7-step guide to dealing with stress from a mental health coach:

1. Prayer and Meditation: Begin your day with prayer, seeking strength and guidance from God. Philippians 4:6-7 - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

2. Identify Stress Triggers: Reflect on Psalm 139:23-24 - “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Understanding your triggers helps in managing stress effectively.

3. Practice Gratitude: Embrace 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Focusing on gratitude shifts your perspective and reduces stress.

4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Honor your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, knowing that it impacts your overall well-being.

5. Seek Support: Proverbs 17:17 - “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Seek support from your faith community or trusted friends during challenging times.

6. Set Boundaries: Learn from Jesus’ example in Mark 1:35-37, where He prioritized rest and solitude despite demands. Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining mental and emotional health.

7. Faith and Trust: Trust in God’s plan, even in uncertainty. Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

By integrating these principles and scriptures into your life, you can effectively manage stress and cultivate peace in alignment with God’s ways.