Stop Stressing! Ya’akov’s Powerful Insight

When Pharaoh asks Ya’akov how old the forefather is, Ya’akov mentions his painful life to Pharaoh, which explains why his appearance looks to be one that is far older than would seemingly match his numerical age (Gen. 47:9)(1).

Ya’akov reminds us that stress and trauma are poisonous to our being.

Suffering through periods of prolonged stress does tremendous damage to our bodies and emotions, and actually changes the way your brain operates (for the worse) (Barlow & Durand, 2012).

Many or most people who are genetically predisposed to severe disorders (Bipolar Disorder, major Depression) won’t experience mostsymptoms of those disorders unless they suffer traumatic events or stressful periods (Ibid.).

We should do anything we can to ease stress, prevent traumatic events, or remove ourselves from stressful situations, even if it means making less money or putting in the effort to change jobs; it’s not worth the emotional and physical damage.

To read more about Ya’akov’s life, tiferet, and how to reduce stress order The Seven Ways

–Ian Bailey