In Your 50s And 60s, Experts Say These 2 Simple Stress Tips Can Make A Big Difference
goodluz | ShutterstockStress is an inevitable part of life. Sometimes it seems manageable. Sometimes it feels there's so much to do in so little time. What you don't realize, though, is that some stress is avoidable. Who's causing it? You.
You accept so much responsibility that it weighs you down more and more. Soon, you'll be gasping for air, searching for an escape to rid yourself of the stress and deal with the anxiety from responsibility overkill.
But here's the thing: You're also the key to de-stressing. Author and host Charles J. Orlando, author John Gray, life coach and speaker Cara Cordoni, licensed psychotherapist and bioenergetic analyst Leah Benson, and counselor and therapist Atul Kumar Mehra say that you can use some easy tactics to give yourself sufficient time to de-stress.
In your 50s and 60s, experts say these two simple stress tips can make a big difference:
Stress tip #1: Have an adult tantrum (yes, really)
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It sounds funny, but tantrums aren't just for toddlers. Sometimes you have so much pent-up negative energy and overwhelming emotion that you simply need to let it out. It's OK to release that bad energy, even if you are an adult. Not convinced?
According to Cara Cordoni, you can combat the negative effects of stress on your mind and body with exercise. "We know that the stress hormones, like cortisol, when you're physically active, you process them," she says, "If you're just sitting around and stewing in your head and having that stress response, you're prolonging it."
Leah Benson takes this idea one step further, describing a specific physical release technique she calls the "adult tantrum," where you lie on your back, pound your fists, kick your legs, and yell until the tension is gone. She explains, "Bioenergetic exercises are extra helpful because you discharge energy through both physical movement and verbal expression."
Stress tip #2: Don't accept every task
The need to say yes to everything is common. If you accept it all, you're definitely taking on too much responsibility. However, if you feel like you can't directly say no, find a nice way to decline.
Once you reach adulthood, "you are completely responsible for your emotional life," Benson says. This means the stress that comes from overcommitting is yours to own and yours to fix. Learning to say no is about reclaiming the energy you need to actually show up for the things and people that matter most.
People will be more understanding and less hurt if you don't say no right away, and you'll feel less guilty about not being able to help. Still need some help dispelling your stress?
Charles J. Orlando is a relationship expert best known as the author of the acclaimed relationship book series, The Problem with Women… is Men.
Dr. John Gray is a Doctor of Philosophy, relationship coach, and author of Wellness Solutions, with features in People, Oprah, Time, The New York Times, and more.
Cara Cordoni is a leadership and business Coach with over 20 years of experience in individual and organizational development.
Leah Benson is a therapist and author of Emotional Utopia and has been featured on Tampa Bay Times, and FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
Atul Kumar Mehra is a published author, international speaker and a registered psychotherapist in Ontario, Canada.
