Last month I began writing about the seven steps to reducing stress.  The first one being choose your attitude.  This month I would like to focus on the second step, changing your way of thinking as noted by Dr. Don Colbert “Stress Management 101”.   We are often our own worst enemies when it comes to stress.  When we are stressed we are more prone to misinterpret events and think in distorted ways.  We begin to voice negative statements such as “nothing ever goes right for me”, even though this is most likely not true.  One of the ways to decrease the tendency to be negative and reduce stress is to recognize that everybody has faults, there are times when things are not going to go well and not everything is easy.  Dr. David Burns a renowned psychiatrist has identified ten types of negative beliefs.

1.      You have to be perfect. 

2.      Overgeneralizations such as I did not get the job so I will never get a job.

3.      Hearing only criticism.

4.      Not being able to take a compliment. “They must feel sorry for me because I am so worthless.”

5.      Knowing without a doubt what someone else is thinking.  Being a mind reader.

6.      Magnifying isolated events. 

7.      Outcomes are directed by your emotions.  I know I won’t get the job so why show up for the interview.  Self fulfilling prophecy.  

8.       Knowing at all times what should be done.

9.      Giving negative labels to you or others such as “stupid”.

10.  Personalization: blaming yourself for something that you have little or no control over. 

As stated last month research has shown that the heart sends messages to the brain that appear to be capable of affecting an individual’s behavior.  The heart tells your brain, your brain tells your heart, and your will decides to believe, speak, and act.  Our heart is often felt to be where God lives within us, so speak to your heart and listen to yourself.  Are your exhibiting one or more of the ten types of negative beliefs? If so ask God to free you from these lies and heal the damaged emotions this type of thinking can cause. Part of experiencing a spiritual renewal in your mind is to make a conscious choice that you will change what you put into your mind, and therefore, change your thought patterns.  “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8)

Choose to think about the positive and focus on that.  This will help defend against stress.