Habits to reduce stress and anxiety- with Charles Stone

In episode 98, Drew and Tim talk with Dr. Charles Stone, a veteran pastor and leadership expert, about how stress, when understood and managed well, can lead to spiritual maturity and emotional resilience. With wisdom from Scripture and neuroscience, Dr. Stone offers practical tools and godly insight to help us stop letting stress define us and start letting it refine us.

Watch or listen on Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/eyesonjesus/episodes/Habits-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety–with-Charles-Stone-e32m0m7

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/UkTN8uQVCQU

Below is an ai generated blog post based on the episode

Title: Stress Less: Harnessing Hope and Resilience in a Chaotic World

In a recent episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, hosts Drew and Tim were joined by Dr. Charles Stone, a veteran in vocational ministry with over four decades of experience and an authoritative voice on stress management. Dr. Stone, celebrated for his eight books and numerous articles, discussed his latest literary endeavor, “Stress Less,” and how understanding stress and resilience through a biblical and neuroscientific lens can offer transformative hope.

Understanding Stress in Today’s World

Dr. Stone begins by emphasizing that while stress does not have to define us, it certainly has the potential to refine us. With a career dedicated to leadership and pastoral ministry, he speaks from a place of authority, having experienced the myriad pressures that accompany these roles. He explores the dual nature of stress, using the metaphor of a coin: on one side, the inevitable stress events, and on the other, our responses. It’s in this response, he argues, that we can exert control and find growth.

The Impact of Stress on the Brain and Believers

The conversation touches on how modern life—with its technological advancements intended to ease our burdens—often brings more stress. Dr. Stone discusses the increase in cultural stress due to social media and information overload. For believers, the struggle is compounded by scriptural teachings urging us not to worry. He demystifies this by explaining that these teachings focus on how we respond to stress rather than the elimination of stressful feelings entirely.

Practical Steps for Stress Management

Dr. Stone outlines practical strategies for managing stress, focusing on metacognition—thinking about our thoughts—and emotional awareness. Simple practices like “naming our emotions” can lower their intensity, allowing for better cognitive processing and healthier emotional responses. He also emphasizes the importance of community, vulnerability, and the neuroscience-backed benefits of oxytocin, the bonding hormone increased through safe, authentic relationships.

The Role of Gratitude and Prayer

Gratitude emerges as a powerful tool for stress resilience. Dr. Stone suggests daily practices like listing three good things upon waking and before bed to set a positive mental foundation. Additionally, understanding and practicing surrendering prayer helps realign our focus from control and outcome-based thinking to trust and spiritual surrender.

Addressing Church and Ministry Stress

Much of the podcast discussion revolves around the stressors that church leaders face, particularly the persistent challenge of people-pleasing. Dr. Stone advises that attempting to please everyone is an unattainable goal and stresses the importance of boundaries and authentic leadership.

A Vision for the Future of the Church

Reflecting on the church’s future, Dr. Stone expresses hope for communities built on authenticity and a deep sense of the Spirit’s presence. He acknowledges the rise in interest in Jesus among younger generations and sees potential for new types of church experiences that emphasize real community and relationships.

Conclusion: Let Stress Refine You

In closing, Dr. Stone encourages us not to be defined by stress but to let it refine us, highlighting that hope is abundant through biblical wisdom and scientifically informed practices. His insights remind us that while stress is a constant, our response can cultivate resilience and hope.

For more information on Dr. Charles Stone’s work and to access a wealth of resources, visit charlesstone.com. His latest book, “Stress Less,” is available on Amazon and offers deeper insights into managing stress in our lives through practical and spiritual strategies.

Discover how these insights can impact your life and spiritual journey by subscribing to the Eyes on Jesus Podcast and joining the discussion in the Eyes on Jesus Podcast Facebook community. Keep your eyes on Jesus and let His peace guide you through life’s stresses with hope and resilience.