Getting on the other side of 40 brings its own set of rewards and challenges. While you might start to enjoy the fruits of years of hard work, your body starts reacting differently to stress. It’s like your body has switched gears, and suddenly, the stress you thought you managed like a champ is now pulling some new tricks on you.
When stress levels hit a new high
Remember those days when you could juggle a dozen tasks without breaking a sweat? Well, past 40, it might not feel that breezy. Your body starts amplifying stress responses, making you feel like you’re in overdrive. Suddenly, a flat tyre on your way to work becomes the epic saga of the week. It’s not just “all in your head”; your body is genuinely turning up the volume on stress.
Stress can take a huge toll on your body, no matter what your age is!
Hormones gone wild
Ah, hormones! They’ve been with you through every high and low (and caused some), and now they’re shaking things up again. When stress kicks in, your adrenal glands pump out cortisol like it’s going out of style. While cortisol is super useful in fight-or-flight situations, having too much of it because you’re stressed about a work deadline or a family feud isn’t great.
Brain fog alert
Ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there? Stress can make those moments more frequent. After 40, your brain might not bounce back from stress as quickly, leading to what some call “brain fog.” It’s like your brain is wading through a swamp instead of sprinting on a track. Keeping stress in check can help keep your mind sharp and your memories clear.
Brain fog is a huge problem for people 40 plus
Immune system on the front lines
Your immune system is your body’s defence secretary. It wards off invaders and keeps you healthy. However, when stress persists, it’s like your immune system is constantly getting alarm bells and can’t tell a practice drill from an actual threat. This can mean you might catch colds more easily or take longer to heal from injuries. Therefore, giving your immune system a break from stress once you hit your forties is more crucial than ever.
Building your stress-resilience arsenal
Here’s the good news: you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing stress. Think of building resilience as assembling your personal stress-busting toolkit. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, hiking, or catching up with friends, find what centres you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. It’s also a great excuse to try new things—who said picking up tai chi at 46 was a bad idea?
Having a balance in life is crucial to reduce stress, so go outside often!
Tips to manage your stress:
- Practice deep breathing exercises regularly.
- Engage in physical activity such as walking, yoga, or dancing.
- Prioritise and organise tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Take breaks and schedule relaxation time into your day.
- Connect with supportive friends or family members for emotional support.
Understanding stress is a game-changer
In the grand scheme of things, understanding how stress impacts your body after 40 is a game-changer. It’s about tuning in to your body’s signals and taking proactive steps to stay balanced. After all, this chapter of your life can be about thriving, not just surviving. Here’s to handling stress like a pro and enjoying this next phase of your journey!
Love You. Love Life.
In the age of screens it’s important to be social and see your friends and family.
