One of the greatest challenges in our lives is something that is often named yet is unseen: Stress. Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. There are so many things that can produce stress in your life. I want to share with you 6 things you can say and do to reduce the stress in your life.

#1. Say, “I am going to PRAY.” Then pray and ask God to help you with whatever it is you want to do, or are doing. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. —Philippians 4:6

#2. Say, “I am going to PLAN.” Then go ahead and plan. Having a plan helps you prepare and handle the important things of life. You can’t wink your way to success; you must work your way. And that requires planning. Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. —Proverbs 24:27

#3. Say, “I am going to PRESS.” Then press forward and execute. Planning is a waste of time if you are not going to act on your plan. Even if you are not sure about everything, take the first step and do what you can to make good on your plans. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do…I press on toward the goal to win the prize…—Philippians 3:13-14

#4. Say, “I am feeling some PAIN.” Acknowledge your challenges. Don’t be superficial about the things that create difficulty and discomfort in your life. Keeping it real and verbalizing your struggles can give you strength. And it can also get you help from other people. My inward parts are in turmoil and never still; days of affliction come to meet me. —Job 30:27

#5. Say, “I am going to PLAY.” Life is serious but don’t take yourself too seriously. Do what you can and then make time to relax, recreate, and just have some fun. One of the best ways to combat stress is to set aside your problems and go “play”. And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. –Exodus 32:6

#6. Say, “I shall be at PEACE.” Stressing, fussing, cussing, and worrying do not contribute to problem-solving. After you have prayed, planned, pressed, dealt with your pain, and played, you need to be at peace. Always do your best, then leave the rest to God and to others. You will never be able to do more than your best. So accept what God allows, and be at peace.

Uttering and acting on these six stress-reducing declarations can help you reduce and manage your stress. I pray that the rest of your week will be stress-free.