By Tony Rankin
- Be honest with yourself and accept the fact that you make mistakes just like everybody else.
- Refuse to believe that you are the only person in your world that is hurting.
- Get some exercise (like walking) and try to do it outside if at all possible.
- Spend some time with friends everyday.
- Laugh at something.
- Allow yourself to get to the point of tears when hurting.
- Decrease the amount of unhealthy foods and drink you put into your body (caffeine and nicotine are included.)
- Do something for somebody.
- Read your Bible.
- Read something in addition to your Bible that stimulates your thinking.
- Journal about your day. Mention things that make you happy, sad, mad and confused.
- When things seem out of control realize that seeing a counselor does not mean that you are “crazy.” It means you are healthy enough to know you want to be healthier.
Tony Rankin is the Counseling/Family Ministries Specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
Reprinted by permission from the March 25, 2009 issue of the Baptist & Reflector.
