Baby Boomers and Stress

By Dr. Neli Stoyanova

My number one advice for stressed out baby boomers who want to reduce the stress in their lives is to stay real. Don't try to make big changes all at once. Don't try to turn your life upside down. If you make small changes- chances are that they will be integrated in your daily routine and have a lasting impact.

Start with identifying the source of your stress and avoid it if possible. If it's not possible, look for ways to minimize it. If you are running late, or if you feel overwhelmed, cancel or reschedule your appointments. Set priorities and do one thing at a time. Organize your time so that you do the things that are most important to you first. Let less important things go.

One of the most important things you can learn to do is to say "no”.

Save your energy for the things that are most important to you by planning ahead. For example, if waiting in line at the airport is stressful for you, bring a magazine or favorite book to help pass the time. If you find the morning rush stressful, try getting up 15 minutes earlier so you are not starting off the day feeling rushed.

Don't try to do everything by yourself. Get support. Ask your friends and family members to help with some of your responsibilities.

Remember: controlling stress does not mean that you have to change your life drastically and turn it upside down.

I have a friend that fights baby boomer stress by talking to family members every Saturday morning. She lives very far away from her family, and can only see her mother and sister once a year. By talking to them every week it helps her to feel more connected to them.

Another baby boomer friend, who recently went through a painful divorce, told me that he deals with his stress by taking care of his 3 dogs.

Create your own exercise program. Start by walking 5-10 min once a day and increase the time every week up to 30 min twice a day, 4-5 times a week.

I personally feel good when I walk or swim. I also go to the gym, but I don't do it because I need to lose weight but because I feel energized afterward. The point is to do something that makes you feel good no matter what it is.

I also recommend inexpensive solutions like massage therapy, meditation and Thai Chi to everyone. You can use them anywhere and at any time. Plus, no particular equipment is necessary and it doesn't cost you a dime. Learn how to make your own home gym.

A co-worker of mine is an instructor of Thai Chi and I attended one of her classes out of curiosity. I was amazed by the power of the incredibly slow movements she showed us. So little effort, such a big impact- I was impressed.

Check out my favorite quick stress relief techniques.

Some people pray, others use yoga or salsa cardio classes. Whatever makes you feel good- just go for it! Don’t underestimate the power of music for stress reduction either. When it comes to music, we all have our preferences. I can not imagine a better way of learning to relax than through music, particularly the soul lifting music of Serge Mazerand. It is quite the stress-relieving experience. In fact sound and color therapy are powerful tools. I was surprised to read that even the color of the food we eat can control our stress level! How about that!

Even things you may not pay particular attention to, like the lights in your bedroom or the sound of your alarm clock, may be sources of stress. All these small sources of stress could really add up.

I know many baby boomers who find it particularly refreshing to travel for the weekend or for a short period of time. Site-seeing, meeting new people and going places is a great way to fight stress. Some may prefer to use organized travel, which is even more relaxing because you don't need to drive or worry about the detail, and can really enjoy other people's company. Cruises are particularly relaxing for that matter too.

Find out what happens if you are vacation deprived.

From Baby Boomers and Stress Return to Big Waistline and Stress.

Read about a little known condition that affects predominantly baby boomer women called Broken heart syndrome.

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