We’ve all felt a racing heart, butterflies, or a sense of dread at some point in our lives. While none of us intends to live a stressful life, stress often finds its way to us. So, how can we bid farewell to stress?

Despite stress seeming like a natural reaction to challenging situations, it’s essential to understand that these unpleasant sensations are not natural. As humans, we are part of God, and God embodies peace and serenity.

The key message is: Letting go of stress brings you closer to God.

To intentionally rid our lives of stress and reconnect with tranquility, the first step is recognizing that stress is a choice, not a physical event that happens to you. When facing a stressful situation, like waiting in line, catch your stress reaction before it takes hold. Reflect on your thoughts and feelings, realizing that stress is within your control.

A simple technique for reducing stress is changing how you perceive a situation. For example, if someone in front of you causes impatience and stress, consider whether they are an annoyance or a gift from God—a reminder to relax and align with your intention. The author, in a similar situation, saw the slow person as an angel sent by God, prompting a reconnection to the power of intention. When stressed, try seeing challenges as signs to rethink how you relate to the world.