Losing sleep, worrying? Feel like there are too many pressures or demands? Feel anxious, afraid and uptight? You may be suffering from stress.
What causes stress? Stress is caused by the body’s instinct to defend itself. Stress is a response to signals called “stressors” that your brain interprets as a call to action. In response to a stressor your body releases adrenaline and stress hormones to activate your body for either “fight or flight,” and this affects your actions, thoughts and emotions.
Chronic stress can be due to any of the following: moving to a new residence, financial problems, physical problems or mental concerns, loneliness, injury or fear of injury, loss of a spouse or loved one, family and marriage difficulties.
Any sort of change can create feelings of stress. What is stressful for one person might not be stressful to another. Let’s take retirement for example. One person may become stressed from no longer working such as loss of their self-esteem, loss of income, change in routine, etc. Another person is having a great time not having to go to work and loving every minute of it!
Chronic stress creates wear and tear on our bodies and can cause upset stomach, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, back pain, constipation or diarrhea, depression, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, weight gain or loss and insomnia.
What can I do to manage my stress? Listen to your body and recognize when you’re feeling stressed. For each stressor you identify, develop a plan to either resolve it, or find away to change your response.
Determine if your stress is something you can’t control. If you can’t let it go! Write down the positive aspects of changes you may be experiencing. If you recently moved to assisted living, focus on meeting new friends and enjoying the social events.
Exercise on a regular basis. This is a great stress reducer. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about any concerns you may have. Get it off your chest! Participate in activities that are relaxing and pleasurable, such as hobbies, listening to music and social events.
Remember, life is short, so take to time to stop and smell the roses!
For more information on relieving stress, or senior living alternatives, please contact Margie Veis or Mary Dembkowski at Summerhill Villa, an MBK Senior Living Community, at 661-254-9933.