April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month—a reminder to slow down, check in with our emotional and physical well-being, and make changes where we need to. Stress is part of life, but when it begins to take over—affecting our health, our mood, or our peace of mind—we need to pause and ask: Is this how God wants me to carry my days?

Stress itself isn’t always bad. God designed our bodies with the ability to respond to danger or pressure. But chronic, unrelenting stress? That’s a different story. It wears us down spiritually, emotionally, and physically. And midlife can bring unique layers of stress—empty nesting, caregiving, health concerns, transitions in identity, and purpose.

---

5 Faith-Based Tips to Help with Stress Relief

Here are 5 ways to take a more faithful, health-focused approach to stress this month.

See your doctor

Have you been putting off that physical? If you’ve noticed unusual symptoms or fatigue, now is the time to check in. Be honest about how you’re feeling—emotionally and physically. Ask for guidance. God can work through medical professionals just as He works through pastors or friends.

Move Your Body

I’ll be honest—when I’m stressed, my first instinct is to escape with a book. But physical movement is a gift we can unwrap daily. It boosts mood, clears the mind, and releases those feel-good endorphins God designed to help us feel whole. Go for a walk, stretch to worship music, or dance around the kitchen. Movement doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to happen.

Be Good to Yourself

I’m not always fond of the word self-care—but being good to yourself is biblical. Jesus often retreated to quiet places to pray and rest. You can too.

During a difficult season, I had to create better rhythms for rest: time in my craft room, moments of solitude, or short getaways from home. Little shifts helped me reset and hear God’s voice again. What helps you breathe again?

Pray and Meditate on God’s Word

Prayer is our direct line to the One who holds it all. When stress mounts, stop and breathe a prayer: “Lord, help me carry this.” Reciting Scripture aloud calms both mind and body. Try verses like:

• “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7
• “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” —Isaiah 26:3

Meditation doesn’t need candles or silence. It just needs your heart tuned toward Him.

Count Your Blessings

Gratitude is a holy weapon against stress. When we remember what God has done, we quiet our anxious thoughts. Start or end your day by naming three things you’re thankful for—big or small. Gratitude opens the door to contentment.

---

Live it Out: A Health-Focused Approach to Stress

• Take five minutes today and ask yourself: Where am I carrying stress I need to surrender?
• Then write down one practical way you’ll care for your body or soul this week. Whether it’s scheduling a check-up, walking in the sunshine, or spending ten minutes in prayer, choose one step toward steadiness.

God didn’t create you to live in chaos. He invites you to peace—one prayer, one breath, one gentle step at a time.

---

Disclosure: Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

---