The American Institute of Stress estimates that more than 75% of all visits to doctors are for symptoms caused by stress. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that two thirds of all visits to family doctors involve stress-related conditions. According to the website www.hr.com, stress costs United States businesses more than $300 billion annually, a number which has doubled in the last ten years. And 40% of employee turnover is related to stress.
Learning to manage stress would make a huge difference, wouldn't it? So in the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Week, here’s one powerful on-the-spot intervention for stress relief. You might have heard of “The Serenity Prayer:” God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to accept the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
It sounds simple, but let’s take a look at how this little prayer might actually work like a therapeutic intervention to change how you handle stress.
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Here’s how it works. Everybody knows there are two kinds of things in life that cause stress, right? There’s 1) things you can’t change, and 2) things you can change. So to begin the intervention, first make a list of everything that’s stressing you out, and decide which category each thing belongs in.
Examples of things I can’t change include: the past, the weather, and other people. So make your list and look at it. Now accept you can’t change any of those things. Not one. What they think of you, what happened, you can’t change it. You might even begin feel some relief as you deeply accept you can't change what you can't change.
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Now look at the things you can change. Notice you can change what you do and how you feel—actions and attitudes. Sometimes a change in attitude is the most powerful change anyone can make. And it takes courage. For example, if you’re used to dealing with something by yourself, consider what a difference it might make to ask someone for help. Stepping outside the comfort zone ALWAYS takes courage!
The wisdom to know the difference may as simple as asking yourself, “can I change that?” If the answer is “no”, then go for acceptance. If the answer is “yes,” then reach for courage.
In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness week, I will continue to post messages of support. Not everyone needs or wants therapy, but we can all use therapeutic interventions for dealing with stress! Tomorrow we’ll look at some other resources for stress relief.
Susan Dingle LCSW CASAC is a therapist and well-being specialist in private practice in Southold, working with adolescents and adults in transition, focusing on mindfulness meditation for stress reduction. She welcomes your questions and can be reached at 631/734-8658.
