Do you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? You’re not alone. Studies have shown that on average, women worry more than men, spending approximately two hours a day feeling stressed or worried, and most of the time feeling anxious on the behalf of others. A study from 2016 found that women were twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. In the face of statistics like this, we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to learn how to deal with anxiety to live our best, most healthy lives.

“This is actually pretty amazing. My name is C.J. McKay. According to a new survey, women are spending the equivalent of almost an entire month of the year worrying. The survey found that women spend an average of almost two hours a day feeling worried or stressed, with two thirds of that time spent feeling anxious about other people rather than themselves. So if that fits you, keep in mind 1 Peter 5:7 AMP: which says, ‘casting all your cares, all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns once and for all on Him, for He cares about you with deepest affection and watches over you very carefully.’”

Men and women worry about different things.

That might seem like the most obvious thing in the world, but the way we handle these differences can make a big difference in our relationships. Men are much more likely to worry about their job, money, health, and the future, while women tend to worry about family, relationships, children, and friends. What does this tell us? That men and women are uniquely equipped to handle different aspects of life; we process things differently and many times see the same situation in two completely different lights. And this is a good thing! God designed men and women to beautifully complement each other and bring balance to our lives. Instead of being frustrated by the differences between us, let’s look for ways to lift each other up and support each other. A really important way to do that is to remind each other Who to take our burdens to. ♥️

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Ways To Overcome Worry

1) Prayer

Never let yourself forget that we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. God has given us the promise that we’re never alone, and we never having to rely on our own strength (as much as we want to sometimes.)

Philippians 4.6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

2) Write

Stop what you’re doing and write down the things you can’t stop worrying about. Then write down a Scripture that speaks to what you’re worrying about. For example: if you’re worried about money, write Philippians 4.19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” This helps clear your mind so that new, truthful thoughts have room to grow.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Romans 12.2 NIV

3)Take care of yourself

It’s so important to take care of yourself. Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep,  and exercising are all shown to help you live a less anxious life. When you stress out your body by overworking, eating junk, and not getting enough sleep, your mind pays the price as well as your body.

“We tend to separate our brain from the rest of our body, but good health means good health from a holistic perspective – from head to toe,” says Dr. Gabriela Cora, a board-certified psychiatrist. “Why wouldn’t we think eating well would also impact our mental health?”

4) Talk to someone

There’s no shame in working through things with a therapist. There are people who would tell you if you’re walking with Jesus, there’s no reason to talk to anyone else about what you’re dealing with. The truth is, Jesus has equipped people with the gifts, skills, experience, and passion necessary to help others walk through tough times in a way that gives glory to God. We have to remember it’s only the enemy who benefits from Christians being isolated and bound up with anxiety and fear. If you’re struggling, don’t go it alone. ♥️

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God bless you. Stay hopeful! ❤️