|
Healthy Aging: The 40s -- Middle-Aged, Mega-Stressed
Simple steps can help you cope with
everyday anxiety
By E.J. Mundell,
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 28 (HealthDay News) -- Juggling the demands of children,
full-time work and aging or sick parents, the 40s can be prime time for
pressure.
While it's tempting to pretend it's not there, stress has a way of
making itself known. "Some people can even feel physical pain --
problems with indigestion, heartburn or headaches," said Dr. Cecil
Wilson, an internist in Winter Park, Fla., and board member of the
American Medical Association.
There are more subtle signs, too. "You're more easily irritated; you
feel like you're always behind," he said. "Some people may find that
it's difficult to sleep -- or they sleep more than they normally would."
As stress mounts, the risk for depression rises. "Depression has many
forms," Wilson said. "You might get up in the morning and just as soon
not face the day. You feel overwhelmed with it all and are continually
feeling low."
Recognizing that stress is getting out of hand is the first step to
change, Wilson said. But even more important is identifying the sources
of anxiety, and taking action.
"First, say to yourself 'Is it my environment?' You might look around
and say, 'Things aren't going well at home with my kids,' or 'I've got
an elderly parent I'm concerned about,'" Wilson advised.
The workplace can also be a huge source of pressure and anxiety, and
often the easiest to change. "If you simply have too much work to
handle, ask the boss for help," Wilson said. If that's no solution,
switching jobs may be the only way to ease the stress load, he said.
The body has its own ready-made stress-buster, Wilson pointed out -- a
good workout. "We all know that regular exercise is great for a variety
of reasons, to ease tension and relax.
"Then there's even something as obvious as going on vacation, a weekend
away from stressors," he added.
Many Americans swear by meditation, prayer, T'ai Chi -- even a midday
nap.
Then there are diversions that seem like they relieve stress, but really
compound it. "People under stress often drink more than they otherwise
would," Wilson said. But that extra drink or two can lead to many more,
until drinking becomes a habit that's hard to break. "It's the same
thing for smoking -- people may smoke more, thinking it curbs stress,
but it doesn't," he said.
Amid the hurly-burly of middle-age, it may also be important to step
back and realize that a certain level of tension will always surround
us.
"We hear a lot about high anxiety today, but I'm not sure we live in a
more stressful world," Wilson said. "Life has always been stressful." |
|
Public Interest
Reports
Hosteze.com was launched to make web hosting easy
for the beginner and advanced alike. We offer reliable personal,
business, corporate and non-profit web hosting solutions.
Our packages offer
the best value with straightforward, solid, affordable,
feature-packed hosting. Whether you’re a novice user just starting
out or operate a heavily trafficked site, Hosteze has a the hosting
plan that will help you make the most of your web experience! We make it easy enough so that the beginner
user as well as advanced user can take advantage of all the Internet
has to offer. Hosteze is committed to providing quality, reliable
and easy to use web hosting solutions.
As our name implies, we strive to make the
hosting experience as easy and straightforward as possible. The
simplicity of our service allows beginners to get online with ease
while our technical superiority provides excellent service for the
more advanced. Whatever your level of expertise, Hosteze will be
there to assist you as needed.
Our top priority is to provide high-quality
reliable services and top-notch customer service to all customers.
Learn More
|
