosen its hold on you and help you break free from their grasp. Even feelings of comprehension, compassion, and love for the person who injured you might arise after you have forgiven them. While it does not imply erasing or dismissing the hurt done to you or making amends with the offender, forgiveness does create a sense of calm that makes it easier to move on with your life.

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When someone you truly love hurts you, it might make you angry, upset, and unstable. Grudges can develop into feelings of hatred, revenge, and animosity if you focus on upsetting occasions or circumstances. You risk being overcome by your resentment or desire for revenge if you let negative emotions overpower happy ones. Even though you harbor resentment, you can develop greater forgiveness skills because doing so has many advantages. Some of the benefits include improved mental health, healthier relationships, less stress, anxiety, and aggression.

Forgiveness can result in reconciliation if the hurtful occurrence involved a person with whom you otherwise value your relationship. However, this is not always the case. If the perpetrator has passed away or refuses to communicate with you, reconciliation might not be feasible. In other instances, reconciliation might not be suitable. However, even if it is impossible, forgiveness is still a possibility.

You will stop defining your life by the ways you have been wronged as you let go of your grudges. Keep in mind, though, that you can not make someone forgive you. Others must forgive at their own pace. Whatever occurs, commit to treating people with respect, understanding, and compassion.

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“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18

Anywhere there is human connection, conflict must inevitably exist. However, some confrontations cannot be avoided, which is why every employee needs to be familiar with conflict resolution techniques. Teams must cooperate, and disagreements must be kept to a minimum if an organization is to grow and advance. People are special, so we frequently tend to respond to situations differently. Small disagreements can, however, balloon into larger ones if they go unresolved. Therefore, all parties concerned in any problem topic must present on an open platform to address difficulties and find a solution to avoid such workplace confrontations.

Conflict at work is characterized as a significant disagreement of opinion that exists at the workplace. It could begin with a straightforward grievance or simply a difference of opinion. Many times, these problems either get better over time or go away on their own.

When discussing the root causes of problems at work, backbiting, gossip, and choosing sides, which frequently results in partiality, are some of the worst offenders. It is a recipe for disaster in the job to support someone solely because they are your friend rather than based on their deeds or character. Influencing and pushing views on employees rather than being flexible can be problematic for employers and team leaders alike. Team members may retain grudges against their boss. Additionally, if team members’ duties and skills are not compatible, it may cause friction and hinder the attainment of the company objectives.

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There are many ways to prevent conflict in the workplace as well as methods for effective conflict resolution. Below are a few guidelines to follow.

● Define acceptable conduct.

This is the first action to take if we want to decrease the frequency of disagreements at work. Standard operating procedures, operating policies, and even dress rules should all be stated in detail in a document that is kept in the office. Additionally, it must define what constitutes inappropriate conduct in simple, comprehensive terms. We cannot hold people accountable for wrongdoing if they do not know what is appropriate or inappropriate.

● Communicate.

When expressing our ideas at work, we must be careful to utilize exact and plain language. We must avoid taking the chance of being misinterpreted. Also, we must make sure the setting is appropriate before giving a speech or a presentation.

● Encourage employees with kindness.

We must make sure that our input is constructive when giving it to coworkers or team members. People around us, especially if we are team leaders, should know that we appreciate their efforts and want to see them succeed. Positive feedback would motivate the rest of the team to follow suit.

● Humor never does anyone any harm.

Let us make an effort to be humorous at work. This is yet another excellent means of preventing problems at work. Let us encourage some lightheartedness at work for team leaders and managers. We do not want our staff to get overworked just because they cannot take a break. In the end, we would have underproductive employees and a failing company. Starting our meetings with entertaining ice breakers or a hilarious joke is one way we can make this work. We could occasionally even send an email to the entire department simply for laughs.

