SENIOR MOMENT: De-stressing your stress-filled life

By BETTY MUNSEY/Columnist

Citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast quickly slammed valuables and necessities into their bags and frantically tried to evacuate into safer territory before Gustav’s dreaded arrival.  Thankfully Gustav was downgraded to a category two hurricane and did not directly impact the heavily populated New Orleans area.  Yet the stress was evident on the faces of the evacuees regardless of their age or destination.
Now Ike is aiming a nasty eye at the Gulf coast and could conceivably impact Southwest Virginia later in the week.  If he continues on his projected course, we’ll be filling pitchers with water; fueling and starting generators; and stockpiling canned goods for the duration in case of power outages.  During the storm we’ll keep a close ear to weather news while worrying about our family and neighbor’s safety.
Thankfully the weather changes quickly in our neck of the woods and what seems bleak today will produce sunny skies tomorrow. If only other life stresses were so easily dismissed.
Louisiana citizens facing their third or fourth evacuation may exhibit actual physical symptoms of stress as headaches, chest tightness, upset stomach, sleep interruption, and problems eating (either eating too much or not enough). Excessive stress can be physically and mentally detrimental, and chronic illnesses may worsen when stress levels increase.
We have probably noticed the effects of stress on ourselves and family members through increased levels of hopelessness, forgetfulness, increased anxiety and anger, and even confusion that lead to difficulty making wise decisions. This is one of the reasons that recently widowed individuals are encouraged to refrain from making life-changing decisions immediately after the death of their spouse.
We know that seniors are not immune to stress even though we may not have to deal with previously experienced on-the-job stresses. Plus we have more time to worry while knowing that worry doesn’t help anything. The Virginia Department of Health Web site recommends the following ways to manage stress.
“Think positively and surround yourself with others who do so.” Avoid individuals who expect the worse and carry with them an air of negativity.
“Don’t demand too much of yourself. Accept that you can’t control everything and be flexible.” Be willing to ask for and accept help. It’s okay to say no to requests that create stress.
“Divide big tasks into smaller ones.” Sorting through a lifetime of accumulation may seem like an insurmountable task yet attacking a drawer or two a day is manageable. Regaining a sense of organization provides more order in our lives.
“Eat healthy and avoid sugar.” Seniors know the importance of eating lots of vegetables and relying on home cooked foods as opposed to too many processed foods.
“Get plenty of sleep each night.” It’s when we wake in the middle of the night that worry seems to invade our minds. If sleep doesn’t come again quickly, we’re advised to get up and read a dull book or watch a boring television program.
“Exercise some each day to boost energy and improve your mood. Don’t sit too long.”  This is especially important and more difficult for seniors. As my Dad used to say, he wanted to wear out rather than rust out. “Practice deep breathing by taking slow deep breaths through your nose and exhale through your mouth.”
It’s OK to cry, but it’s better to share your concerns with someone you can trust. Find something that makes you smile, laugh, and have fun each day.  Additionally, the Health Department recommends avoiding alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
A retired Extension agent, Betty Munsey lives and farms in Bland County.