Do You Want to Live Forever? Stress and Longevity

Do you want to live forever? Maybe this isn'tsymptoms of stress. If you begin a practice of daily
possible, but you probably do want to live your lifedeep relaxation, to control stress, remember that it
with grace, with health and happiness.Most people aremay take 4-6 weeks of regular use to begin to see
aware that daily life can be stressful and that thisresults. It may require 8-12 weeks of regular daily use
stress can affect your health or, at least, your qualityto begin to get the maximum benefits of this
of life. Everyone has different sets of stressors andprogram. It takes time to change life-long habits, but
everyone has their ownempowers you in ways that you may not have
unique way of responding to these stressors.dreamed possible.2. ExerciseAt least 5 times per
Though we are all different, it is very important toweek of 30 minutes + to reduce muscle tensions,
realize that being a "victim" to our stressors isimprove energy levels, and exercise your heart.
virtually universal and with awareness can be kept to(Consider: walking, yoga, jogging, rowing,
a minimum. Stress will and does affect our body'scross-country skiing, stair climbing, hiking, swimming,
natural response to aging.Stress can cause, oretc.)3. Diet/NutritionReduce caffeine. Do not depend
exacerbate, symptoms like: headaches, neck aches,on alcohol or drugs for stress management. Use good
back pain, high blood pressure, stomach symptomssupplementation for important trace minerals (like
(including pain, poor absorption, diarrhea, andchromium, calcium, iron, etc.) and anti-oxidants.4.
constipation), heart rate, circulation, sexualPlanningKnow your goals and work toward them. Do
dysfunction (and satisfaction), levels of panic/anxiety,not forget to make plans for your mental
depression, some forms of arthritis, and, mostdevelopment, your creative and aesthetic needs,
commonly, sleep disturbance problems. Stress canyour finances, career, social interactions with family
also play a role in general health, or concernsand friends, and your spiritual needs. Never stop
regarding: your energy levels, your skin, your weight,learning or trying new things.5. CommunicationLearn
and your levels of performance. The aging processto really listen! Develop the best skills for finding
can be accelerated in negative ways by uncontrolledclarity of your thoughts and feelings and then
stress.There are subtle ways that stress can affectdiscover the best ways to appropriately
your quality of life. Even in mid-life we notice that ourcommunicate these thoughts. If you focus on what
energy level seems lower. Or we find that we canyour partner is saying, and not on your response,
not focus on tasks as well as we would like. Theseyou will be better able to answer concerns or
can be less severe than painful major symptoms, butobjections in a more relaxed and convincing way.6.
can be stress' way of robbing our enjoyment andSupportNo man is an island. We need a community of
reducing our productivity! We do not have to bepeople both family and friends, if possible, to support
victims to stress.Awareness and proper self-careus. Give as much as you get. And remember to let
which minimizes the impact of stress can assist youothers give to you. (This is difficult, but the greatest
in reducing, if not, eliminating the negative affects ofgift you can offer!)7. Spiritual well beingKnow how to
life's stresses. People live longer, healthier, happierconnect with your spirit and then make time to do it.
lives when stress is lessened. Productivity, creativity,Know what brings you joy and happiness, and pursue
increased energy levels, and enhanced ability tothese activities. Your quest may take you to a
communicate more clearly are all possible positivebeautiful spot outdoors or a quiet period of reflection
side-effects from wellness and appropriate stressin a garden or to an art museum or to the park to
management.Even though bad habits can begin inwatch children play...8. Positive Mental Attitude/ Avoid
childhood, it is never too late to learn and developNegativityAvoid negative people and dwelling in
positive coping skills which will enhance your quality ofnegative thoughts. Take good care of yourself and
life.Understand the issues:How many of us arefind the positive in every experience. Learn from
stressed out because our children are growing up andmistakes and laugh at these lessons, especially when
the stress they can cause increases with theirthese get tough.9. AcceptanceBreak from fear and
independence (and our lack of control over theirfind acceptance for what we all must face. Easier
choices?) How many of us are struggling with agingsaid than done, but when your life includes regular
parents, siblings, spouses in ways that increases ourself-care you will find the internal strength and
levels of daily stress? This is due to our care andself-love to develop acceptance from deep within. It
concern and with our lack of control over the issuesis amazing what regular stress management can do
with these family members.As we "mature," we loseto assist you in your search for peace and
some of our strength and flexibility. The things thatacceptance.10. HumorLaugh out loud daily. Create
we used to "handle" now seem to get to us. We aresituations where you can find the happiness and
not as balanced as we respond to current issues ashumor to smile and laugh. Make a special quest for
well as we would like. Things like: the economy, thefun!L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best
war on terrorism, the media's influence over our kids,selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has
the state of our neighborhoods, all seem to be ableoffered Executive Coaching and Training.Please visit
to get to us more now than ever before. Levels ofthe Stress Education Center's website at for articles,
change which we once craved and embraced, seemfree ezine signup, and learn about the stress
more intimidating as we get older. Fears and anxietiesmanagement products that are available to you. If
may have a growing negative impact on us for weyou would like information or a targeted proposal for
do not have the energy, strength, or flexibility totraining or coaching, please contact us at (707)
adapt as easily as we did when we are younger.Here795-2228.If you are looking to promote your training
are Ten Tips for controlling the stress which affector coaching career, please investigate the Professional
our longevity.1. Stress ManagementDaily meditationStress Management Training and Certification
including moments of appreciation and gratitude.Program for a secondary source of income or as
Breathing techniques. Deep relaxations to createcareer path.
awareness and control physical and emotional