How Do You Handle Stress?

How do you handle stress? For me personally, I don't generally handle it well. I like to say I got both of my parents' stubbornness. My sister did too. Oh, we don't stand a chance, really. My usual strategy is to be stiff-necked. That's probably one of my favorite words in the Bible. I always chuckle when I see it. Because I can relate! So, I ignore this elephant in the room. Try to pretend it isn't there, while I'm secretly stressing about the elephant. I personally picture God laughing and shaking His head, because He knows what's coming next. I then get busy. Too busy for my own good. Then I get sick from being stressed and too busy. Then I finally give in, give it to God, and it works itself out. Sometimes it's big things, sometimes it's little things. I will be honest, these last couple of months I've been incredibly stressed. I am very lucky health-wise. I've never had high cholesterol or blood pressure. But in January, February, and March, I had high readings. One day I was shaking, and my blood pressure was 119/132. For a girl that's ALWAYS 120/80ish, that's high for me! So a couple of weeks ago I went to a conference about the power of the Holy Spirit. In a small group, I asked for prayer for stress. As they prayed, I literally felt the stress leave my body. So I was intrigued when I went to my pcp last week and my blood pressure was 120/87. As my best friend Maria sometimes says, DOUBLE FIST PUMP!

I was stressed because I had a lot of loose ends for different things in my life and I've been waiting. Sometimes when you're waiting for so many different things, it can get extremely difficult. God keeps providing. I was crunching numbers recently, and for 2016, I've already surpassed my income in 2015 for my little pet sitting business! Jobs keep pouring in because of your needs and referrals.

I always talk about how God provides, but I usually say it's just what I need. I think it's because I don't want to seem greedy, like I hit the lottery. But to be honest, I'm trying to compartmentalize God, or put limits on Him. Why do I doubt? Last week, a client contacted me about a new assignment. This time next month, I'll be on assignment, a couple blocks from the beach. For FREE.

Since receiving prayer, I've been able to just let things roll off me. No, not all of my problems have been solved. My life isn't perfect. But it's definitely easier taking it to God first. I am so incredibly blessed, more than I deserve. God is good.

How do you handle your stress?

I leave you with a passage from the Bible. It's my favorite. It's a little long, but it's oh so good.

Sleep Apnea Anniversary

Maria & I - 12/31/2010

Exactly 5 years ago tonight, I had my first sleep study for sleep apnea. I was 27. I had zero energy. I didn’t have restful sleep – ever. My mother knew I stopped breathing at night in my sleep. Something had to change. I was sleeping 12-14 hours a day and felt like I was sleeping 4. It would take me 2-3 hours to mow our little yard in town. It was embarrassing. 

2015

After encouragement from her and my doctor, I had a sleep study. My breathing was so horrible that I hadn’t even put my head on my pillow when they came rushing back in to put the mask AND concentrator on. Around 4 a.m., I clearly remember waking up in a panic attack, ripping the mask off my face as fast as I could and I walked out. I wasn’t mean, I just couldn’t take it. 

Jynelle & I - 4/11/11

That day I couldn’t believe how I was so much more rested. After only 4 hours of sleep? This couldn’t be real. I had energy. I felt like a new person. I chose to use a full-face mask because I’m an open-mouth breather at night. Did you know there are HUNDREDS of masks to choose from? Neither did I? However, I liked the first one enough to stay with it. 

2016

Within a couple weeks, it only took me 45 minutes to mow the yard – front and back. Accompanying family in the hospital, I was walking yards ahead of them instead of yards behind them. IT CHANGED MY LIFE. I can now sleep 4 hours and feel rested, instead of vice versa. If I overhear people at my sleep specialist’s office, I butt in and advocate for the sleep apnea machines. I was extremely irritated with my father for choosing not to use one, because he would have benefited from it as well. I cannot control other people’s actions, only my own. I still use a c-pap machine and concentrator. Did you know it will guarantee you a third bag to carry-on the airplanes for medical reasons? It will also guarantee glares from the flight attendants/passengers for breaking the two-bag rule. I no longer have panic attacks when I use it, but rather I can’t sleep without it. Not even for a nap! Please, if you have trouble sleeping or functioning during the day, or if you think your loved one may suffer from sleep apnea, don’t stop nagging (gently encouraging). People can die from sleep apnea. So where’s the proof in the pudding? Check out my befores and afters. 

Please take the necessary steps to save your life.  

❤️‍