AARP Eye Center
S is for Stress
By Alejandra Owens, November 19, 2008 05:01 PM
While we've been discussing the various ways in which the economic crisis has been effecting our retirement funds, our jobs, and our financial security, we haven't really delved into the way in which these times are effecting our emotions. In the other words, is the stress of it all getting the best of us?
AARP.org has a great piece, "Losing Control: Why Money Worries Are Keeping Us Up at Night", that discusses the ways in which the economy has our stress levels sky-high:
According to an American Psychological Association (APA) poll released in October, the miserable economy "significantly stressed" a whopping 80 percent of Americans in September, up from 66 percent in April. The survey compared the stress levels of more than 2,500 adults nationwide. Among the respondents, women reportedly felt more anguish about declining economic conditions than men did--84 percent compared with 75 percent. And those over age 63 reported more stress (86 percent) than boomers ages 44 to 62 (83 percent) and those ages 18 to 29 (71 percent). However, when it came to day-to-day pocketbook issues, the youngest age group (83 percent) reported being more worried than boomers (79 percent) and those 63-plus (73 percent).
And of course, stress isn't good for the body, says Katherine Nordal, executive director for the APA's professional practice. "If Americans continue to experience these high levels of stress for prolonged periods of time, they're at risk for developing serious illnesses." And considering the high costs for health care, that is the last thing Americans - particularly older Americans - need right now.
So if you're feeling anxiety, it may be time to start thinking about ways to reduce the stress in your life. My best outlet is yoga - the perfect zen body and mind workout. How do you de-stress?