More than 75 percent of adults in the U.S. experience some type of stress daily, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Key stressors include: COVID effects, personal finances, escalating cost-of-living expenses, concerns for the health and wellbeing of loved ones, and more.
Compounding the problem is irregular sleep – a common condition that can negatively impact a person’s overall health and quality of life. Sadly, almost half of U.S. adults suffer from sleep disorders.
While stress does not discriminate, seniors are especially at risk because of aging-related challenges to their health, finances, independence, and inadequate access to proper nutrition and/or exercise.
How Does Stress Begin?
Stress typically starts in the workplace and the home. Employees stress over managing tight deadlines, fulfilling quotas, meeting lofty expectations, surviving the next staff reduction, and more.
At home, the main culprits of stress stem from financial insecurity and managing personal finances amid increasing costs for food, gas and other necessities. But there are others, including: moving into a new home, suffering an injury, struggling with physical pain, and coping with the loss of a family member.
What Stress Does to the Body
Stress tenses the muscles, causing headaches and stomachaches, and increases blood pressure. Significant levels of stress can result in a combination of anxiety and depression, which can result in long-term effects on one’s health.
How to Manage Stress
The first step to reducing stress is identifying the things that make you uneasy.
Stress can be managed if you understand and accept that you are not always in control and let go of things that are beyond your control. Focus on your own wellbeing and health with mindfulness and meditation, and never let outside influences control you. This will provide a better perspective on life, and subsequently reduce your feelings of anxiety.
Adopting a healthy and well-balanced diet, regular exercise regimen and ample sleep daily are critical in controlling and potentially eliminating stress.
At the same time, it is important to recognize not all stress is bad for you. “Good” types of stress include planning a vacation, learning new technology, and attending social events.
Important Lessons
Attitude is a big part of avoiding stress. Here are some tips:
- Learn how to say, “No.” That means, do not overcommit yourself with tasks or responsibilities that you cannot handle or do not have time to address within your capacity.
- Break large projects into smaller, more manageable ones.
- Limit distractions and avoid negative people who trigger stress.
- Do not dwell on the past. Look to the future. A positive mind does wonders for your health. Remember, stress is as much mental as physical.
- Take care of your body and be physically active. Maintain a nutritious diet, get adequate sleep, and avoid unhealthy habits.
- Never compare yourself to others—even though this has become especially difficult in this age of social media. Reframe your thoughts and focus on you. Set goals for greater peace of mind and a lifestyle that filters out stress.
Conviva Medical Center is at 7959 Fredericksburg Rd, Suite 105, San Antonio, Texas. For more information, call (833) 220-8654.
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