Managing Stress With The Serenity Prayer: A Practical Guide.

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In my work with clients who are struggling with stress, there is a tool that I use which many people have found helpful and it is called the Serenity Prayer. It goes like this :-

‘GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE’.

It is giving us an important message, to focus our energies on those things we are in a position to do something about.

Regarding the things that are making us feel stressed but which are beyond our control, we need to nurture our mental, physical and emotional health in order to increase our resilience and help us face our challenges in a healthier way.

Ultimately, everyone’s situation is different so it is important to have a way to navigate stress, to feel more in control. The Serenity Prayer can help us do this.

So how can we use the Serenity Prayer in a practical way?

To help you feel less overwhelmed by your life, I suggest you make a list of all the things that are contributing to your stress. Your stressors. These are the things that are making you feel anxious or worried, under too much pressure, or both.

Once you have made your list, have a look down it and mark the items which you are in a position to do something about to make them feel less stressful.

For example, this might involve asking for help, talking to someone, spending less, seeking advice. Focus your energies on bringing about change in these areas.

Regarding the nurturing of your mental, physical and emotional health, this can take time but includes managing anxious thoughts, eating well, trying to get exercise and fresh air, making time to do things you enjoy to help you recharge, good sleep habits and not letting unhealthy coping behaviours such as drinking alcohol and eating too many sugary or fatty foods, get out of control. My little book on stress, ‘Dealing with Stress: the mind, body, spirit way’ can help you :- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dealing-Stress-Mind-Body-Spirit/dp/1497493668

If you could benefit from more focussed support, do arrange a free call to have a chat.

Wriiten by Dr. Rebecca E. M. William
PHOTO: NATHAN COELEY

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