99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress

by Elsa Kok Colopy

The 99 ways to cope and rise above worry and stress are grouped into categories that include "Guard Your Rest", "Dream a Little", "Pursue Healthy Diversions", and "Dive Into Truth".

Elsa Kok Colopy is the associate editor for Focus on the Family magazine. She's authored four books and leads women's retreats throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.elsakokcolopy.com.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307458377
• ISBN13: 9780307458377
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Waterbrook Press
• Length: 100 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Just What I Needed

I guess you really can't judge a book by its cover. Or by its title. I understand Elsa Kok Colopy's new book, 99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress (Waterbrook) is part of "The 99 Ways" book series, but this book stands on its own. I wasn't too excited when I was assigned to review this book (Not another how-to book!) so I put off reading it. But instead God handed me a special gift--one that was best to unwrap. After all, He knows what I need. I needed this book, and perhaps so may you. The first sentence echoed the wishes of my heart, "I wish I could say I handle stress and worry with ease." After detailing some of the stressors in her life, Colopy continues, "I need more than oatmeal and exercise. I need tools. I need day-to-day coping-with-life tools so I don't follow through on my temptation to move to the mountains with twenty pounds of chocolate, a few warm blankets, and an armload of romantic comedies." I tried that and felt far away from civilization, gained 30 pounds, still was cold (it did get to -37 degrees Fahrenheit), but I did enjoy those romances! The stress increased dramatically and thirty years later, I still find it difficult to manage stress. Colopy's "99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress" are suggestions are rooted in Scripture advising readers to savor friendships, rest, journal, dream, laughing, pursue interests, and find God's truth.. Now this all sounds ordinary when I list them, but the 99 ideas are thoughtful, fanciful, practical and true and they're easy to do--if we just slow down and actually do them! To start, just choose one of the 99 suggestions and do it. Let's see, #15 is "Nap Often." Now, that I can do! Number 50 suggest readers savor food--to slow down whole eating and relish each bite of food. Hmm, good idea. Number 65 says beating stress is all about "Finding Humor in Movies" while #90 reminds us that "God is Bigger than Anything We Face". So very true! Each suggestion is followed by a paragraph or two illustrating the main concept. This book needs to be read and followed one chapter, one idea at a time. I am going to incorporate these ideas into my daily life as I seek to enjoy (rather than stress about) the life that I have chosen in following God. I loved this book and I am thankful for Elsa Kok Colopy for writing this book. Maybe this book is what you need to fight the worry and stress plaguing your life--and you can one idea at a time.

A surprisingly helpful little book

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this little book. The 99 ways are broken into 7 sections full of little bits and pieces of wisdom: Lean on Your Friends, Guard Your Rest, Write it Down, Dream a Little, Find the Humor, Pursue Healthy Diversions and Dive into Truth. I find myself nodding my head many times throughout the book. I especially liked the "Guard Your Rest" and "Dive into Truth" sections. I'm not very good at guarding my rest and Colopy gives good examples of how to do this such as giving yourself a time-out. The final section gives suggestions on how to deal with worry and fear. Something I really need right now. This inexpensive little book provides a priceless trove of good ideas.

worry and stress

How do you fight worry and stress? Do you eat? Do you go for a run? Drink coffee? All of the above? Worry is apart of our life and we need to find ways to combat it. 99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress by Elsa Kok Colopy is a sweet little book (only 100 pages!) with some practical advice on how to handle worry and stress. I appreciate that you can pick up and look at this book and not have to invest a lot of brain power! (I mean that in the best way.. for those of us with a lot of worry and stress, we can't seem to afford to give much of our brain power away can we? lol) I like that you can choose what you want to take from it, as well as pick and choose which # you want to read about. It makes great for strategic placement in the bathroom when certain guests that could use a little help come over. *wink wink*. Colopy provides short story segments, biblical wisdom, and practical down to earth ways to deal with stress. If you're looking for ways to enjoy your life and create some peace regardless of what's going on around you, this is a great book to check out!

Helpful

Everyone has stress. We can't avoid it. I know the Bible says we're not supposed to worry, but sometimes things pile up on us. Elsa Kok Colopy has ninety-nine suggestions to help control stress and eliminate worry. The book is full of good advice and plain old common sense. An entertaining little book you'll use more than once.

No more worries...

If you turn on the news you will hear voices of doom and gloom. We are facing inflation and depression. Crime is rampant. There is corruption in government. Taxes are going up to pay for government supported health care. Our children are facing the threat of drugs, pedophiles, poisonous toys, and politically correct text books at school. If that isn't enough to raise your blood pressure there are domestic problems and our own homes. Help!! Where can we turn? Who will calm our fears? We need only to turn to scriptures for comfort. Elsa Kok Colopy offers readers suggestions for dealing with worry. Scripture tells us we need never worry. Colopy offers specific scriptures. She also offers suggestions such as turning to friends, getting plenty of rest, journaling, laughing and focusing on other things. 99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress is a tiny book with excellent suggestions. It is easy to read and understand. Don't worry, read 99 Ways To Fight Worry and Stress.