5. Enjoy wonder breaks in nature.

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Stepping outside into the natural world can easily help you relieve stress by connecting with God in his creation. Romans 1:20 points out that nature reveals God’s qualities: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Enjoying nature in any type of environment can strengthen your awareness of the wonder of God’s presence with you. So, make time in your schedule every day to take wonder breaks, which my book Wake Up to Wonder explains are simply periods of time set aside for seeking wonder. You can take wonder breaks anywhere, but taking them in nature is especially powerful. In nature, you can see evidence of God’s work all around you. Psalm 65:8-9 proclaims: “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” Sometimes you can plan longer wonder breaks for activities such as hiking in a forest, swimming in a lake, or stargazing in a desert. But even brief wonder breaks in nature – like a quick walk around your neighborhood or a short visit to a local park – can help you connect with God and experience peace and inspiration. 

Life is stressful, but if you make key lifestyle changes in a relationship with Jesus, you can find the strength to experience a better tomorrow that is easier to manage. Let go of your worries and pray about what concerns you. Get rid of negativity that weighs you down and focus on what’s positive in your life, such as the joy of God’s constant presence with you. Break free of shame and bitterness by accepting God’s forgiveness for your mistakes and forgiving people who have hurt you. Communicate with God in the ways that work best for you, without getting stuck in unnecessary limitations. Get outside in nature and look for signs of God’s work around you there. By making these easy changes in your life, you can discover fresh strength for each new day!

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