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“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” – Psalm 107:28-31 NIV

If we wish to maintain our composure throughout a storm, we must accept the fact that some storms are unavoidable. We still experience life’s storms even if we follow and obey Jesus. God has not guaranteed us a faultless existence because we are all susceptible to this fallen world, but He has promised to stay by our sides during our trials. Of course, following Christ has many advantages: tranquility, joy, atonement, freedom, and the list goes on. Even though we will experience storms in this life, those storms do not prevent us from reaping the rewards of our faith in Christ. The storm cannot keep us from Christ’s calm, yet following Him does not exempt us from it. The serenity we seek amid our storms does not originate with the passing of the storm; rather, it originates with God. Jesus frankly reveals to us:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

We occasionally face difficulties or events like storms. Life’s storms are challenging situations that we encounter in our walk with the Lord. Storms might take the shape of illness, financial difficulty, family issues, etc. It may begin to feel as though God is dozing off when we are frantically pleading to Him during times of trouble.

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We may be interested in how the storms we may be facing today are impacting our faith, and we wonder if we are so focused on the physical danger that we are ignoring how the storm is gradually changing our perspective of God. Storms have a way of reminding us that we are not in control, and then we forget that God is. Things we used to not even question or worry about are now nervously keeping us up at night.

Here is the reality that we must accept if we wish to stay calm during a storm. Even when everything went as we wanted it to, we were never in charge, and the same God who is in charge of our prosperous seasons is also in charge of our trying seasons.
Life’s storms cannot divert us from understanding who our God is if we want to remain peaceful in them.

We must be careful not to let the storm make us lose sight of the fact that God is greater and deserving of our all.

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The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:6 NIV

To feel passion or sexual desire is quite normal. Your emotions can be centered on a certain individual, or you might find yourself pulled to things like masturbating or watching porn. These desires, however, might occasionally be excessive or unwelcome. There are things you may do to handle those uncomfortable thoughts and feelings if you just can’t seem to get rid of them. Your doctor or a counselor can assist if you’re having trouble handling it on your own.

Lust is a psychological phenomenon that causes an overwhelming desire for something or a situation even though the desirer already has a sizable amount of the object in question. While comparable to passion, lust differs from passion in that the former inspires people to pursue charitable objectives while the latter does not.

Here are some pointers for overcoming lust.

• Establish limits for yourself

You can better control your desires by avoiding temptations. For instance, acquire an application or internet extension to block enticing websites if you’re prone to viewing porn every time you’re on your computer. Alternatively, if you are having trouble controlling your sexual urges toward a certain individual, try to spend as little time as possible with them. It may be more difficult to resist sexual cravings if your behavior is more widely known.

1. Consider using your computer in a public area rather than by yourself in your room, such as a park bench or coffee shop.
2. Bring a friend with you if you’re going to a bar or the beach so they can keep you busy and diverted from people-spotting.
3. Avoid looking at their social media or attempting to attract their attention if you have feelings for a particular person.

• Discover your triggers

It is simpler to regulate your urges if you are aware of them. Consider what’s happening the next time you feel lustful. Do you, for instance, have more erotic thoughts while you are bored or under stress? What happens when you are around particular individuals or in particular settings (like at the beach or a bar)? Make a list of the things that you notice seem to bring up those undesirable thoughts and sensations, and jot down some suggestions for how to handle those triggers.

      1. For example, if you notice that your lustful thoughts occur more frequently when you are bored, find activities to keep your mind occupied. When doing monotonous chores like folding clothes, try listening to music or a fascinating podcast.

      2. You might become aware that you’ve been using sexual ideas or actions as a stress reliever. Make it a goal to develop better habits and new coping mechanisms.

• Find productive methods to pass the time

Distract yourself and let off some steam with enjoyable hobbies and pastimes. The next time you find yourself thinking about something sexual, go for a run or contact a friend and chat. Another option is to engage in creative activities like painting, music, or cooking. This will assist in diverting your attention from your undesired cravings.

      1. Instead of focusing on the person you’re lusting over, concentrate on activities that make you feel good about yourself.

Keep in mind that lust is a sin and that it breeds other sins; as a result, be deliberate in your efforts to restrain it.

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“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13.

Starting the day off well is the first step in making the most of each new day and getting the most out of your day. The most important factor in determining how well your day goes is what you do in the first hour of the new day. So, how do you get a good start on the day?

A healthy mind will always be associated with a healthy body, therefore having a negative attitude toward activities can have a significant impact on your mental health, which in turn manifests physically.

