The pressures and demands of life can leave us overwhelmed, discouraged, or burned out. Stress affects all of life, including physical, relational, and spiritual health. But God does not want us to white-knuckle our way through life—he intends for us to thrive as his beloved children, remembering his care and walking in his strength. In I’m Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace, counselor Eliza Huie gives biblical and actionable direction on how to alleviate stress in ways that honor God, bless those around us, and help us to live in peace.
Q: What personal experiences or insights shaped the ideas in this book?
As a director overseeing other counselors in a busy ministry, stress is a constant part of the job—not just from the stories we hear, but also in the lives of the counselors themselves. Most of the people seeking care are also dealing with stress, whether in relationships, finances, work performance, or concerns about the future. Stress impacts everyone in some way.
Given that stress impacts everyone, it becomes essential to approach it holistically. This means recognizing the interconnectedness of our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, and fostering a culture of rest, resilience, and reliance on God’s strength in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Q: A lot of times stress and anxiety are mentioned together. What is the difference between the two?
Stress and anxiety are related but distinct.
Stress is a response to external pressures—such as work, finances, or relationships—and can be short-term and motivating. However, prolonged stress leads to exhaustion. I often help people to turn to God in the midst of stress by looking at Philippians 4:6-7.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is more internal and often disproportionate to the actual stressor. It manifests as persistent worry or fear and can develop into anxiety that needs more specific care and attention. The Bible speaks of anxiety when we lose sight of our dependence on God for His provision and care for us as seen in Matthew 6:25-34.
In short, stress has an external cause and can be temporary, while anxiety is often prolonged and internal. Both benefit from a combination of clinical tools and biblical wisdom to restore peace and trust in God.
Q: Stress is a normal reaction to the demands of life, so why is it important that ongoing stress be addressed?
Ongoing, unaddressed stress can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion if left unaddressed. Prolonged stress impacts the body, strains relationships, and distracts us from the promises of God. Addressing stress prevents burnout and helps maintain trust in God’s sovereignty. Handling stress early gives us better options to respond in God-honoring ways to the demands of life.
Q: Is all stress bad or a result of negative circumstances?
Not all stress is bad or the result of negative circumstances. Positive stress is called eustress and can motivate and help to be ready for challenges, such as starting a new job or meeting a goal. It becomes harmful when prolonged or overwhelming, leading to distress. God can use stress to refine character (James 1:2-4), but we must learn to depend on Him, keeping our hearts aligned with His peace amidst life’s pressures.
Q: What do you say are the three main causes of stress?
While there are more than three, these three come up most often:
- Fear – Fear of the unknown, failure, or perceived danger can create stress, disrupting spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Temptation – The temptation to perfection can often lead to internal conflict, creating stress.
- Control – The desire to control circumstances, people, or outcomes often leads to stress, as it reveals our limits and can cause frustration or a sense of helplessness.
These areas all point to a heart posture that requires trust in God’s sovereignty and grace to navigate life’s challenges.
Q: Why does responding to stress center around a realizing our limitations?
Realizing our limitations shifts our focus from striving for control to accepting our dependence on God and others. Recognizing our limits helps us surrender unrealistic expectations, manage priorities, and seek strength beyond ourselves—ultimately leading to true peace that surpasses all understanding. It reminds us that we need both grace and community to navigate life’s pressures.
Q: What are some of the physical signs of stress we need to make sure we don’t ignore?
None of the physical signs of stress should be ignored and yet we often do! Some physical signs of stress that are common and need addressing include:
- Headaches – Frequent tension headaches are a common physical manifestation of stress.
- Muscle Tension – Stress often causes tightness, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Digestive Issues – Upset stomach, nausea, or changes in digestion can indicate stress.
- Sleep Disruptions – Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a clear signal.
- Fatigue – Constant exhaustion despite adequate rest can be stress-related.
Q: What is the acronym you share for stress management? Can you briefly walk us through each step?
NEAR, stands for:
N – Notice: This step involves becoming aware of the stressor and acknowledging its presence. It’s about pausing to observe what’s happening internally and externally without rushing to react.
E – Explore: In this stage, you explore the feelings and thoughts that come up with the stress. It encourages a deeper understanding of what is causing stress and how it affects your emotions and body.
A – Attend: Attend to what your body or mind needs in that moment. This may include addressing spiritual, physical or emotional needs and taking a step back to refocus.
R – Remember: Lastly, you remember the eternal truths of God that provide comfort, peace, and perspective in stressful times.
Q: Tell us about the “stress tests” that you include at the end of each chapter.
The “stress tests” included at the end of each chapter are designed to help readers apply what they’ve learned in real-life scenarios. These tests provide practical, reflective questions or exercises that encourage self-assessment and help individuals gauge their stress levels. By working through these, readers can better understand their personal triggers and responses, allowing them to practice the tools and strategies presented in the book to manage stress more effectively.
I’m Stressed
Counselor Eliza Huie unpacks three common causes of stress—fear, control, and temptation—and gives direction on specific ways to respond to and manage the pressure and anxiety associated with stress. I’m Stressed gives biblical and actionable direction on how to alleviate stress in ways that honor God, bless those around us, and help us to live in peace.
