Stress Management

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Stress Management for Baby-Boomers

No matter what age, but especially for Baby-Boomers, stress management is necessary for one’s physical and mental well-being.

According to the American Institute of Stress (AIS), some of the more serious health conditions stress can create are: heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, premature aging, anxiety, stroke, and depression. It can also affect digestion, elimination, and skin conditions. One’s sleeping patterns can be thrown out of sync also.

Stress Management Ideas

Be Present

I try to be present and notice any tension in any area of my body. Then I will incorporate some graduated muscle tension and releasing in order to move the stuck energy out of my body.

Deep Breathing

I find the best way for me to be present is by concentrating on my breathing. Just sitting quietly, or laying down, I notice the in and out-breaths; the rise and fall of my chest, and/or my belly. I notice the warmth of the air exhaled from my nose.

Exercise

I’m not big on intense workouts, but I don’t mind mild exercises such as Taoist Tai Chi, walking and swimming.

Some people prefer a much more intense workout for their stress management, such as boxing or running, in order to move the tension and stuck energy out of their bodies.

Gratitude

Counting one’s blessings through gratitude and appreciation are a couple of emotional, psychological or cognitive stress management techniques that can help remove emotional distress and turn one’s thinking in a more positive direction.

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” ~ William James

 Laughter

The first time I ever heard about Laughter Therapy was when I read the story of how Norman Cousins cured himself of a very painful serious illness by watching old comedy movies daily.

According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America website: “Studies have revealed that episodes of laughter helped to reduce pain, decrease stress-related hormones and boost the immune system in participants.”

There are actually laughter workshops one can attend in order to learn how to lighten up for a few hours.

Here’s a link with more information on Laughter Therapy

Meditation

I have a hard time with meditation and trying to ‘still my mind.’ I prefer to use a myriad of guided meditations to suit whatever issue I am working on. A couple of my favourite authors of guided meditation MP3s that I listen to regularly are: Wayne Dyer (Getting into the Gap – uses the first ten words of the Lord’s Prayer, may not be everybody’s cup of tea), and Abraham-Hicks (she has several to choose from on YouTube).

Muscle Relaxation

The stress management therapeutic treatment that I use the most, especially for pain and inflammation from fibromyalgia, is a long soak in a hot bubble bath with a couple of handfuls of Epsom Salts. The heat from the hot water is great for relaxing sore muscles and the magnesium in Epsom Salts draws toxins out of my body.

I also tend to become present and focus on my breathing as a form of meditation even when I’m in the bath – it’s probably where I do my best meditation.

Music

Although I prefer silence, there are times when even I enjoy listening to music. Some people prefer the Classics in order to relax and soothe their souls, others may enjoy Contemporary music.

Whether one has their music volume cranked, or whether it is used as soft background sound, music can play a role in calming one’s soul.

Each to their own tastes.

Other Healthy Stress Go-To’s

Gardening, hobbies, massages, movies, reading, spending time with loved ones and talking to someone can be considered stress-relieving activities.

Make a list of all the things that make you feel happy and/or relaxed and remind yourself each time when you are stressed what your alternatives are!

Let us know what your favourite stress management techniques are.

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