Learn Christian Coping Skills for Anxiety in 4 Easy Steps
This post is about Christian coping skills.
Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current Student working toward her PHD learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.
Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Are you wanting to learn Christian coping skills? In today’s blog post we be learning a 4 step Christian coping skill that will help you bridge the gap between your mental health journey and walk with Christ. Be sure to check out our other 200+ blog posts that not only have Christian coping skills but many mental health educational articles through a Christian psychology lens!
4 Step Christian Coping Skill
Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.”
Mental Health Insight – Yesterday we learned about the Zeigarnik Effect and how it can cause our brains to get stuck in anxious loops. Today, we will learn a coping strategy to combat the Zeigarnik Effect by utilizing a Cognitive Offloading tool. If you haven’t read yesterday’s devotional about the Zeigarnik Effect, click here to fully understand today’s educational resources.
How this tool works: When you keep a physical notepad by your bed and write down those lingering to-dos or worries, you are actively transferring the cognitive load out of your working memory. This physical act of writing signals to your nervous system that the “open loop” is safely stored and no longer requires hyper-vigilance, allowing your brain to down-regulate so you can finally sleep.
The Coping Skill: The Bedside Brain Dump
- The Setup: Keep a dedicated pen and paper (not your phone, as blue light stimulates the brain) on your nightstand.
- The Dump: When anxiety or the Zeigarnik Effect makes it hard to sleep or even wakes you up, don’t just lay there fighting it. Turn on a dim light and write down every single unfinished task or worry.
- The Handoff: Once it is on paper, literally close the notebook or fold the paper in half.
- The Anchor: Whisper Nahum 1:7 to yourself: “The Lord is good, my refuge in times of trouble,” signaling to your body that the list is now in God’s jurisdiction for the night.
Reflection Question: What is the most recurring 2 AM thought that keeps your mind racing? How would it feel tonight to write it down and explicitly tell your brain, “God is holding this; we can address it tomorrow”?
Prayer: Dear God, my mind so easily becomes a chaotic list of unfinished tasks, overwhelming worries, and heavy grief. Thank You for being a safe refuge where I can lay all of these burdens down. Tonight, when my brain tries to keep me on high alert, help me to offload my thoughts onto paper and into Your capable hands. I choose to trust in Your goodness, knowing You will watch over my life while I rest. Grant me the peaceful sleep my body so desperately needs. Amen.
Christian Book Recommendations
“Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity” by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith – Merging clinical expertise with spiritual vitality, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith deconstructs the multifaceted nature of human exhaustion to reveal why profound recovery requires far more than mere sleep. Her comprehensive framework provides actionable strategies for discharging heavy cognitive and emotional burdens, guiding readers to replenish their depleted reserves and restore holistic well-being.
“Find Rest: A Women’s Devotional for Lasting Peace in a Busy Life” by Shaunti Feldhahn – A Tailored specifically for the complexities of modern womanhood, this biblically grounded devotional offers a spiritual antidote to the relentless demands of a hyperactive world. Shaunti Feldhahn guides readers through the intentional practice of quieting a frantic mind, establishing a scriptural sanctuary where genuine, sustainable peace can take root amidst daily anxieties.
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Closing Thoughts
I hope today’s blog post was not only educational but also helped you draw closer to God. If you or someone you know struggling to find peace and want guidance, please connect with a therapist today! Check out TherapyforChristians.com to get connected with a faith-based provider in your area!
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Disclaimer
Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline you all have the best and most blessed day!
I have enjoyed learning about these coping skills. They go along well with my Grief Share group and book. I look forward to seeing your email every morning. It has helped tremendously. Thank you for the support.
One of my most reoccurring worries is “the unknown” so when I know the next day will contain a new experience, I get such bad anxiety over it, and I overdo it with the “what ifs”. I usually visualize me leaving all these worries at the Lord’s Feet and that seems to help. I’m also going to try writing it down now. 😊
Cast all your cares onto him for he cares for you. I once read a Joyce myer book that said if you give it to God and let it go you don’t keep worrying about it and trying to figure it out. You let go completely and that stuck with me. Even in the midst of me almost being homeless I finally stopped everything “gave up” in a sense and just rested after giving it to God! At first I was nervous but if you let go of something you don’t immediately take it back. And i waited and trusted and God provided! Sometimes I still get in cycles of worrying but mostly I’m good now because I remember I can cast it to God and go to sleep.