Experiencing increased stress? Here is a tool to help.

Soul Sculpting Project: Watch Your Language, Your Body is Listening

Chronic stress is hard on our body. Chronic stress has been shown to lead to a suppressed immune system and an increased risk for cardiovascular issues. Stress is also associated with psychological distress.

When we change our language (self-talk) about stress we change our body’s response.

Research finds that when we change the word “stress” to the word “challenge” we will experience less inflammation of the blood vessels and a different ratio of stress hormones.

• Stress language creates the Stress Response in our body, with all it’s accompanying hormones, increased blood pressure, inflammation, suppressed immune system . . . .
• Challenge language creates the Challenge Response with all it’s accompanying hormones, lower inflammation, . . . .

WHY?

Our body listens to our language. If our body hears the word “stress” it responds with changes to meet a short term threat. This works well for a mountain lion attack. This does not work well for a flu epidemic.

When our body hears the word “challenge” it responds with a new set of hormones and other changes suited for a longer term situation.

See the work of Dr. Kelly McGonigal, Stanford

Soul Sculpting Project: Watch Your Language, Your Body is Listening.

1. Observe your talk, silent and vocal. Note any words that are encouraging the Stress Response.

2. Talk to God about new words that feel true, but would encourage the Challenge Response.

3. Change your language to new words that will promote the Challenge Response.

I can do everything through the One who gives me strength.

(Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4:13)

Paul wrote these words from a Roman high security prison. What was the everything that Paul was able to do? In this situation Paul was referring to the ability to create the emotion “contentment”.

I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through the One who gives me strength. Philippians 4: 12-13

Throughout this prison letter, Paul used language to create stories that promoted positive emotions and thriving. Joy is the dominant emotion of this letter and in this final portion we hear about contentment. With God’s help, Paul used language/stories to change a stressful situation into joy and contentment.

I have some difficult situations that need re-framing. How about you? Today I plan to talk with God about my language. I hope you will join me in exploring this shift from a Stress Response to a Challenge Response.