Why January 22 Could Change the Way You Handle Stress Forever...

It is about this time of year, that I start questioning why I chose to live in a cold climate city? Why I didnt move down south when chances were available? It is below zero wind chills. The holidays are over. Lots of family events are done. The tree is packed back up into it’s container, and shoved back into the basement. It’s all just a grind, until spring at this point. How do we all get through this?

Why January 22 Could Change the Way You Handle Stress Forever

For many Christian professionals, January feels heavy. The post-holiday slump has set in, New Year’s resolutions are harder to keep than expected, and the grind of work feels relentless. It’s no wonder some call this time of year “the most depressing day”—a title given to January 22 by many. But what if this seemingly dreary day could become a turning point in how you approach stress?

The Catholic Enquiry Office in London has taken a unique approach by naming January 22 “Don’t Worry Be Happy Day”, in honor of St. Padre Pio, the patron saint of stress relief. His advice—simple, profound, and timeless—is a beacon for anyone seeking peace amid life’s chaos:

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

Why Many Professionals Struggle With Stress

The reason why so many professionals feel stressed is that we often carry burdens we were never meant to bear. We lean on our own strength, overloading ourselves with work, obligations, and expectations. Stress grows when we forget that we’re not in control—and that’s exactly what Padre Pio’s advice speaks to.

Pray, hope, and don’t worry isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s a roadmap to freedom from the cycle of overthinking, anxiety, and burnout.

What Happens When You Follow This Advice

1. Pray: Stress often stems from the illusion that we’re alone in our struggles. Prayer reconnects us with God, reminding us that He is the ultimate source of strength and wisdom.

2. Hope: Hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s trusting in God’s goodness, even when the outcome is uncertain. It shifts our focus from what could go wrong to what God can do.

3. Don’t Worry: Worry drains our energy without solving the problem. By surrendering your concerns to God, you create space for His peace to take root.

How You Can Honor “Don’t Worry Be Happy Day”

Here are five practical steps to integrate St. Padre Pio’s wisdom into your daily life:

1. Start Your Day with Prayer: Begin each morning with five minutes of quiet time to align your heart with God’s will.

2. Write Down Your Worries: List the things that are troubling you. Then, in prayer, hand each one over to God, trusting Him to handle them.

3. Practice Gratitude: Gratitude shifts your perspective. Make it a habit to thank God for three specific blessings each day.

4. Plan a Simple Joy: On January 22, do one thing that brings you happiness—a walk, a favorite meal, or a phone call with a loved one.

5. Memorize Padre Pio’s Words: Let “Pray, hope, and don’t worry” become your personal mantra. Repeat it whenever anxiety tries to take hold.

A Legacy of Peace

St. Padre Pio’s life was marked by profound trust in God, even amid immense personal suffering. His example teaches us that peace isn’t the absence of challenges; it’s the presence of God in the middle of them.

On January 22, choose to embrace “Don’t Worry Be Happy Day” not just as a date on the calendar but as a shift in mindset. Stress may be a reality of modern life, but it doesn’t have to rule your heart.

Through prayer, hope, and trust in God’s providence, you can experience the kind of peace that transforms not just a day, but your entire approach to life. Let this be the year you learn to stress less and trust more—starting now.