Why Jesus Never Had an Ulcer

There are many articles written about mystical eastern religious practices and how they can benefit those under stress.

However many Christians are uncomfortable with mystical eastern practices. So then is there anything we can learn from the way that Jesus lived and worked that can help us manage our own stress today?

PRESSURE ULCER

Even if you have no Christian faith many of the principals that Jesus applied in life also apply to anyones life.

1. A clear sense of purpose

Jesus had a clear sense of who he was and what he wanted to do. He was able to remain flexible in his approach to his purpose - enough to change his immediate plans when needed. However he never lost sight of his own purpose. A clear sense of purpose is important for anyone and if you don't know what your purpose is you are likely to find life very stressful as you are pulled in different directions by many different people.

2. A commitment to rest

Jesus took time out to be alone and to pray. Rest does not necessarily involve doing nothing. Some of the most restful times I have experienced have been when I have been very active. Jesus understood the need to plan for times of rest and to make a commitment to taking them. If you find yourself in a stressful situation make sure you plan in and take times of rest. These rest times could be anything from playing your favourite sport to just getting away from the office for a bit but make sure you take them.

3. Jesus kept a positive attitude to life

Perhaps it is no surprise to find Jesus taking a positive view of life but this does not make it any less important. Research has shown time and again that the positive manage stress much more effectively. If you want to reduce your stress then learn to be more positive.

4. Jesus had several close friends

Friendships and good relationships can have a dramatic effect on the way in which people handle stress. Jesus always made sure that he had time to cultivate strong relationships with the people who he could really rely on (even if they once let him down). When it feels like the rest of the world is against you it can help a great deal to know that there are still those who love you. Don't neglect your relationships.

5. Jesus was a man of strong integrity

Integrity is all about practicing what you preach. Jesus could never be accused of being hypocritical. The more we tell lies or don't keep promises we make the more we devalue ourselves in our own eyes. You may think you are being clever but deep down you know you are doing wrong. People with integrity don't have to feel any stress about false promises or lies they might have told.

6. Jesus got lots of exercise

Not a very spiritual point here but important none the less. Being fit and healthy is important for those who are living with a great deal of pressure. The fitter you are the more pressure you will be able to take. This is not an excuse for suffering in a high pressure environment but simply that healthy people suffer with stress less.

7. Jesus had a sense of eternity

Getting the big picture can help you deal with short term problems. Jesus was able to face the cross because he know what it was all about. The suffering was bearable knowing what that suffering would bring. When you experience times of suffering try hard to keep a long term perspective.

These are just a few of the ways that Jesus was able to manage his stress. I don't mean these things to in any way take away from the importance of what Jesus was and is doing in the world today. Yet Jesus was also a man and as such was susceptible to the same pressures and stresses that we suffer with ourselves. However we don't see Jesus suffering in the way that many of us do. Learn from the way Jesus lived and apply those lessons to life and see the difference they can make.

Why Jesus Never Had an Ulcer

PRESSURE ULCER