Stress part 2

Dear Pastors

Two weeks ago I wrote about stress and my worry that ‘intolerable stress levels’ might have become the new normal in the pastorate. It might explain why so many pastors are struggling with their mood and end up having a pessimistic attitude toward their work and the future of the church. And make no mistake about it, I so get that. Leadership is hard.

Here are a few things I do and have done for many years now to mitigate against stress.

• Solitude. I am an early riser. I would spend the first hour of the day 3-4 days a week in quietness. During this time I reflect on life and living and I pray. No noise and no devices. Just good coffee.
• Music. I love DVD concerts and I want them loud. So most Friday nights I crank up the TV and sound system. Neil Diamond, John Legend, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, The Eagles, Adele, Lionel Ritchie and Jennifer Nettles just to mention a few. Music heaven!
• Loooong Dinners with Family and Friends.
• Date nights and weekend get-a-way’s with my one and only. We try for 48hr get-away’s 4-6 times per year additional to our holidays.
• Water. Did you know that being on water, around water or in water is really good for your emotional wellbeing. I swim for fitness at least four times a week in the summer and two - three times per week in winter. I love water. You should try it? Check this out.
• Power Naps. Oh yes I am a huge advocate for power naps. 20-30 minutes are proven to be very good for you.
• Fitness. There is now a direct correlation between your physical health and mental health. A routine to maintain a base line fitness is so important.
• Talk. Yep……talking REALLY helps. Talk to God, talk to your spouse, talk to your friends and definitely talk to your mentor.

And here are three book recommendations:

• Margin – Restoring Margin. Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Dr Richard Swenson. Life in modern day America (read New Zealand) is essentially devoid of time and space.
• Ordering Your Private World by Gordon Macdonald.
• Adrenaline and Stress by Dr Archibald Hart.

Personally Jeanette and I have found Margin to be the best on this subject.

Finally, on www.thepeopleschurch.org.nz over the last two weeks I interviewed (about 17 minutes each) Kathryn Berkett and Carey Nieuwhof on two quite different aspects of parenting.

Blessings

Alan