Finding out what constitutes a positive attitude and how to put it into practice may be of interest. It is largely straightforward. Here are a few strategies for maintaining good health by getting off to a good start each day.

• Be thankful that you are still alive to experience a new day

Give thanks to God when you first open your eyes to a new day. Be thankful as you get out of bed and put your feet on the floor. Being grateful for the chance of a fresh day as you get up and begin your day is important. As the day goes on, don’t stop being grateful.

•  Decide to be joyful

It will raise you and bring you happiness to be thankful and to express your gratitude for where you are and what you have. No matter what happened yesterday or what you could encounter today or tomorrow, make the decision to be joyful and keep it that way.

• Seek spiritual direction for the coming day

Communicate with your creator first, then turn on your phone or other devices to access the outside world. You only need a few minutes in the morning to pray and meditate, therefore choose a strategy that works for you and stick with it; for instance, consider 15 minutes of affirmations and prayers.

• Be considerate

Start with your own family at home and extend love and compassion to all who cross your path. Genuinely greet them in the morning, express your love and gratitude, and use phrases that will make them feel better.

• Show love

Loving oneself is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself to start the day off well. Negativity and undesirable results are more likely to occur if you don’t love yourself because you are unlikely to admire or respect anything you accomplish.

Every day that comes along is a gift and a chance for a fresh start. It offers a chance to restart and make amends for mistakes made in the past. However, it is incredibly simple to continue with the same routine that stifles innovation or improvement. As Christians, it is therefore expected of you to start each day off well by following these guidelines. Doing so will ensure that you receive much more out of the day as it goes along and allows you to conclude the day with a sense of fulfillment.

How else can you start your day right? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to share this with a friend who may need it.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

Happiness is, for the most part, conditional. That means that we believe that to relax and enjoy life, we must first solve an issue or accomplish a goal. The problems can be major or minor. We think we would finally be satisfied and complete if we could simply figure out these issues and acquire what we desire. We would not feel as though our lives are incomplete or that we are constantly moving toward something. Will we ever feel as though we have arrived, even if we do manage to have everything under control? I am guessing no. Or if we do, it is short-lived. The problem is this. All of our problem-solving and planning keep us in our heads, and if we are always thinking, rather than acting, we are unable to feel the fullness of our being because we are unable to be in our bodies.

One may want to know what unconditional love is. Affection without restrictions or love without conditions, therefore, are other names for unconditional love. This phrase is occasionally used in conjunction with phrases like genuine benevolence or unwavering love. Unconditional love is defined differently in each field of study, but most experts will agree that it is the kind of love that has no boundaries and is unchangeable.

Associating with individuals who genuinely love you will help you experience unconditional love, whilst practicing joy daily is necessary. Here are some suggestions about how to properly have these.

• Practice Unconditional Self-Love First

Before we love ourselves, we cannot love others. We believe we are not deserving of love, though, much too often. We search for love and someone to fill the emptiness in our hearts when we feel empty of it. The only way we can experience love is if we let go of the love we have accepted for ourselves. Genuine self-love is not pompous. The deepest humility serves as its foundation since self-love is a reflection of the divine nature that resides inside each of us. There is no benchmark for measuring other love if we do not first love ourselves. We feel undeserving of any other love if we do not love ourselves. After all, how can I expect anyone else to love me if I cannot even love myself?

• Recognize God’s Unconditional Loving Presence

Through prayer and meditation, we can recognize the source of divine love in ourselves. That unconditional love of the divine spirit expressed through each of us blesses every facet of our lives.
“The power of unconditional love is God’s power. There is no other power.” – Rev. Hawkins

• Practice Unconditional Love And Joy In Your Community

We have the opportunity to put unconditional love into practice every time we interact with people. We can recognize the enduring presence of love in the warmth and light of our loved ones and strangers. Even in difficult times or when other people test us, viewing the world through the prism of love enables us to recognize each person’s perfect flaw. Work to follow the still, little voice inside to fully accept the people, places, things, and occurrences around you when you are in the company of others.
Additionally, keep in mind that God is full of joy and loves everyone without exception.

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