Stress and Ways to Manage It

Donna Nichols • September 9, 2024
A person is holding wooden cubes with the words less stress written on them.

What is stress? Stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a demanding situation. It is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. But the way we respond to stress makes a significant difference to our overall well-being (who.int).

 

How does stress affect us? Stress affects both the mind and the body. A little bit of stress is good and can help us perform daily activities. Too much stress can cause physical and mental health problems, such as headache, sleeping troubles, feeling unwell or lack of focus at work. Uncontrolled stress can lead to more serious issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.

 

We must all find ways to manage our stress, and medication isn’t always the answer. There are many ways to help manage your stress that do not involve medication. You might think that you are destressing and relaxing while watching TV or playing a video game, but did you know those make your stress go up over time? Those are examples of idle time; they don’t get you moving; therefore, you’re not releasing the endorphins needed to relieve those nasty stress bugs!

 

Some healthy ways to fight stress are:

 

1.    Get regular exercise as many days as you can. Exercise helps you feel more relaxed, and it also helps you sleep better. Regular exercise releases the endorphins that combat stress and aid in elevating your mood.


2.    Try relaxation techniques; deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or get regular massages. Deep breathing lowers your heart rate and blood pressure and increases your oxygen intake. Meditation can help by allowing you to focus on your breathing and forgetting about the hectic day you may have had. Yoga calms your mind and releases stress through the various poses and stretches. Massages are good for everything! You must practice deep breathing when you are having a massage and your entire body relaxes, so a massage is always an effective way to de-stress.


3.    Maintain a sense of humor. Laughter helps with everything; if you can laugh at yourself, then you can laugh at anything. Laughing releases those endorphins again which helps reduce your stress and improve your mood.


4.    Spend quality time with friends and family. Friends and family can offer a place to share your thoughts and concerns. Sometimes all you need is an ear to listen to what is going on and having someone you can confide in is a wonderful way to get things off your shoulders. They can also remind you how special and important you are.


5.    Read a book, listen to music, or go for a walk. These are more ways to relax and lose yourself for a while. Get lost in your book or your music; take that walk and make it a little longer each time.


6.    Set aside some time to write in a journal. Try to write something each day. Write about what stressed you out; go back to it after about a week or so and see if you are having the same triggers. If so, see what you can do to change things to remove that trigger.


7.    Make sure you get plenty of sleep. You get stressed so much easier when you’re tired. You feel that nothing is going right, and you could just curl up and go to sleep. Try to get 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night.


8.    Try to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a lot of junk food will cause your blood pressure to go up, which causes your stress level to increase. Please try to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to maintain a healthier stress level and blood pressure level too. I’m not saying you can’t splurge and have that burger or ice cream every now and then, just in moderation.


9.    Stay away from alcohol and drugs. Drugs and alcohol only make us numb and put us in a state of depression, which what? You got it, increases our stress! Stay away from them! You can have the social drink or two, but don’t drink to forget your problems, they will only be enhanced by the alcohol or drug.



10. Stay away from the TV news. Watching the news on TV these days is enough to stress anyone out; just don’t do it! Watch a game show, or a comedy; remember laughter helps release those endorphins!!!

 

You can manage your stress without medication. Just making some minor changes in your life can make a big difference! If you are a caregiver and need ways to cope, we at Assisted Living Made Simple hold 4 Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups a month. If you’re trying to cope with the grief of a loved one, we have two grief support groups a month. If you need to find placement for elderly loved ones, we can assist you with that as well. Just give us a call on 386-847-2322 to learn more about our services, which are all free!

 


Hitting pause is the importance of pausing to manage stress.

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.