A somewhat shocking statistic regarding stress was recently observed by the American Psychological Association, which found that 84% of Americans believe that the United States has “serious societal issues” that need to be addressed immediately.
These societal issues come from all over: from extreme division because of difference of opinions, to concerns about the economy and jobs, to lingering concerns about the pandemic. Everything around us can be a stress-inducing item.
Nearly half of U.S. adults believe that planning for their future seems “impossible.”
A recent Gallup poll found that employee stress is at an all-time high.
Nearly one in five Americans have a high level of stress every single day of the week.
Stress is, unfortunately, becoming an everyday piece of most people’s lives. And with these constant elevated levels of stress, it begins to take a toll on us, both physically and mentally.
Forgiveness: The New “F Word” For Stress
There’s an old saying that says that forgiveness does more for those who give it than it does for those who receive it. And that’s very true.
It takes strength to forgive.
It takes resilience to forgive.
It takes being the bigger person (and bettering yourself along the way) to truly forgive.
When we forgive and let go of resentment, we make it easier for ourselves to recover from stress and trauma.
So think of that the next time you find yourself in the middle of a conflict or disagreement. Empathy and seeing a situation from other people’s point of view along with your own are very powerful traits. We have enough stress from factors beyond our control in this world. Let’s do something about the situations we can control and just be a little bit nicer to everyone around us. All of us could use a little more kindness in our everyday life.