Senior Digest​ 

Stress and De-stressing As We Age

Vol 14 #3 March 2018

There are many areas where we see and experience change as we age and stress is no exception.  Not only do the stressors change but also how our body and minds react to them also changes.

We already know, as it is well documented, that stress and chronic stress account for about 90% of doctor visits, for people of all ages, experiencing physical issues such as heart concerns, digestive issues, headaches or muscle and joint pain. As well as emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, irritability and anger.

This becomes more of a concern as we age and our bodies natural healing abilities begin to decline combined with the added effects from stress, accelerates our bodies inability to resist infection, to heal wounds and overall it shows its adverse effect on our immune system exacerbating current health issues.

In some ways life has become a bit less stressful, fewer of us are experiencing workplace stress or the challenges and daily stress that comes when raising a family.  On the other hand many of us are finding ourselves faced with new issues: perhaps caring for a sick spouse, loss of loved ones, unwanted or an unexpected move or financial challenges. Whatever the new culprits, we can agree that with life comes stress...so what do we do about it?

As a hypnotherapist, people come and see me more for stress and anxiety and their manifestations than all other issues combined. My goal is to help them to do three things.

While the ways I will help them achieve the three things differ radically, it really comes down to engaging in these three things that can drastically help you manage stress, leaving you healthier and happier...regardless your age!

They are:

Quiet your mind - This can come from meditation, some people find soothing music or staring into a flame can help, a quiet walk in nature, practicing mindfulness, keeping your focus on the absolute present. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology states there is evidence that elderly practitioners of mindfulness and meditation experience improved longevity through preventing cellular aging. Just spending a few moments focusing on your breath can instantly lower your blood pressure.

Moving your body -The physical benefits from exercise including increasing lung capacity, bone density and heart health certiantly counteract the effects of stress as well as improving our mood, mental capacity and even our memory! Don’t feel you need to run a marathon or do an hour zumba class every day to see results. Start slow, at your own pace, a ten minute walk and gradually increase your time.
Being Social - An active social life is a great stress buster. Multiple studies have proven the positive effects we get from engaging with others, it can boost your immune system, improve your nutrition, lower your blood pressure and potentially reduce the symptoms of depression.

Sometimes when you have been under a great deal of stress and not feeling great mentally or physically the thought of engaging in activities can be daunting or overwhelming...just start slowly.

Try walking for ten minutes, calling an old friend or sitting quietly listening to music while you concentrate on your breath for five minutes. As you begin (and you will) to feel better, add activities, perhaps there is a gentle yoga class nearby, or a painting class, maybe volunteering, passing on some of your amazing knowledge!  Think about things you enjoyed doing in your youth and try them again. Reducing your stress is probably the best thing you can do for your body, mind and quality of life! Enjoy!

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Suzi Conklin Nance, Certified Hypnotherapist and Instructor with The National Guild of Hypnotist, holds advanced certification in Pain Management and Regression Therapy. She is also the Founder of Newport Center for Hypnotherapy. Along with her private practise she brings wellness programs to hospitals, corporations and schools, some of her most rewarding wok comes from traveling around the country working with groups of wounded veterans and their caregivers.  www.NewportCenterForHypnotherapy.com