5 Tips for Emotional Management through Prayer | Dr. Jada Jackson LMHC, LPC-S

In a world filled with uncertainties, worries, and anxieties, finding solace and peace can seem like an elusive pursuit. However, amidst the chaos, there's a timeless piece of wisdom that advocates for a shift in perspective: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." This is a powerful approach to my daily life; simple yet profound, this advice carries immense weight when it comes to managing my emotions and navigating through life's challenges.

I’d like to share five tips for emotional management inspired by this powerful biblical principle:

1. Release Control and Surrender: Often, our worries stem from a desire to control outcomes beyond our reach. However, I try not to micromanage every aspect of my life because it only leads to stress and anxiety. Instead, everyday I’m learning to practice surrendering control and entrusting my deepest concerns to Jesus Christ through prayer and meditation. Letting go of the need to control every outcome frees us from unnecessary burdens and allows us to focus on what truly matters.

2. Cultivate Gratitude and Perspective: Prayer provides an opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem. Taking the time to acknowledge the good things around you shifts your perspective from focusing solely on worries to recognizing the abundance and beauty that exists. I’ve grown to realize and accept that gratitude strengthens resilience and helps us navigate challenges with a positive outlook.

3. Seek Guidance and Clarity: When faced with difficult decisions or uncertain situations, prayer serves as a means to seek guidance and clarity. Instead of allowing worries to cloud my judgment, I turn to the power of prayer to gain insight and wisdom. I’d like to encourage you to trust that by surrendering your concerns to God, you'll receive the clarity needed to make informed choices and navigate through life's complexities. Let go of the need to control everything, especially those things you cannot control.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Presence: Remember, prayer encourages mindfulness and presence by inviting you to be fully engaged in the present moment. Rather than dwelling on past regrets or worrying about the future, immerse yourself in the here and now through prayer. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, allowing yourself to experience a sense of peace and tranquility in the present moment.

5. Embrace Faith and Trust: At the heart of "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything" lies the most important message of faith and trust. By embracing faith in Jesus Christ and trust that everything unfolds according to His greater plan for your life. By placing your trust in God’s divine providence, you relinquish the need to worry incessantly and find comfort in knowing that you're not alone in your journey.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)*

In conclusion, incorporating prayer and meditation into your life offers a powerful framework for emotional management. By following these five tips inspired by the mantra "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything," you can cultivate inner peace, resilience, and a deeper connection to the divine amidst life's ups and downs. Remember, in moments of uncertainty, prayer serves as a beacon of hope and a source of strength to navigate through life's challenges with grace and resilience.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Author: Dr. Jada Jackskon LMHC, LPC-S

BACK TO SCHOOL: Let the Games Begin! | 3 Tips PARENTS need to know

BACK TO SCHOOL: Let the Games Begin! | 3 Tips PARENTS need to know

It’s that time again! Anxiety and stress are crouched at the door! Your child is both excited and nervous; and you are holding your breath in anticipation of your teen’s next emotional roller-coaster ride.

As we approach a new school year, many parents are wondering if things will ever change. Well, the quick answer is, “No!” Of course, your child will still have butterflies on the first day of school. Your child may not want to go to school on the first day. She may have anxiety because she has the second-lunch period and her best friend has the first-lunch period. She may have fears about fitting in and being accepted. So, of course, she will be a little anxious and nervous.

But, how do you know if your child falls within the normal behavioral guidelines for back-to-school anxiety? Answer “YES” or “NO” to the following questions:

Does your child usually complain of stomachaches or body pains the night before or the morning of school?

Does your child suddenly seem quiet or withdrawn?

Has your child become more angry and/or irritable than usual?

Has your child’s eating or sleeping patterns changed?

Does your child seem to worry more than usual?

If you’ve answered, “YES” to three or more of these questions, it is possible that your child is experiencing back-to-school anxiety. Remember, life changes may cause a variety of emotional and somatic symptoms as your child learns to adjust to new classes, new students, a new environment, new teachers, and new expectations. This is normal. The real question is, “How can you help?”

Unfortunately, parents mistake their child’s anxious behavior as disrespect or “having an attitude.” It is important that you are able to recognize your child’s symptoms.

TIP #1: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOR

It is important to recognize slight behavioral changes in your child. If your child is cranky and irritable most of the time, you should seek help from a physician or mental health counselor. However, if your child is usually jovial and carefree, but you notice that she is angry and withdrawn…take this seriously. Here are a few symptoms to look for:

Psychological/Emotional Symptoms may include:

·      Excessive worry

·      Fear or panic

·      Irritability, anger

·      Dread

·      Obsessive thoughts

·      Difficulty concentrating

Physical symptoms:

·      Nausea or vomiting

·      Rapid heartbeat

·      Body aches

·      Muscle tension

·      Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns

·      Sweating, hands and palms

·      Butterflies in stomach

TIP #2: DO NOT ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE

Your child may struggle with communicating exactly what she is feeling. When children are faced with change, their first reaction will be anger. It is important to understand that ANGER is a secondary emotion and usually there is a primary emotion lurking beneath anger. Those primary emotions may include the following:

·      Fear

·      Confusion

·      Unworthiness

·      Envy or Jealousy

·      Devalued

·      Helplessness

·      Inferior

·      Overwhelmed

·      Lonely

·      Hurt

·      Sad

·      Uncomfortable

·      Awkward

·      Distrusting

If your child displays angry or irritable emotions, refrain from adding fuel to the fire. Instead of chastising your child for acting out, attempt to understand. Here are a few questions you can ask your child:

·      How do you feel about your first week of school?

·      I know your feel angry, but what else are you feeling right now?

·      What can I do to help you?

·      What else will help you deal with what you are feeling?

In moments of distress, it is necessary to become your child’s ally and not her adversary.

TIP #3: SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IN A LIFE-COACH OR COUNSELOR

Choosing to work with a Coach or Counselor is not an admission of weakness for your child or your family. When you decide to team up with a coach, you are giving your child an opportunity to embrace personal, social and academic success!

Coaching and Counseling will provide your child with emotional benefits that will strengthen her confidence, self-esteem and overall success. Here are a few benefits of adolescent or teen therapy:

·      Learn self-awareness skills to recognize emotional distress

·      Understand the difference between perceived and actual fears

·      Explore social anxiety triggers and learn to let go of fears

·      Understand and process relational conflicts and/or challenges

·      Learn to REFRAME negative emotions, thoughts and experiences.

·      Learn to create strategic plans to achieve attainable goals

·      Learn to embrace hope and positivity

·      Develop healthy decision-making skills

·      Learn the art of emotional management

As a Teen Self-Esteem Specialist, I encourage parents to take an active role in the emotional development of their children. As I work with my teen clients, I also work with the parents. It is necessary that the parent learn just as much as the child. Understanding your Parenting Style is the first step to helping your child succeed. Over the past 15 years, I've worked with teens girls challenged with low self-esteem and poor decision-making skills. My NEW Self-Esteem POWER approach to working with teen girls has proven both successful and necessary for building healthy self-concept. This 6-step approach to counseling teen girls through self-esteem issues will help your child achieve greater success!

I you want more information about back to school anxiety or parenting styles, contact a therapist near you. Or you can click the button below for a free consultation to learn more about Jada's Self-Esteem POWER Kit for Teen Girls!