Stress Recommendations

Typical causes of stress include work, financial struggles, parenting issues, relationship troubles, health concerns, caregiving and more. Signs and symptoms of stress include feeling anxious, sweaty palms, fluctuating mood, digestion issues, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness and nausea, teeth grinding, headaches, decrease in energy levels, trembling, and rapid breathing. The impact of stress on your mental and physical health can lead to behaviors such as trouble concentrating, experiencing memory problems, constantly irritability, impaired decision making, withdrawal, aggression and unhealthy coping habits.

There are different types of stress, such as acute and chronic stress, and eustress – a positive kind of stress. You may experience eustress when preparing for a big vacation. Chronic stress is a lingering issue, and can cause your breathing rate to speed up, weaken your immune system, cause headaches and muscle pains in your body, and more. It can increase your risk of developing diabetes, interfere with your ability to sleep, and may lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Some stress management techniques include

• Positive self-talk – speak kindly to yourself to influence your feelings, attitude, behavior, and even your perception of the world.
• Self-awareness – being self-aware is your ability to become fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, helping you to make more conscious decisions to control stress.
• Deep breathing – take the time to do some heavy breathing as a stress reliever
• Mindful meditation – use a centering exercise to help you reduce fear, overthinking and anxiety and introduce calm and inner peace.
• Journaling – writing your feelings down can help you remember all the good things in your life, while also getting any negative feelings out of your mind.

Stress will happen in our lives no matter what, but our response to it is what can make or break your health.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where Jewish Pavilion Senior Services steps in. JPSS serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. JPSS promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. Visit www.JewishPavilion.org for more information.

The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. Visit www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org for more information.