Q: I'm under pressure at work and pressure at home, pressure to succeed, pressure to provide for my family, and pressure to be a good parent and spouse--pressure from every side. So often I just don't know how to cope! What can I do?

Stress is becoming an almost inescapable part of modern life--almost, because there are things one can do to avoid getting under undue stress or living in a state of constant stress. While some of the following tips apply to everyone--getting sufficient exercise or eating the right kinds of foods, for example--others on this list can give Christians a special edge because they bring Jesus into the equation in a very real and personal way.

Jesus is the Christian's counselor, coach, business manager, intercessor, executive secretary, personal trainer, confidant, and best friend. In short, He is everything the Christian needs to contend with the stress that has become part of modern living and to come through a winner!

Tips for Stress Reduction

Pray. Make quiet time with Jesus a daily habit.

Go to bed on time; get enough sleep.

Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

Say no to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

Delegate tasks to others who are capable.

Simplify and declutter your life.

Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time, when possible; don't lump the hard things all together.

Take one day at a time.

Concentrate on things you have direct control over--yourself and your habits--rather than on things that you have little or no control over.

Get organized so everything has its place.

Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a valid concern, find out what God would have you do about it. If you're worried about something that you can't or shouldn't do anything about, then put it in His hands.

Live within your budget; don't buy things on credit if you don't have to.

Have backups--an extra car key in your wallet; an extra house key buried in the garden; extra postage stamps; extra batteries for your flashlight, cell phone, etc.; back up your computer files.

Carry God's Word with you to read while waiting or during spare moments.

Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.

Laugh.

Use the time while driving or riding in your car to listen to Bible-based cassettes, CDs, or MP3s that can help improve your quality of life.

Keep a folder of favorite Scriptures or inspirational readings on hand.

Slow down.

Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a hearty "Thank You, Jesus!"

Don't take on new work until you have taken care of timely matters that are still pending.

Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

Get enough exercise.

Every night before bed, think of at least one thing you're grateful for that came out of your day.

Develop a forgiving attitude. (Most people are doing the best they can.)

Be kind to unkind people. (They probably need it the most.)

Eat right.

Thank God for what's coming, because He won't send you anything that you and He can't handle together.