Mind Based Stress Reduction: Take Control of Your Mind

© Michelle Howard Smith - All Rights Reserved

75-90% of diseases are caused by stress from the way you think.  A key to eliminating stress is mind based stress reduction or controling the way you think. 

We are not stressed by the experiences and things that we go through but by the way we perceive them to be.  I know you've heard the term, "You are what you eat" but I challenge you to realize that you are what you think.  In the book of Proverbs 23:7, it states: "As a person thinks in his heart, so is he."   If you go back and review the doctor's reports on people who were either suicidal or homicidal, you will find that these unfortunate people did not think much of themselves. Many were anti-social and even "thought" that everyone was against them.  They "thought" they didn't deserve to live or that in exhibiting certain behaviors, what they "thought" they were doing was right. Can you honestly say that violence on tv and movies has absolutely nothing to do with these violent tendencies?  At the very least, mind based stress reduction is a something to consider.

As human beings, we need to begin to give an account for the things that we allow into our thinking mechanism, the mind.  We watch violent movies, unrealistic love tales (ex: soap operas) and whatever is presented to us on the boob tube (TV).  Now, there's nothing wrong with watching television but I implore people to really be careful of the images and suggestions that you allow into your mind.  The media has one goal and that is to get viewers.  It's no wonder people have unrealistic expectations of what love and life are like or is supposed to be. Too much watching of what's presented to you on tv and in the movies and you'll wind up thinking this is how life really is.  Many of the stories you see are from ideas and images that someone conjured up in their mind of how they think things are or should be or they desire them to be.  I doubt that many are from real life experiences (of course some are).

The news displays mostly negative behaviors.  How often do you see a new story on "prime time" about something good?  Rarely if ever. In the time of which we are living, it's become common place to hear of potential terror threats and terrorist activities.  Is it a wonder folks are stressing over the unknown future? 

To quote biblical scripture again, According to Proverbs 25:28, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

I realize that not everyone reading this newsletter is a Chistian. That's ok.  I'm reflecting a spiritual view I believe in that has been proven by scientific studies in the natural as well.  Mind based stress reduction focuses on watching what you allow into your thought processes to control stress.  How you think has a definite impact on who you are. 

Side note for those who are Believers: If we can maintain Christ like thinking, then we'll be able to maintain a Christlike lifestyle.  Jesus Christ was certainly not a stresser.