Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree, and if you’ve recently watched any television, your bound to have stress building by the state of the world these days. But we don’t have to let the new world overcome and consume us. I’m not a guru, or even a psychologist. Just a woman with a pen and a dog and a full and busy life. But I know how easily work, money issues, family stress, and other obligations can make you feel overworked, frustrated, and burned out. Recently we had multiple family birthdays, two book deadlines, and a tour all happening within days of each other. I was at a limit I had never experienced in all of my forty plus years. I was desperate to seek out that much needed relief.

As I often do in times of uncertainty, I turned to my bible for help. In Psalms 55:22 we read, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” It is best to leave all worries and anxiety with the Lord. He will ease your burden and lighten your load of stress whenever you ask. I even tried practicing stress-relieving techniques like yoga and taking long walks to clear my head, but I was still unsettled and overwhelmed.  I was certain I was doing everything wrong, not pleasing God, therefore, not finding relief.

That’s when it happened. I was between writing projects and sitting in a bible study when the preacher asked us to read a passage from Hebrews. I of course continued reading while discussion was filling the room and crossed Hebrews 13:16: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” I want to please God, and hope for his grace and mercies. In that I found that lending a helping hand to others, focusing on others, as God asks of us in John 15:13, I no longer stressed over my own troubles. My writing may be my calling, but it’s not all that I have called to do. In helping another, I in fact, created a more fulfilling day. I didn’t put a timeline on my writing, but set aside a few hours each day to focus on God, on others, and on my career. I learned to face each obstacle as it arrived.

At first, you might worry that giving other people your time and attention will only make your schedule busier, but helping others benefits your mental and physical health. I’m happier, writing better, and present in the lives of those around me. I’m also doing as God commanded me.

But if that’s not enough to convince you, then consider this. Helping others promotes a rush of endorphins in your brain. It distracts you from your own troubles. Now, I’m not suggesting that someone working full time with a large family suddenly volunteer to take on a huge endeavor. Remember, you are only one person, but even a small gesture like holding the door for a stranger, or listening to someone’s heartfelt emotions, has the potential to reduce stress. Give yourself a chance to be present in the lives of others, participate in meaningful activities, and smile.

Smile, even if you are born with a natural frown or think you have nothing to smile about. When you smile, your brain actually releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides. These fight stress. Other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins come into play too. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas the serotonin is an antidepressant. The best things in life are free, and this applies to smiles, hugs, and other gestures that show you care.

You don’t have to commit all your time or large amounts of money to do something kind for someone else. Even a simple squeeze on the shoulder can be reassuring and let someone know that you’re supporting them and that you care. The small acts of kindness you do won’t just make a difference in the lives of others but can have a positive, life-changing impact on your own.