Don’t let the sound of your own
wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand,
and take it easy
The Eagles sure nailed it with this hit.
Janet’s son lives on the street. For years she’s tried to get him into treatment for his alcoholism and mental health problems. She pleads for him to come home. Some of her family members judge her harshly, urging her to give up on her boy, considering him a lost cause. Janet’s love and commitment is unwavering. And stress is taking a toll on her health.
Whether family related or dealing with daily concerns, most of us can relate to Janet’s stress. For those with chronic stressors, health problems often follow. Sustained heightened stress is a precursor for hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome and other concerns.
There are simple things anyone can do to help prevent such conditions by regulating our nervous systems.
While most are familiar with the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) that controls “fight, flight or freeze” responses that ready us for action in the event of real or perceived danger or stress, the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) is lesser known. When functioning properly, the PNS regulates stress reactions by slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and supporting gut function.
Known as the rest and digest system, when the PNS is not functioning well, heightened physiological responses stay dangerously high. The adrenals continue to pump adrenalin, the heart continues to race and blood pressure remains high. This can lead to chronic diseases like hypertension, chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome.
3 Easy Dailies
- Deep breathe. Breathe into your diaphragm with deep slow breaths in and out. Do this several times a day. If you have sleepless nights or wake up frequently, doing this can help you fall into a restful slumber.
- Meditate. You needn’t to go into a deep trance! Just quiet your mind for several minutes. If this is difficult, try visualizing pleasant simple things like the ocean, kittens, birds, a river or brook.
- Exercise. No need to run marathons. Walk briskly, do a few jumping jacks, sit-ups or anything you can physically tolerate.
These strategies, done daily, will take the pressure off your body, quiet racing thoughts and restore your mind and body to a healthy, relaxed state.
Lighten up while you still can
And take it easy
Diane Dennis RN is a Geriatric Case Manager dedicated to helping seniors live their best lives. She focuses on holistic health, dignity, safety and comfort in seniors’ daily lives.
Article originally posted in 50 Plus Magazine