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“The incomparable George Burns, who lived to see his 100th birthday, said, ‘We can’t help getting older, but we can help getting old.’” – Valerie Ramsey in Creating What’s Next Gracefully.
It has been an interesting time in my life. Leaving a long time career…evaluating and seeking what the next steps should be…looking at household finances with concern…and adjusting to my daughter and grandchildren living on the other side of the world. Part of my personal battle has been to control the stress. Now, I realize some of you face more difficult circumstances with serious illness, family srife, world economy woes…all levels of stress exist throughout this audience. I was not surprised, however, to see job change and finances in the top ten stress causes on the Livestrong website.
The fact is, if we do not control stress it will cause serious illness and pre-mature aging. In her book, Creating What’s Next Gracefully, Valerie Ramsey devotes some time to important wellness facts we should keep in mind during high stress times. Her goal is to promote healthy aging over anti-aging…because we all know it happens whether we like it or not.
Here are the top five facts from the book which I desire to keep in mind during this stressful time of life (for more, order her book through the Amazon link provided):
- According to the American Institute of Stress (Hmmm, maybe I should look there for a job!), up to 90% of all health problems are related to stress. The immune system and the body’s ability to heal quickly are directly affected by stress and one’s overall mind-body health.
- Research confirms that our thoughts and emotions have a dynamic effect on our health and vitality. Scientific studies have also revealed a strong link between our emotions and our complexions. Activities designed to improve our emotional state have the added benefit of improving the quality of the skin.
- While baby boomers have aged in years, most haven’t aged in spirit. Many are not retiring just to spend their days at home. Instead, they are living active lifestyles, traveling, even embarking upon second careers. For them, retirement represents an opportunity to live out their dreams.
- The spa can be your best friend, and is worth keeping in the budget, as therapeutic massage, rejuvenating medi-spa treatments, and personal care can help. All activate the body’s natural reparative processes, reduce stress, and help to achieve a balanced, healthier life.
- Beauty and wellness go hand-in-hand. Your skincare regimen, fitness level, and lifestyle choices all affect how you look and feel.
Friends, during a time of high level stress, I believe it is important for us to be aware of how it can bring on the wrinkles, fatigue, and poor health. June was my time of grieving the job change. I left a place where I loved to work, loved my co-workers, and loved my students. But, now it is time to move forward with purpose, hope and joy. I am mindfully aware to be true to a healthy eating plan, continued workouts, proper hydration, and proper skincare care. I know many of you participate in yoga and meditation. For me, I begin my day in prayer and strength training. Whatever our choice, we must be aware of the consequences if we allow stress to rule our lives.
Is anyone else going through a time of stress, or have advice for conquering it? Please share and thanks for stopping by The Joy Boutique!
See you next week!
Pamela Lutrell
Pamela Lutrell began her blog, over50feeling40, July 2010 with a desire to encourage women over 50 to walk in strength, confidence and joy. Of course, head turning style makes each day fun!
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Carol Graham
Tuesday 14th of July 2015
Often in times of stress it is difficult to think of or take care of yourself. I have lived a life of trauma; hence, my memoir..... but the key to getting through it all is laughter - always was, always will be. I also keep those around me laughing. I realize it is a coping mechanism but it works
Terri
Tuesday 14th of July 2015
We experienced unemployment and the death of our eldest son at the same time. We are still learning how to reclaim our health. We learned to say "no." Stress will literally eat you alive. I have found peace and restoration through photography, writing, and just recently yoga. Its not easy, self-care, - it can feel really selfish and awkward at first. But we are learning when we care for ourselves, we become peace filled people and gentler with others.
Ali Davies
Tuesday 14th of July 2015
I think it is important to be aware that our mindset has a massive impact on how we experience stress and our stress levels. So as part of a stress management approach it is really useful to look at how we can upgrade our mindset to serve us better. This works because what we are thinking about a situation drives our feelings and our thoughts and feelings can have a big impact on stress levels associated to an event or situation.
Judy Freedman
Tuesday 14th of July 2015
Leaving your full time career can be very stressful and scary. I found that as time went on I really learned to love a more flexible lifestyle and it has provided more time to live my life to the fullest. I've learned to live on less and that has helped me deal with stress...in addition to my yoga practice and mindfulness meditation.
Karen
Tuesday 14th of July 2015
Very good points here. I am struggling through a time of stress in caring for my elderly mother. She depends on me for everything. I have a sister who is on the fringes and does not help me with much. I work full time, she has never 'worked outside the home.' So I'm dealing with a lot of issues that cause me a great deal of stress. I realized recently that I need to do things to care for myself emotionally since no one is going to step up and take over with that one! I have always been a person who loves being out in nature - alone. I am going to work this time for myself into my weekly routine and am looking forward to it. We have lovely (huge) parks where I live and I plan to take advantage of them. I too begin my day in prayer and meditation. (Currently dealing with a pinched nerve in my arm due to over-doing the strength training and bad posture at work, so working on that!) Beginning my day, before leaving for work, with my coffee and a few books really calms my mind and prepares me for the day ahead. This is a must for starting each day. When I experience stressful times at work, and boy do I ever!, I get out of my office and go for a walk - outside if the weather is nice, inside in the winter, but I walk and walk until I feel calm again. This really works for me. Just getting up and moving. I have read a great deal about stress and how it impacts our outward appearance, not to mention our overall health. I sure don't want this happening to me, so I am going to start taking steps to decompress on a regular basis. I don't want people to look at me and think I must be really off the rails, so this is now a priority. Thank you for this very timely post. Oh - it also helps me to 'exchange ideas' shall we say, with a good friend who has gone through plenty of stress and is taking steps to improve her life. Friends who don't judge can be lifesavers!.