07/14/2025
This came to me in an email, and thought some of you might enjoy seeing it: (these are things pretty identical to what we share with the ladies as to how to help themselves get back to "green")
'Chuck Norris Stress-Busters
1. Physical Activity:
Engage in regular exercise. Even moderate-intensity activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can help reduce stress and improve your mood by releasing endorphins.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
(That’s about 21 minutes a day — or 30 minutes 5 times a week. Not too bad!)
2. Take several “micro-chillers” (5-minute breaks) each day:
Short breaks to pause and relax can really help “reset” your stress levels. Try listening to calming music or taking a few minutes to stretch or walk.
You can practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Prayer, meditation and yoga are great ways to master these.
3. Sleep Hygiene:
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially close to bedtime.
Quit staying up so late! Establish a no-compromise consistent sleep schedule with a relaxing bedtime routine.
Set up your bedroom so it’s easy to fall asleep and stay asleep. You want a comfortable temperature, darkness, and quiet.
Also, turn off electronics and dim the lights in the evening — it helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
4. Healthy Diet:
Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Limit processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine, as these can exacerbate stress and anxiety.5
5. Social Relations:
Schedule weekly time with loved ones and maintain a strong social support network.
Connect with friends and family, or consider joining social groups, clubs or church groups based on shared interests.
6. Self-Care:
Schedule at least a full day of rest each week during which you turn off “stress” electronics that fight for or tempt your attention.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood and well-being.
7. Mindset and Perspective:
Immediately challenge negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive light.
Say you’re starting a new role at work. Instead of worrying, “I’ve never done this before,” flip it, and think “This is an opportunity to learn something new.”
It also helps to practice gratitude daily by acknowledging the positive aspects of your life.8
Last, but not least, Gena and I take a holistic approach to stress management, which includes using our daily prayer times to cast our cares upon God, asking for His help in all things, especially those that burden us.
Psalm 55:22 encourages us: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.”9 As humans, we were not designed to go it alone. We need others. We need God.'
