Coping With Stress After 40

Life after 40 brings many challenges. Whether you’re dealing with career moves (or lack of it), kids leaving for college, dealing with aging parents or increased demand at work or in relationships, life after 40 may bring greater risks of depression and increased stress. Sure, you’re no stranger to stress, but if you notice a decreased ability to deal with stress—there’s an explanation for that. According to health experts, two brain chemicals, serotonin and dopamine start to decline. These two crucial chemicals are responsible for mental wellness and ability to deal with stress.

What are Serotonin and Dopamine?

Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that plays a crucial part in regulating mood, sexual desire and function, memory, sleep, learning and social behavior. Decreased levels of serotonin may aggravate stress and increase depression. On the other hand, the brain releases dopamine in response to stressful situations. Declined production of dopamine may complicate the body’s ability to manage stress effectively.

That said, what can you do to increase serotonin and dopamine, thereby reducing stress?

Go Social

It’s easy to neglect your social life when you’ve a life full of datelines and routines. But health experts suggest that enjoying social activities may improve serotonin levels. Take time to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend or your spouse. Plan for a hike or have some friends over for a dinner party. The act of socializing and immersing yourself to enjoy the time together with family and friends not only increases your serotonin level, it helps to relieve stress as well.

Enjoy A New Activity

Dopamine thrives on excitement and that may explain some of the behaviors linked to mid-life crisis. Racy cars or racy relationships—these are just some of the manifestations of the need to counterbalance declining dopamine. But taking measures to maintain excitement in your life doesn’t have to be drastic. Invest in a new hobby, create a support group, learn a new skill or go traveling—they help to pump up dopamine.

Healthy Eating

You’re stressed and you look to food for comfort or you’re stressed and you can’t find the time to eat properly? Either scenarios put your body at risks for health issues such as poor digestive function and poor brain health. Poor health conditions may further add stress. Why go there? Improve your eating habit by focusing on a diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy unsaturated fats to boost wellness in body, mind and soul. A healthy body with a happy mindset is the best arsenal against stress.

Exercise

The correlation between stress and exercise is well documented. Exercise reduces stress and no, that’s not just a gimmick to get you moving. Mayo Clinic cites three compelling reasons to exercise: it increases the production of endorphins (the feel-good neurotransmitter), it helps to reduce daily tensions and induce calm and relaxation and it improves mood. Need an instant stress defuser? Hit the gym, go for a game of tennis, swim some laps, Zumba away or just walk the dog.

If you need help to reclaim your life, reduce stress and live healthier lives, feel free to contact us. We have the necessary tools to make your life healthier and happier.