Stress Management During Stress Awareness Month

Stress affects everyone, and even though we have a lifetime of experience with it, it can still be challenging to overcome. Stressors for aging adults can be much different from stressors for younger folks, so it can feel like starting from scratch. 

Stress affects all over the body – brain function, bodily health, mental outlook, and mood. As an aging adult, it’s incredibly important to manage stress to reduce risks and keep positive as you navigate a changing body. 

Symptoms of stress

It’s not always easy to point out that the way we are feeling, or acting is directly related to stress. There are several symptoms that point to being overstressed, but because they’re so common, it’s easy to mistake these symptoms as happening due to anything other than stress. Is stress the culprit? Look out for any of these signs in you or your loved one during difficult situations:

• Tension headaches
• Back pain
• Indigestion
• Heart palpitations
• Poor concentration
• Indecisiveness
• Crying
• Irritability
• Edginess

Risks of chronic stress

Stress may come and go but being in a chronic or perpetual state of stress is damaging. According to Harvard Health, some of the associated risks with chronic stress are increased risk of heart disease, heartburn, high blood pressure, blood sugar and diabetes complications, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Luckily, these can all be avoided or minimized with the proper action.

Reducing stress

• Exercise. Regular activity and exercise can improve physical condition and fight disease, but it does leaps and bounds for the mental state. Studies show that regular exercise effectively reduces fatigue, improves alertness and concentration, and enhances overall cognitive function. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and can instantly boost mood and overall feeling throughout the body.
• Support groups. Aging adults face stressors and challenges that many others have not yet experienced in their lives, such as the loss of a spouse or loved one. These situations can be challenging to manage on your own. The support of a social group that gets together for the same reason, such as grief, can help you learn new coping techniques, express your feelings, and feel the joy of new friendships. 
• Consider getting a pet. For some, caring for a pet might bring on more stress than it relieves. But a pet can be a great source of companionship and a distraction from everyday stress. Pets, especially dogs, can keep you in a physical activity routine. Between the mood boost and stress-relieving effects of both exercise and companionship, a pet can be a great friend, especially in times of stress.
• Assess your environment. For aging adults, a challenging environment to navigate can be a source of stress and cause feelings of defeat. If disability or limited mobility has you or your loved one feeling down, consider all of the ways you can improve your environment to be safer and less stressful to be in. 
• Therapy. If a support group is not enough support and you find yourself dealing with issues that you do not feel equipped to handle on your own, a therapist can help give you the tools you need to conquer your stress. Therapists can suggest different thinking methods to get you out of the same old stress pattern. Talk to your primary care doctor if you are interested in learning more about counseling or therapy. 
• Rethink your diet. Some foods may feel good at the moment, but they might directly affect your mental state. Foods loaded with sugar or refined carbs can lead to spikes in blood sugar followed by crashing energy and mood. The less energy we have, the more stressed we feel to accomplish necessary tasks. 

Visiting Angels Matawan has skilled and professional caregivers available from Southern Middlesex to Northern Monmouth Counties, from Woodbridge to Middletown, who are ready to assist you in tackling your stressors. As you get to know your caregiver and they become a trusted confidant, you can open up to them about the struggles you are having or the stress that specific tasks bring you. An in-home caregiver can take over some of those daily tasks to get them off your plate, giving you more time to focus on your overall health and maintaining a healthy stress level through challenging times. Reach out today to learn about the many forms of in-home care available to you or your loved one at (732) 671-2899.