Page 101 - Biblical Counseling II

produce physical deterioration. The brain’s production of new neurons slows (Myers, 2009). Here are some
ways you and others may react to stress:

What events provoke stress responses? Research has focused on our responses to three types of stressors:
catastrophes, significant life changes, and daily hassles (Myers, 2009). I’ve listed one example in each
stressor. Write your own examples next to mine.

Catastrophe: an earthquake in a community
Significant life changes: moving to a new city
Daily hassles: traffic

What factors affect our ability to cope with stress?

Having a sense of control, developing a more optimistic explanatory style, and building our base of social
support can help us cope with stress emotionally, cognitively, or behaviorally. Direct, problem-focused
coping strategies alleviate stress directly; emotion-focused coping tries to reduce stress by attending to
emotional needs. People who see life positively (optimists) seem to cope more successfully with stress and
enjoy better health (Myers, 2009).

What tactics can we use to manage stress and reduce stress-related ailments? Stress-management programs
may include exercise, relaxation, and prayer. Learning to slow down and relax has helped lower rates of heart
attacks. Researchers are working toward understanding why religious beliefs help lower stress levels (Myers,
2009).

Read the following thoughts from Pastor Steven J. Cole as he reflects on our response to stress. It is lengthy,
but I found the article to be insightful, interesting, and helpful:

Psalm 31: The Remedy for Stress

“Try this for a stressful situation: a group of enemies has conspired together to kill you. They have instigated
a widespread campaign of slander and lies. As a result, your name has become a reproach, even among your
neighbors and former friends. When they see you coming, they turn and run the other way. They fear being

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