Dealing With Anxiety - Part 4 of 7

Dealing With Anxiety
Written By Bryan Hurlbutt
Dealing with Anxiety

The Physical Manifestations of Anxiety

As we continue our exploration of anxiety, let's shift our focus to the physical manifestations that anxiety can produce. While we've discussed strategies for managing unwanted thoughts, it's important to recognize that anxiety often extends beyond the mental realm, affecting our physical bodies in various ways. Understanding the connection between our physical and mental states can help us address anxiety more holistically.

Key Insights from this Week’s Video:

  • Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: Anxiety can manifest physically in numerous ways, such as chest pain, tingling sensations, heat rushes, and changes in heart rate. Recognizing these symptoms as potential manifestations of anxiety can help you address them without unnecessary fear.

  • Embodied Souls: We are embodied souls, meaning our physical bodies and inner selves are interconnected. Attending to our physical well-being is crucial for managing anxiety. Romans 12:1 emphasizes the importance of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, highlighting the need to care for our physical state.

  • Practical Strategies for Stillness: To manage anxiety, practice stillness by controlling your breathing and turning your thoughts toward the Lord. Simple breathing exercises combined with prayer can help calm your physical body and center your mind on God's presence.

  • I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Thought for the Week - Dealing with Anxiety Part 4 of 7
Pastor Bryan Hurlbutt's devotional series on anxiety.

Reflective Questions:

  1. How can you become more aware of the physical symptoms of anxiety in your life, and how might this awareness help you manage them?

  2. What steps can you take to ensure you are caring for your body as an integral part of managing anxiety?

  3. How might incorporating breathing exercises and prayer into your daily routine impact your experience of anxiety?

Additional Resources

Bryan Hurlbutt

After years of preparation and seeking the Lord’s direction, Bryan moved to Utah in 2004 for the sole purpose of founding Lifeline Community. Born and raised in upstate New York, Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in religious education from Davis College in Johnson City, New York, and his master’s degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. His doctorate of ministry from Talbot School of Theology focused on how worldview, philosophy, and culture relate to the local church, which culminated in the release of his first book, Tasty Jesus: Liberating Christ from the Power of our Predilections, published by Wipf and Stock. A true scholar and pastor at heart, Bryan longs to merge the life of the mind with life in the Spirit. His primary passion in ministry is discipleship, as evidenced by the various ministries at Lifeline, with the intended result that Lifeline be the kind of church that no one ever outgrows. Bryan is married to Jennifer and they have three daughters. He is an avid runner, a devout Syracuse Orange fan, and his favorite hobby is discussing world views and theology at ANY time in ANY place.

Previous

Dealing With Anxiety - Part 5 of 7
Next

Dealing With Anxiety - Part 3 of 7