Pop-up discussions give us an opportunity to connect and help each other age well. Sharing ideas and information becomes essential as we grow older. So, let’s talk a bit.
If you read the newsletter, I assume that, like me, you’re interested in staying healthy and enjoying the rest of your life to the fullest. However, experience is telling me it’s not that easy. This discussion topic is about better managing the additional stress and anxiety that can occur in our later years.
I’ve dealt with it daily since my husband died. I don’t have good answers. I do a lot of things: write in a journal, let the worry be, practice Qigong, take walks, talk with a coach and friends, and stay busy. But the concerns remain - although to a lesser degree.
Do you find yourself being more anxious and stressed as you get older? If so, what tips or suggestions might you offer?
A few guidelines.
Comments are friendly and supportive.
I reserve the right to delete posts if necessary.
I’m not a medical professional or counselor any longer, so I won't be offering advice.
Let’s get started, and welcome!
Pop-up discussions allow us to connect and help each other age well. Sharing ideas and information becomes more important as we grow older. So, let’s talk a bit.
Hi Janice ~ The one good thing I find about getting older is less stress. Maybe after teaching high school and college students for 40 years -- being on high alert all those years -- these days seem peaceful. I do look at life differently now too. I have lowered some unrealistic expectations. I have accepted some things are going to happen I'm not crazy about. I think I may have mentioned Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's book Whole Brain Living to you before. I have bought into her 90 second rule: it only takes 90 seconds for the chemistry of an emotion to flood through us and push completely out of our blood stream. If we do not rethink the upsetting issue triggering that emotion circuit for another 90 seconds, etc, the emotion will stop. So instead of focusing & overthinking on the trigger if I get anxious, I DO an activity like walking, playing music, making a craft -- anything that keeps me in the present moment. At night, if I can't sleep, I play golf in my mind. I usually fall asleep around the 7th hole. :)