My Favorite Stress Reliever

With so much uncertainty, division and controversy going on in the world, many of us are feeling pretty stressed these days. Most of us know first hand that stress takes a toll on us mentally, but many don’t realize that it also takes a toll on us physically.

I’ve written to you before about how stress can increase our pain levels (read about that by clicking here- How Stress Causes Pain) but today I want to highlight how stress affects our immune health.

Studies show that chronic stress can reduce the number of lymphocytes in the blood, which reduces our ability to fight viral infections. In addition, chronic stress elevates certain hormones in our body that can create inflammation. Inflammation raises our risk of all diseases.

Read more about the effects of stress on the immune system by clicking here- How Does Stress Affect the Immune System

Given that stress and good immune health don’t coexist very well, we all must develop and utilize strategies for reducing stress. My favorite is singing.

Studies show that singing will not only reduce stress hormones in the body, but it can also increase the production of antibodies that can help fend off infections.

Check out this article to find out 8 more amazing benefits of singing- 10 Ways Singing Improves Health

Now although these studies show that singing in general is beneficial, let me tell you about another form of singing that I believe is even more powerful- singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 100:1-5: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Singing songs of thanks to God combines the amazing stress relieving benefits of singing, the even more amazing stress relieving benefits of gratitude (read more about those benefits by clicking here- The Science of Gratitude), and the truly supernatural power of focusing on God Himself and not our world, ourselves or our problems.

“(The Lord) will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is fixed upon Him” Isaiah 26:3

At this point you might be wondering, what songs should you sing? Great question. I’ve compiled a handful of my favorites for your listening and singing pleasure.

You can find them by clicking here- A Few Of My Favorite Songs to Sing

Enjoy!

Chris