Stressed Out

Can you identify with Popeye the Sailor?

At one time Popeye was more popular in America than Mickey Mouse. Many of us loved his adventures. Often he competed with Bluto for the affections of his “goil,” Olive Oyl.

Frequently Bluto got on Popeye’s nerves and we knew what was coming. Before long Popeye would shout in his fractured English, “That’s all I can stands! I can’t stands no more!”

Today, many of us would say, “Amen!” We’re so stressed out we “can’t stands no more!” In fact four in 10 Americans report they regularly feel stress.

According to Gallup polls, stress levels for Americans remain fairly constant. Since 1994, between 33 and 42 per cent of Americans reported frequent stress.

Two groups had the most stress. Forty-seven per cent of parents with children under the age of 18 reported frequent stress. No surprise there. The second group was people who say they don’t have enough time to do things they want to do (55%).

Well hold on just a minute. Don’t Americans have more leisure time than ever? Don’t we live in the best time in history?

Maybe. But things sure changed fast! The price of gasoline seems go up daily. We hear constant reports of the mortgage mess and record foreclosures. Many work two jobs.

Of course, compared to Zimbabwe, where inflation is more than 100,000 per cent, we’re in great shape. But we’re still a stressed out people.

So where does stress come from and what can we do about it?

Some stress comes from external events over which we have little control. Things like the stock market, war, and illness. But much of our stress is self-induced--we do it to ourselves!

Here’s a simple definition of this kind of stress: “Stress is believing you can accomplish more than is possible in the time available.” And, when you don’t get everything done, that can lead to anger—which, in turn, causes more stress!

Adding to our stress are reports from health care professionals that stress can lead to all kinds of health problems. Which, in turn, produce more stress. It’s a vicious cycle.

So what do you do with your stress?

Popeye the Sailor’s solution was a can of spinach. Eating it seemed to give him super-human strength. Then he clobbered Bluto and sailed off into the sunset with Olive Oyl.

If only it were that simple! I tried the spinach route and it didn’t seem to help with my stress or solve my problems.

Living a stress-filled life is nothing new for the human race. It’s been going on for thousands of years. Thankfully there is an ancient remedy that works better than spinach or prescription drugs for most people—and it’s available free of charge.

Jesus Christ said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for our souls.”

The Bible later adds, “Cast all your anxiety on him [God] because he cares for you.” And “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!