While studies suggest that older adults experience less stress and are better able to deal with it,  reactions to stressful, difficult times can linger as the result of a traumatic or life-altering event. In fact, research continues to show that the effects of stress as you grow older can be serious and even life-changing. For example, we know that there’s a strong association between chronic stress (persisting weeks, months, or even longer) and heart disease. We also know from recent research that stress may be linked with cognitive decline. In this new study of almost 25,000 participants followed over a decade, those who assessed their stress levels as high (23% of the participants) were about 37% more likely to suffer cognitive decline after age 45 than those who did not feel high levels of stress. Find out more by reading here. And perhaps even more worrisome was another recent study that found stress, caused by either a physical event (such as emergency surgery) or an emotional state (a feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to handle a situation) can literally trigger accelerated biological aging in your body. This implies that severe stress could increase your risk of mortality. The good news coming out of this study, however, is that subsequent reduction of the stress can reverse the accelerated biological aging it originally caused. In essence, your body can “reset” and reverse. As one expert stated, “These results highlight our own resilience…We don’t give enough credit that the body can reset.”

So how can your body reset after a stressful bout, or how can you tone down the chronic stress you suffer? While we’ve previously cited such endeavors as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or tai chi, those don’t appeal to everyone. In fact, recent articles in the popular press highlight non-traditional ways to relax if more traditional meditation, for example, doesn’t work for you. One recent article in The Guardian specifically notes this trend. Entitled “The Stress Secret- 12 Ways To Meditate Without Actually Meditating”, the author points out that for many, a wandering mind is second nature, making the thought of meditation challenging. Using the acronym “Stuff” (stories, thoughts, urges, frustration, and feelings), the author suggests other ways to release the “Stuff” you’re dealing with. Among the recommendations? Walking, drawing, housework, writing, pottery, movies, building something, etc. In essence, look for something you can concentrate on and “lose” yourself in- as a way to release your “Stuff” and become more self-aware.

Other non-traditional methods of stress reduction? In some parts of the country, there are now “mental health gyms” that allow you to engage in mental health exercises as a way to lessen stress, anxiety, or depression. If you want a quick fix, The Washington Post recently recommended a 3-minute breathing exercise (a sample is provided) that can ease you into a “rest and digest” state rather than your current high-stress levels. Finally, the Berkeley website Greater Good In Action recommends a 10-minute mind exercise to shift you out of a stressful, negative perspective and learn to find a silver lining in your situation. With easy instructions, this mental exercise will give you a simple, written formula for lowering your stress and raising your optimism. So take a deep breath and read here.