What is the most suggested and proper way to relieve stress and tension?
ANSWER:
That's a big order a man like me.
If it doesn't have any organic cause – of course you have to find out, no organic cause – then number one is: sleep. Sleep as much as you can. Sleep is the method of sewing together the torn fabric of the nerves. Sleep is a very big refuah for almost everybody who's in stress or tension.
Second, next to sleep, is to be busy. Habatolo meivi lidei shi'amum, idleness brings to confusion, and therefore it's important to find something to do. Whether it's a way of earning money, or doing gemilus chassodim, helping the sick in hospitals, going to a yeshiva and volunteering your services – do something. If you could do something that's creative, make money, also; do anything.
Number three, it's very important to have in your mind – thoughts. When you're in stress, think; compare yourself to other people who are less fortunate. That's why it's a good thing when you're in stress to go to a funeral parlor, or to a cemetery, and stand there and look. Everybody that goes to a funeral walks away happy, that's a rule, klal gadol. And so think about all the cripples. Walk through a hospital, see people sitting around, they can't raise up their hands, they can't eat by themselves, some people have tubes in them; spend time studying them. When you walk out, I guarantee a big part of your stress will be gone. I will repeat these three things, although I'm not an expert on the subject, but these three things I'm sure won't bring you any harm.
Number 1 - Sleep as much as possible.
Number 2 - Make yourself busy to get your mind off the foolish things that are bothering you; be busy.
Number 3 - Look at unfortunate people in this world, there are so many nebach, and see what you are being spared; all their tribulations, all their sufferings, all their degradation… and you'll begin to feel how lucky you are.
I am sure some of the stress will thereby be relieved.
Good Shabbos To All
This is transcribed from questions that were posed to Harav Miller by the audience at the Thursday night lectures. To listen to the audio of this Q & A please dial: 201-676-3210
Important Numbers
