Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Scripture

59 | 10 Easy Steps to Crafting Your Stress-Free Reset Plan for Christian Women

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

Share episode

Overwhelmed by stress? You're not alone. What if I told you that peace isn't just possible—it's your spiritual birthright?

As someone who once rated my stress at a 15 on a 10-point scale during my early pastoral work, I understand the crushing weight of overwhelm. It took me years to discover that managing stress isn't just about time management techniques or deep breathing—it's about aligning our entire approach to life with God's design for peace and purpose.

This episode walks you through a comprehensive 10-step stress-free reset plan rooted in biblical wisdom. We explore practical applications of scripture like 1 Peter 5:7, which reminds us to cast our anxieties on God, and Philippians 4:6-7, which promises peace that transcends understanding when we bring everything to Him in prayer. From identifying your unique stressors to setting healthy boundaries, practicing forgiveness, and ultimately trusting in God's perfect plan, each step builds upon the foundation of faith while addressing the practical realities of modern life.

What sets this approach apart is how it honors both spiritual truths and practical needs. We discuss the importance of delegation (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10), physical self-care (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and community support (Galatians 6:2), creating an integrated strategy that addresses stress from multiple angles. I also share personal insights from my 25+ years of ministry experience, including the transformative practices that helped me transition from pulpit to podcasting.

Ready to reclaim the peace and joy God intends for you? Listen now, and don't forget to join our community of faith-filled women at BiblicalBoundariesForWomen.com where we're walking this journey together, supporting each other every step of the way.

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

Aroma of Christ Coaching > PaulaBehrens.com

🌹Become an Insider > bit.ly/insiderfamily

👉👉👉 Grab your Freebies here > bit.ly/faithfulfamily

Join the Community >>> BiblicalBoundariesForWomen.com

Essential Oil Favorites > WhyEssentialOils.com

Get a copy > A New Heaven and New Earth: The Book of Revelation Revisited >>> https://amzn.to/3xRp0DI

Paula Behrens:

Hey sister, are you ready to kick stress to the curb? Tune in as we dive into 10 easy steps to craft your very own stress-free reset plan. It's time to live on purpose, in peace, and fully embrace the joy God has for you. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to Spicy Detroit. This listener writes, "Emotions are spiritual cues. 'For Christians, emotional intelligence is a spiritual practice.' I appreciate this perspective. Great episode!" Well, thank you so much, Spicy Detroit. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes. What a joy it is for me to hear from our listeners.

Paula Behrens:

Hey sister, do you want to come and hang out with a group of faith-filled women who are on a mission to maintain consistent spiritual practices, so that they, too, can be a guiding light for Jesus? In our group, you'll get tips that will transform your devotional routines into fun and joy-filled moments, plus early bird access to special offers. And the best part is that you can ask your questions inside the community. Come, join Biblical Boundaries For Women . com (no spaces). All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

During the first six months of my journey as a pastor, I experienced stress at levels I had never imagined. If someone had asked me to rate my stress on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being completely relaxed and 10 being on the verge of burnout my response would have been off the charts at 15. This was before I truly understood the significance of setting aside daily moments to connect with God, honoring my weekly Sabbath and making full use of my vacation days, as well as an annual 10-day spiritual retreat to refresh and restore my soul. This lesson has stayed with me for over 25 years. Looking back, I see it as God preparing me for my transition from the pulpit into podcasting, as I seek to faithfully guide other Christian women in understanding the crucial importance of their daily quiet time with God as well.

Paula Behrens:

We all experience stress from time to time, don't we? It's just something we can't avoid, but it's how we manage stress that can make all the difference in the world. Today's episode is about crafting your very own stress-free reset plan. So get out something to take notes with, and we will explore these practical, faith-based steps together, steps that will help you to live a more peaceful and purposeful life. Let's begin with prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before you today seeking your wisdom and your guidance. As we discuss ways to manage our stress, help us to remember that you are our ultimate source of peace. May our efforts be guided by your love and your wisdom and your grace. And all of God's people say, Amen.

Paula Behrens:

Okay, first of all, it's important to understand stress from a Christian perspective. In other words, when we talk about stress, it's important to think about what it actually is and how it affects us as believers. Stress is a natural response of our bodies and minds to challenges or demands. However, when it becomes chronic, it can lead to health issues, both physical and mental. From a Christian perspective, stress can sometimes be viewed as a test of our faith. But, on the contrary, 1 Peter 5, verse 7 reminds us to cast all our anxiety on Him, Christ Jesus, because he cares for us as His followers. This verse tells us that we don't have to carry the burden of stress alone. But what does that look like in practice? I mean really, what does it look like in real life? Well, let's dive into some practical steps you can take to create your own stress-free reset plan.

Paula Behrens:

Step one, identify your stressors. The first thing we need to do in any stress management plan is to identify our stressors. These are the things that trigger our stress response. They could be anything from work deadlines to family responsibilities or even internal pressures like perfectionism or fear. To identify your stressors take some time to reflect on your life. You might find it helpful to keep a journal for a week or two, writing down when you feel stressed and what might have caused it. Once you have a list of your stressors, you can start to work on managing them.

