The 7 Habits of Stress-Free People

Do you know how to handle stress? We all face it. And we know it can hurt us. Yet, we struggle with how to handle it. A recent study found only 23 percent of people feel they are doing “an excellent or very good job at managing or reducing stress.”

Now picture some relaxed people you know. How have they gotten that way? Some may have genetic predispositions. Studies of happiness indicate that about 50 percent of a person’s “happiness quotient” is a result of DNA. Do you know how to handle stress? We all face it. And we know it can hurt us. Yet, we struggle with how to handle it. A recent study found only 23 percent of people feel they are doing “an excellent or very good job at managing or reducing stress.” Now picture some relaxed people you know. How have they gotten that way? Some may have genetic predispositions. Studies of happiness indicate that about 50 percent of a person’s “happiness quotient” is a result of DNA.

Perhaps the same can be said for our level of stress. What, then are some strategies we can use to address the other 50 percent?

As a person and teacher of faith, I look at this question from a spiritual perspective. Yet, this perspective does not ignore the scientific and psychological insights. In fact, some spiritual practices have long known what science recently discovered. Here are seven of them:

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Observe the Sabbath

This habit follows the logic of the previous one. God did not create us to run at full-speed all the time. We need to rest. Fortunately, a day of rest was built into the order of creation. I believe the entire story of the seven days of creation is meant to teach us that God intended for us to take a full day for rest.

To observe the Sabbath, you do not necessarily need to follow all the Jewish laws or Christian practices. You do have to go to synagogue or church. Just change what you do. Do not feel the need to be productive. Try not to talk about work. Try to do activities that replenish your mind and soul.

A great musician was once asked by an admirer: “How do you handle the notes as well as you do?” The musician answered: “The notes I handle no better than many pianists, but the pauses between the notes–ah! That is where the art resides.” The Sabbath is our pause between the notes of life.