Counsels on Wellness

Counsel #19 — The Root Cause

Picture: Counsel #19 — The Root Cause CWe 79.1

One of the most overlooked ways to reduce stress is identifying your stressors. Stressors are situations, events, thoughts, or people that trigger feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, or reckless behavior. Being able to recognize your stressors is the first step to reducing their negative impact on your life. CWe 79.2

A helpful approach is self-reflection - pay close attention to what causes your stress levels to rise. Is it an employee at your job, your significant other, or a major life change? Do you become more stressed when you have less money in your bank account? Whatever the stressor is, identify it quickly before it causes unhealthy feelings to take root in your spirit. Another method to consider is recognizing patterns in behavior. If you feel overwhelmed before important deadlines, then maybe your stressor is linked to time management issues. If you get overly stressed before a speech or meeting, then your stressor may be public speaking. By identifying the root cause, you can develop coping strategies that will better help you manage your stress instead of being overcome by it. Try these practical steps for a more peaceful life experience!^[94] CWe 79.3

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:40 NIV CWe 79.4

“In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief.” Ellen White in The Desire of Ages , p. 330 CWe 79.5

Reflect: When stress hits, what do you do first? React? Or trace the cause? CWe 79.6