Paula Behrens:

Step two, once you've identified your stressors, the next step is to prioritize and delegate. Not everything on your list will be equally important or urgent. Some things can be delegated to others, while others can be postponed or maybe even eliminated altogether. For example, if you're stressed about keeping your house clean, could you ask your family members to help you out a little bit more? Or if you're overwhelmed with work, could you talk to your boss about prioritizing certain projects? Remember, it's okay to ask for help. In Ecclesiastes 4, verses 9 through 10, we hear "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." You see, we weren't meant to do everything on our own.

Paula Behrens:

Step three, prayer and meditation are powerful tools for managing stress. They allow us to connect with God, to bring our worries and our concerns to Him and to find peace in His presence. In Philippians 4, 6-7, we're told "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." To incorporate prayer and meditation into your stress-free reset plan, set aside time each day to be still and connect spiritually. Consider creating a special prayer area in your home or trying out a meditation app. I am so excited to let you know that next week's Insider Newsletter will feature a guided meditation. To become a part of our Insider community and enjoy a wide array of inspiring content each week, visit bit. ly/ insiderfamily. That's B - I - T dot L - Y slash Insider Family (no spaces). I can't wait to share this guided meditation and would love to hear your feedback on how it benefits you.

Paula Behrens:

Step four, practice gratitude. I know I talk a lot about gratitude, but it's so important. Gratitude is another powerful tool for managing stress. When we focus on the things we're thankful for, it shifts our attention away from our stressors and onto the blessings in our lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5. 18, we're told to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Now, this doesn't mean that we have to be thankful for our stressors, but we can be thankful in spite of them. To practice gratitude, try keeping a gratitude journal. Each day write down three things you're thankful for. They can be big things, like your health or your family, or they could be small things, like a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset. Over time, you'll find that focusing on gratitude helps to reduce your stress levels.

Paula Behrens:

Step five, setting healthy boundaries is another important part of your stress-free reset plan. This means saying "no" to things that cause you unnecessary stress and saying "yes" to things that bring you joy and peace. In Matthew 5. 37, Jesus tells us "let your yes be yes and your no no." This verse reminds us that it's okay to set boundaries and that we don't have to feel guilty about it. To set healthy boundaries, start by identifying the things that cause you stress and see if there's a way to limit your exposure to them. For example, if you're stressed about social media, could you limit your time on that? Or if you're stressed about work, could you set specific work hours and stick to them?

Paula Behrens:

Step six, taking care of your body is another crucial part of managing stress. This includes diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. In 1 Corinthians 6, 19 through 20, we're reminded that "our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us, who we have received from God, and that we're not our own, that we were bought with a price. Therefore, we should honor God with our bodies." Try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night and find an exercise routine that you enjoy. Whether it's walking, running, yoga, stretching or something else, exercise can help you reduce stress and improve your overall health.

Paula Behrens:

Step seven, connecting with others is another important part of your stress-free reset plan. You know we're social creatures and we need connection and support to thrive. In Galatians 6. 2, we're told to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This verse reminds us that we're not meant to go through life alone, but to support and uplift each other. This could be anything from a weekly dinner with friends to a monthly Bible study group. You might also find it helpful to join a support group or talk to a counselor if you're dealing with particularly stressful situations.

Paula Behrens:

Step eight, practicing forgiveness is another key part of managing stress. Holding on to anger and resentment can take a toll on our mental and physical health, so it's important to let go of these feelings and forgive those who have wronged us. If you're having problems forgiving, perhaps a one-hour coaching session with me would be helpful. In Ephesians 4, 31 through 32, we're told to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as, in Christ, God forgave you." To practice forgiveness, start by identifying any grudges you're holding on to, then pray for the strength to forgive and remind yourself that forgiveness is not about condoning the other person's actions, but about freeing yourself from the burden of anger and resentment.

Paula Behrens:

Step nine, focusing on the "here and now moment" is another important part of your stress-free reset plan. When we're stressed, we often find ourselves dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. But when we focus on the present, we can find peace and joy in today. In Matthew 6. 34, Jesus tells us, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." This verse reminds us to take things one day at a time and to trust that God will take care of our future. To focus on the present moment, try practicing mindfulness. This could involve paying attention to your breathing, noticing the sensations in your body or simply observing your surroundings without judgment. Over time, you'll find that focusing on the present can help to reduce your stress levels.

Paula Behrens:

Finally, the last step in your stress-free reset routine is to trust in God's plan. When we're stressed, it's easy to feel like we need to fix everything ourselves, but the truth is, God is the one who's in control and he has a plan for our lives that is better than anything we could ever imagine. In Jeremiah 29. 11, we hear God saying "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse tells us that we can trust in God's plan, even when things don't seem to be going our way. To trust in God's plan. Spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God to guide your steps and to give you the strength to face whatever challenges come your way. Remember that God is with you always and that he will never leave you or forsake you. Creating a stress-free reset plan is all about taking practical, faith-based steps to manage your stress and live a more peaceful and purposeful life.

Paula Behrens:

Okay, let's close with a prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and for your grace. As we work on our stress-free reset plans, help us to remember that you are our ultimate source of peace. Guide our steps and give us the strength we need to face whatever challenges will come our way. We trust in your plan for our lives and we thank you for the hope and the future that you have promised us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say "no" to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Also, don't forget to become a part of our community on Facebook at Biblical Boundaries For Women .com (no spaces). Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.