Baby Boomers Stress: Can You Face it?

The best way to reduce your baby boomers stress level is to have realistic goals and 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 baby boomers 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 her baby boomers 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 baby boomers 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 yoga 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. You can 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.

Some people pray, others go to salsa cardio classes. I go to my Zumba class 3 times a week and I am loving it. Whatever makes you feel good- just go for it!

Here are some of my favorite baby boomers stress relief techniques.

Don’t underestimate the power of music to reduce stress either. 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.

The point is to recognize that you are dealing with baby boomers stress, identify the sources of stress, set your priorities and find what works for you in order to get over it.

Start by measuring your waistline and take the free Stress Level Test to see where you stand.

Copyright Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

Reprint rights: You may repost any article written by Dr. Nelly Stoyanova as long as the article is left intact. Please include the author's bio and a clickable link to our site.

Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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