Photo illustrated by Julie Jordan
Tony Lobl is the British and Irish media/legislative representative for Christian Science, and is also a representative for Christian Science to pan-European institutions. Here is an excerpt from his article published in The Independent titled “Facing Modern-Day Stress with Time-Tested Tools.” It takes a look at the spiritual angle on dealing with today’s added stresses.
Some researchers into stress have been digging a little deeper into the surrounding question of whether there is actually an advantage to believing there is a divine ear listening at the other end of those prayers.
A University of Michigan study into “Gratitude Toward God, Stress, and Health in Late Life” found positive results for that gratitude, especially for older women who are more likely to feel grateful to God than older men. The results revealed that the effects of stress (e.g. living in a deteriorated neighborhood) on health are reduced for older people who feel more grateful to God.
Gratitude to God can also de-stress men, young people and those who live in pleasant suburbs…
About the author
Gratitude makes a big change in our peace of mind. It is listening for God’s presence and goodness, instead of telling Him what’s wrong and what we want.
I’m sure that everyone in one way or another experiences some degree of stress in their lives. When the temptation presents itself to me to give into feeling stressed I always remember what a good friend once said to me regarding stress. She said, “Stress is really over rated. Without a bit of stress, who would bother even getting out of bed in the morning!” To me it really does get down to how we choose to deal with pressure or tension. Filling our thought with gratitude along with a good sense of humor.
I’m sure that everyone in one way or another experiences some degree of stress in their lives. When the temptation presents itself to me to give into feeling stressed I always remember what a good friend once said to me regarding stress. She said, “Stress is really over rated. Without a bit of stress, who would bother even getting out of bed in the morning!” To me it really does get down to how we choose to deal with pressure or tension. Filling our thought with gratitude along with a good sense of humor are no doubt great ways to start.