Methods of Cutting Stress

Nutritional biochemist Shawn Talbott, PhD, knows about stress. He has written the book, "The Cortisol Connection”, that deals with the subject. Cortisol is the human stress hormone which helps to regulate blood pressure during a sudden crisis. That is generally a good thing. But constant elevated cortisol levels due to the everyday issues that bother us is not. It can cause sleeplessness, problems with the immune system, weight gains and of course the all too common feelings of panic and depression.

Experts in the field tell of several ways to deal with too much cortisol and the unpleasant effects that brings. For instance, cortisol can be cut 50 percent by going to bed early or taking a nap, 66 percent by listening to preferred music, 39 percent by hanging out with a funny and upbeat friend, 47 percent by sipping black tea and even 12-6 percent just by chewing gum.

Interestingly, it was also mentioned was that doing something ‘spiritual’ could help reduce cortisol levels by nearly 25 percent. A report out of the University of Mississippi found that churchgoers had lower levels of the stress hormone, on average, than those who did not attend services at all. It suggested that, if organized religion is not your thing, then try developing your spiritual side by walking in the woods or beach — or even volunteering for a charity.

It is widely known that spiritual wellness is a key to dealing with the stress and strain of modern day living. But for that to be fully effective requires more than being one with nature or even just ‘attending’ a place of worship, as crucial as that may be. The Bible speaks repeatedly about the only lasting source of deep inner peace in the midst of great outward anxiety. In 2 Thessalonians 3:16 we see the ultimate source and target of peace. “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.” It is again mentioned in Galatians 1:3-4, “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age.” Also, Galatians 5 includes peace in a list of blessings and benefits derived from God and available to every true child of God. Verse 22 begins, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

But perhaps no verse in Scripture better explains how peace is attained and the full extent of what a God-ordained peace can provide than Philippians 4:6-7. It reads, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Dealing with human cortisol levels may have some positive physical impact on the body when trying to cope with life’s stressful issues. But a maturing and enduring relationship with God’s Spirit allows for a level of calm, confidence, and contentment that is any Christian’s greatest asset and the most basic need for a world searching for it in all the wrong places. And those who seriously desire to know its purpose and power need only consider the words of the Savior who authored and offers it in John 14.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. " (John 14:16)

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Bill Breckenridge