Common Stress Triggers and How to Cope

Stress is a normal part of life, but when you're unable to manage your stress, it can lead to physical and mental health concerns. April is Stress Awareness Month. It's a fantastic time to learn about stress, the most common stressors for seniors, and tips for controlling your stress levels.

Understanding Stress

Stress is the body's natural reaction to change and challenges. Everyone experiences stress, and in small doses, stress helps alert your body to potential danger. However, some individuals experience chronic or long-term stress. Chronic stress can lead to body pain, chest pain, headaches, sleep troubles, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and muscle tension. People who have long-term stress also have a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Causes of Stress in Seniors

Everyone experiences stress for a different reason, but chronic stress is often a result of a significant life change. Some common stressors for seniors include:

Financial status- Many seniors experience changes in their economic status, especially after the first few years of retirement. When you no longer have a steady career income, you may start worrying about paying bills or saving for the future.
Future care- Many people require some care as they age, whether medical care or hiring an in-home caregiver. Deciding on your future care needs can feel stressful, especially because you may not know what care you'll require or when you'll need it.
Loss of a loved one- As we age, so do the people in our lives, and losing friends and family becomes a bit more familiar with age. Losing someone close to you is a highly stressful event that can make it difficult to continue daily activities.
Differences in physical or mental abilities- The body and the mind change with age, and when you're no longer able to do the things you used to do, it can feel frustrating and cause stress.
Illness- Learning you have a chronic disease or condition is stressful at any age. However, seniors have a higher risk of developing severe illnesses that may interfere with their ability to live independently.
Relocation- As seniors get older, they may have to downsize their home, move closer to family, or live in a senior's home or community. Channing your location, especially after years of living in one place, can bring stress and anxiety.

Coping with Stress

Don't wait for stress to overwhelm you before you start taking steps to manage and prevent it. If you're feeling stressed, consider the following activities to ease your anxieties.

Exercise. Physical activity releases hormones and chemicals in the body that help uplift and stabilize your mood. Try to exercise during high-stress times. Even something as simple as walking around the neighborhood can relieve stress symptoms.
Journaling. Journaling is a great way to release some of your anxieties and fears on paper. You can try journaling each morning or night, or you can start by writing down your thoughts and emotions whenever you feel stressed.
Get quality sleep. Your body and mind need sleep to relax and recharge. Make sure you're getting a quality night's sleep without interruptions. If you have trouble sleeping, try to stick to a bedtime routine and go to bed at the same time each night to help your mind fall asleep.
Talk to your doctor. If your stress interferes with daily activities, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce and manage your stress. Your doctor may suggest medication or talk therapy to relieve your symptoms.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you're a senior experiencing chronic stress that makes it challenging to care for yourself, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our Manassas office serves Prince William and Western Fairfax counties, including Fort Belvoir and Lorton. Our caregivers can assist with various non-medical tasks like medication reminders, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, cooking, personal grooming, transportation, and more. If you'd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this form online or call us at 703.530.8811.