What do moms, grandmas, students, full-time employees, self-employed, singles, married, engaged, and divorced women all have in common?

Stress!

Studies show that women are more likely than men to experience anxiety, depression, and just feel generally stressed-out. This may be due to hormones, genetics, or because women feel they need to be and do everything for everyone. Keeping the house up, arranging the kids’ hectic schedules, working, friends, husbands, church…women tend to have a huge collection of hats of which they wear several on any given day.

And Christian women certainly aren’t exempt. Many people think that Christians are supposed to have it all together. Ha! There are days when I feel like I’ve lost my mind and burst into tears as I look at my “to-do list” that’s much longer than the hours in the day. And while God offers me His peace, I don’t always think to ask Him for it before the stress finds its way in.

But while stress may be right there, banging on your door, you don’t have to invite it in for dinner. When your muscles are tense and your mind is about to explode, here are seven things you can do to decompress and de-stress:

1. Pray! You knew this would be number one, right? God is the first person you should go to when you feel the reins of stress beginning to tighten. Ask God for His peace before your tension and frustration blow up all over your husband, your kids or the family dog.

2. Scented candles. Sneak into your bedroom, lock the door and light a couple of scented candles. Lie on your bed, breath deeply and meditate on the Word. When you exit your room (if you don’t fall asleep!), your senses will be refreshed and de-stressed. Suggested soothing scents include lavender, sandalwood, or peppermint.

3. Soak away that Stress. No hot tub? No problem! Fill up that tub with warm water and bubbles and soak until your fingers and toes could be mistaken for prunes. By the time you unplug the stopper, your tension will be draining along with the water.

4. Walk it off. Getting outdoors and filling your lungs with fresh air does wonders for both your body and mind. Pay attention to the sights and sounds you encounter, like birds singing and children playing.

5. Aerobic Exercise. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned workout to release those “runners high” endorphins that will pump out the stress and leave you feeling reenergized.

6. Talk it out. It’s no secret that most women are better at expressing their feelings. And sometimes, when we’re stressed-out and overwhelmed, it helps to release that pent-up tension with our words. This doesn’t mean we should launch into a complaint or whining session, but simply talking through the stressful moment often relieves the pressure and gives women a sense of peace.

7. Indulge! Go ahead and grab that candy bar. Chocolate releases “feel-good” chemicals in your brain that help alleviate stress. But don’t overdo it. A couple of Hershey’s Kisses or one third of that candy bar will do.

You will have plenty of opportunities in your daily life to get frazzled and stressed-out. But you don’t need to allow stress and anxiety to take control. Recognize the times when you need to step aside and take a moment to decompress and de-stress. By first asking God for help, you are one step closer to allowing His peace to rule in your heart and in your life.