Stress Relief for Life: Practical Solutions to Help You Relax and Live Better

175 Pages·2011·2.71 MB·English

by  Mike Ronsisvalle Ph.D

Practical and easy to use, this book is an effective resource for people
who want to avoid the health problems caused by unmanaged long-term
stress.
—DON COLBERT, MD
NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THE SEVEN
PILLARS OF
HEALTH AND THE BIBLE CURE SERIES
In this volume Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle offers classic, time-tested
strategies to help those struggling with anxiety and stress. If
implemented regularly, these strategies will help you to “transform your
mind” and experience God’s peace. If you or someone you love is over-
stressed, this book will help.
—C. JEFFREY TERRELL, PHD
PSYCHOLOGIST AND PRESIDENT OF RICHMONT
GRADUATE UNIVERSITY
This thought-provoking, inspirational book is a thorough account of
how stress can be successfully managed on a daily basis. It is a
wonderfully useful tool that is user-friendly and hope-filled. With a
refreshingly witty style, Dr. Mike’s Stress Relief for Life is a compelling
read. If you read just one health and wellness book this year, let this be
the book.
—AARON TABOR, MD
AUTHOR OF FIGHT NOW AND DR. TABOR’S SLIM & BEAUTIFUL
DIET
AND FOUNDER OF PHYSICIANS LABORATORIES
From the very first pages, I was hooked. Dr. Mike not only described
my stress-filled life in detail; he then threw out a lifeline. I felt I was
having coffee with a friend as he laid out a twenty-one-day plan in his
intelligent yet likable style. It’s practical, it’s easy, and best of all, it’s
doable. Stress Relief for Life is not only a good idea, but it’s also a great
resource…one I plan on sharing with my friends.
—ANN MAINSE
HOST, FULL CIRCLE TV SHOW
I know from personal experience that the strategies for stress relief set
forth by Dr. Ronsisvalle in this volume really work. Unlike many
secular alternatives, the spiritual dimension of human life is fully
considered. This book is filled with psychological wisdom, biblical
insight, and practical advice that will help everybody.
—TIMOTHY GEORGE
FOUNDING DEAN OF BEESON DIVINITY SCHOOL OF
SAMFORD
UNIVERSITY AND THEOLOGICAL ADVISOR FOR
CHRISTIANITY TODAY

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STRESS RELIEF FOR LIFE by Michael Ronsisvalle, PsyD
Published by Siloam
Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group
600 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
www.charismahouse.com
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written
permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked NCV are from The Holy Bible, New Century Version. Copyright © 1987,
1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used by permission.
Cover design by Marvin Eans
Design Director: Bill Johnson
Copyright © 2011 by Mike Ronsisvalle, PsyD
All rights reserved
Visit the author’s website at www.MyRealityOnline.com.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:
Ronsisvalle, Mike.
Stress relief for life / Mike Ronsisvalle.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-61638-357-2 (trade paper) — ISBN 978-1-61638432-6 (e-book) 1. Stress (Psychology) 2.
Stress management. 3. Relaxation. I. Title.
BF575.S75R655 2011
155.9’042—dc22
2011004630
This book contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is solely for informational and educational
purposes and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical treatment. The nature of your
body’s health condition is complex and unique. Therefore, you should consult a health professional before
you begin any new exercise, nutrition, or supplementation program or if you have questions about your
health. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly
arising from any information or suggestion in this book.
Some names, places, and identifying details with regard to stories in this book have been changed to help
protect the privacy of individuals who may have had similar experiences. The illustrations may consist of
composites of a number of people with similar issues and names and circumstances changed to protect their
confidentiality. Any similarity between the names and stories of individuals described in this book to
individuals known to readers is purely coincidental.
While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the
time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes
that occur after publication.
First Edition
11 12 13 14 15 — 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Printed in the United States of America
CONTENTS
Introduction
Day One
The Lowdown on Stress
Day Two
It’s a Matter of Time
Day Three
Take Time to Relax: Active Relaxation
Day Four
Take Time to Relax: Passive Relaxation
Day Five
Dissect Your Stress
Day Six
Clue In to Your Thoughts and Feelings
Day Seven
Challenge Your Stress-Inducing Thoughts
Day Eight
Get to the Core of Your Stress: People Pleasing
Day Nine
Get to the Core of Your Stress: Performance and Control
Day Ten
The Old Story
Day Eleven
Your New Story
Day Twelve
Your Personalized System for Stress Management
Day Thirteen
Pursue Stress?
Day Fourteen
The Power of Exercise
Day Fifteen
Make Room for Margin
Day Sixteen
Do What You Love
Day Seventeen
Cultivate Supportive Relationships
Day Eighteen
Embrace Radical Change
Day Nineteen
Confront Your Fears
Day Twenty
Trust God’s Power in Your Life
Day Twenty-One
Whatever You Do, Don’t Quit
Conclusion
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
INTRODUCTION
T
HE SIGNS ARE all around us, in the chatter you hear in almost any living
room, office, classroom, or coffeehouse:
• “I can’t believe it’s 6:30 p.m. already, and I’m not done with this
proposal.”
• “Would you just shut up and listen to me? I’m not going to sit here and
argue with you all night.”
• “Honey, I think Jenny is having sex with her boyfriend. I found birth
control pills in her closet.”
• “I’ve got mail…again?”
• “Twelve more American soldiers were killed today at the hands of a
suicide bomber…”
• “Mom, I am not too young to wear a miniskirt!”
• “The baby is up again, and I’ve got to make a presentation tomorrow
morning.”
• “I just can’t take it anymore!”
Life is more complicated than ever before, and people are overwhelmed and