Finding Peace in the Advent Season: Tips for Managing Stress

By: Molly Kreikemeier & Lila Lowery

Hello, we are taking a break from our normal blog post as exam week approaches. We just wanted to send you a message about managing stress through difficult times.

December brings some of the most stressful times of the year. While the season is supposed to be filled with joy and hope as we await the birth of Jesus, many are instead struck with the reality of stress. Students rush to fit in as much information as possible for exams. Many also become busy decorating their houses and buying presents for their loved ones. Often, during the season, we forget what Advent truly is about awaiting the birth of Jesus, and we find ourselves full of stress blinding our vision.

Managing stress feels like such a daunting task, but there are many tips to help manage stress in simple yet useful ways. To start, you can make sure you are taking breaks and providing time for yourself to breathe. Piling on work and studying too hard only leads to burnout. Sometimes, it can be difficult to take a break without falling into a pit of procrastination, so here are activities that can help ease your mind. Exercising is a great way to provide yourself with a break without distracting yourself. I like to go on walks outside and get some vitamin D to help keep my serotonin levels high. Another simple way to give yourself a break is to listen to music. Music can definitely be a calming source during a stressful situation. Tidying up your workspace can help clear your mind and allow you to find clarity. Lastly, during exam week, make sure to stay attuned to your body's cues: eating healthy, limiting caffeine, getting at least 7 hours of sleep, exercising, and staying hydrated are all ways to make you feel less tired and sluggish during the exam season. If you begin to really struggle, remember to pray to God for help and guidance in your time of need.

God is always there for us, especially during times of stress. He invites us to cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. As it says in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Turning to God in prayer can provide immense comfort and peace. Philippians 4:6-7 also reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." These verses encourage us to trust in God's plan and seek His presence when we feel overwhelmed.

I hope these tips and reminders help you manage stress during this busy season. Remember, you are never alone, and God is always there to support you.

I’d like to end this short blog post off with a prayer to reflect on: 

Dear Lord, as I take this exam, I thank you that my value

Is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.

Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.

Help me, not only with this test, but the many tests of life that are sure to come my way.

As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied and be gracious with what I have overlooked.

Help me to remain focused and calm, confident in the facts and in my ability, and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today you are there with me. Amen.

– a Salesian Prayer