10 Secrets and De-stressing Tips for Living Longer and Happier
1. Stress makes you old.
If you suffer from chronic stress it is constantly undermining your health. You must de-stress if you are planning on living a full healthy life. No matter how much or how little stress you have is not important because we all have stress. What is important is how you handle it. Don’t bury your stress and feelings, share them and stay connected with your social groups. Also, whether you are male or female, know that it is okay to cry once in a while. Often after a good cry you will see how silly you were being and it will be over.
2. Keep playing games.
Whether it is cards or golf, keep playing games like you always have. Game playing is one of the ultimate stress zappers, and also stimulates the brain and body. Join clubs, games, or gabfests with your friends. When you mind is completely focused on an activity it gives your body a chance to relax. Stay active in and join a scrabble or bridge club, or go dancing and play sports.
3. Keep laughing.
We’ve all heard the phrase “misery loves company” and more often than not, it’s true. Telling jokes and laughing gives you a mental break. Humor is also a great stress zapper. People, who laugh easily at jokes and stories, and those who smile a lot often feel less stress and anxiety. If you allow yourself to relax and laugh you will feel more secure and confident also.
4. Don’t act your age.
Who says you have to act your age? Do what makes you happy. If you want to wear leather and ride motorcycles than do it! If you want to join the Alaskan Polar Bear Club, don’t hesitate! Life is meant for living so what are you waiting for. Plus, acting your age can be quite boring. Always keep expanding your education to learn all you can. Taking on a course of study will stimulate your brain and give you something to look forward to. Remain optimistic about life and you will live longer and feel less stress and worry.
5. Keep friends and family close.
People who keep close relationships with their friends and family have a lot less stress than people who do not. Your friends and family are your own personal support system. Not only does loneliness lead to depression and anxiety but it is a big killer among aging persons and women. Whether you are male or female it is beneficial to have female friends. In a study initiated by Mental Health Association estrogen was proven to have a calming effect on both men and women.
6. Stay involved in the community.
Remain passionate about your work or your hobbies. Just because you have retired doesn’t mean the world stops, it is just the beginning. Volunteer with a community organization or teach a local class or workshop. Work allows you to take your mind off others things and also gives you a chance to share what you know with the world.
7. Volunteer to make the world a better place.
Find some meaning in life. Save the environment, help the poor, educate children, travel, practice your faith spirituality, or fight for a good cause. Finding meaning in life will help you become more resilient and boost your immune system function.
8. Don’t be a worry wart.
The main thing everyone should know in life is that things go wrong, and yes the usually get worse before they get better, but they always get better. Pray of meditate during the day to relieve stress and anxiety, or practice yoga or Tai Chi. Reach out to your support system of family and friends when in need. Practice deep breathing to steady your heart rate and breathing. Not having so much to worry about will help you recover from illnesses and surgery faster.
9. Enjoy, play, or teach music.
Learning anything new has been proven to beat stress, but music has a special ability to calm people. Studying music can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as steady and deepen your breathing. Playing, teaching, or just enjoying music can considerably reduce stress and maximize your happiness, and your body will almost instantly relax. Go to concerts or teach children how to play an instrument. The joy of teaching alone should be enough to make anyone feel good.
10. Exercise every day.
Everyone knows that exercising promotes a healthy heart as well as muscles. Exercise can help you revive your energy and also help improve your range of motion. To make exercising more fun and easy, exercise with friends or sign up for a class. Exercise will reduce your stress and anxiety as well as help you stay active and in shape. Swimming and walking are especially great for the body, but any kind of exercise will be beneficial. Even if you only exercise for 15-20 minutes each day it is better than not exercising at all.
