“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.” -Isaiah 40:31

When I was about 8 weeks recovering from having surgery, I felt really sad and discouraged. I had an cervical artificial disc replacement. It wasn’t in the plan but it happened. It was a challenging season in my life, a season that I needed God’s grace and embrace more than ever. I knew I needed to diligently seek Him. God helped me find joy again and thrust my soul awake into the day with intention.

I wanted to share a few things I like to do to combat stress, anxiety, and depression. I think these emotions can affect anyone, especially if you may be in the middle of a hard season. I’ve been there too. You are not alone! Here are some ideas to create a focused and purposeful day in the Lord.

I like to start the morning in Prayer and spend sometime in my Bible or a bible related study. I found that when I do this instead of reaching for my phone, and overwhelm my mind with emails or social media, I feel more grounded. Hearing God’s word first thing can slience all the other distractions.

Personally, I am highly motivated by a great cup of freshly grounded coffee. There is something comforting about holding a steamy and hot cup of coffee. It really is the simple things!

I have found that eating breakfast is a helpful habit. In the fall nothing beats some fresh baked, warm, pumpkin bread with butter, yum! Usually though, I like to eat well and tend to eat some egg whites with oatmeal or avocado toast and hard boiled egg. Breakfast makes me feel good and provides energy enough to get to the gym before taking the kids to school and going to work. My husband would say that I think the solution to everything is a brisk prayer walk and water. I believe in prayer and staying hydrated!

I try to get to the gym before 6 a.m. so I have time to get myself and the kids ready for the day. Because of the surgery I had, I have had to adjust what I do at the gym and I am limited on what I can do at times. While working out, I listen to a good sermon podcast. I will ride the stationary bike or eliptical and do some light weight workouts. I love getting my endorphins, feel good hormones going. These hormones relieve pain and produce happy feelings by the brain when exercising.

Once my family is awake, I purposefully take a few minutes to just love them before they head off to school and work. To me, this means looking into my husbands eyes, expressing, “hey, you are important to me.” It means a snuggle, brushing my children’s hair, or I sit down with them while they eat their breakfast. I listen to their sweet voices telling me some silly story. I think these simple things warms all our hearts. A simple thing has lasting impact in all our lives. Find the simple things that are meaningful and work for you. It will make a big difference.

Oh my goodness…lastly, making changes takes some preparation the night before. I make a to-do list of what needs to get done tomorrow ( I love sticky notes and cute little note pads). This habit also helps me to empty my thoughts and let go of concerns. The to-do list encourages me to remember simple things while staying on task throughout the whole day. I find it helpful to lay out my gym clothes and make school lunches the night before. This way I am not scrambled and rushed in the morning. I make sure to set my alarm 10-20 minutes early so I have time to pray and read the word of God when all is still quiet in the house.

I hope this post blesses your day, reminds you to respond to life instead of react. Take the time to smile again, give someone a hug, make the most of the many opportunities each day brings and enjoy the simple things!

Don’t forget to share this post with a friend!