Active Aging

1 R Special Advertising Section | Sunday, October 24, 2021 23 physical release. Just like a dog shakes after a stressful situation, you can help your Provided by Koelsch Communities Stress has a negative impact on our mental and physical health. It can cause various physical ailments like headaches, stomachaches, tight mus- cles, fatigue, and even high blood pressure. Mentally, stress can make it difficult to concentrate or create memory problems. But in our busy society dominated by the pres- sures of work, family and the need to do more, how do we alleviate stress? There are many options for stress reduction, and when looking at these op- tions overall, a few themes emerge. We’ve compiled these themes into a list of five ways to alleviate stress in your own life to help you stay calm, focused and healthy. 1. Create a relaxing atmosphere Whether it’s low light, re- laxing music, or something specifically tailored to your style of relaxation, find a place where you can let the stress melt off you. Perhaps it’s a corner of your living room with a window and a cup of tea, maybe it’s on the couch with a good book, or a spot on your balcony. Perhaps you like to escape into the woods, or maybe you like the background buzz of a sports game. Wherever you find yourself most relaxed — go there. 2. Get moving! Shake it off, walk it off, or dance it off. The stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol coursing through your body after a stress- ful event might need a ACTIVE AGING Manage stress with movement, meditation and nature GETTY IMAGES body let go of stress just by moving it. Make motion a part of your routine to boost the physical and mental ben- efits. Regular exercise can reduce the effects of stress over time and improve your overall mood. Join a regular class at the gym or take a daily walk around the neighborhood to build movement into your day. 3. Immerse yourself in nature Researchers have found that people who are ex- posed to green space expe- rience lower levels of stress. Another study suggested that more time in nature can improve cognitive function and benefit overall mental health. Taking a walk in a local park, or heading out to a National Park for the weekend, might be just what you need to alleviate stress in your life. It’s not just a momentary escape; being surrounded by green plants, sunlight and fresh air are a balm for frazzled nerves. 4. Be mindful or meditate Mindfulness and medita- tion are also great ways to reduce stress. They help you slow your thoughts and calm your mind through the practice of being pres- ent. A review of mindfulness studies explained that the majority of participants in four- to eight-week mindfulness practices saw reduced stress levels. Not only that, but the same review reported that mindfulness and medita- tion have also been shown to improve mental and physical health. If you’re unfamiliar with the practice, or don’t know where to start, there are easy-to-use apps like Headspace and Calm to guide you. 5. Reach out to a friend Think about the relief you feel when you have the opportunity to vent to a colleague or get out and blow off steam with a friend. Reaching out to your friends, what psychol- ogists call “social support,” can make you more resilient in the face of stress or even physical illness. Make a point to spend time with your friends and loved ones, and if things get really bad, remember those same people are there for a phone call, a beer, or a walk around the park. While stress is a natural part of our lives, too much of it is detrimental to your physical and mental health. Incorporating stress-reduc- ing techniques and habits into your routine can help you stay fit and focused even when life presents you with a stressful season. Koelsch Communities has been family-owned and -operated for three generations, providing 60 years of signature services to families. Our continued success is compelled by our founding principles as we strive to serve our residents with respect, dignity and compassion. Information: koelsch seniorcommunities.com Ted Butler NMLS #71436 Reverse Mortgage Advisor The Voice of Reverse Mortgage™ tbutler@mutualmortgage.com www.TheVoiceOfReverseMortgage.com 11900 NE 1st St., Suite 300 Bellevue, WA 98005 Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Inc. dba Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgage, NMLS ID 1025894. 3131 Camino Del Rio N 1100, San Diego, CA 92108. Arizona Mortgage Banker License 0926603. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection & Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License 4131356. Idaho Mortgage Broker/Lender License MBL-2081025894. Oregon Mortgage Lending License ML- 5208. Washington Consumer Loan Company License CL-1025894. These materials are not from, or app roved by HUD or FHA. Subject t o credit approval. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org #646090986 Equal Housing Lender Pay off your current mortgage , eliminate the need to make, or worry about making a monthly mortgage payment.* Home paid off? Great! Use tax-free funds for home improvement, paying off credit cards or medical bills, travel, gifts… there’s no limit to what you can do!** Already have a Reverse Mortgage? Call us today as interest rates are at record lows and HUD has reduced the ongoing MIP from 1.25% to 0.5%! Refinance today and start saving tomorrow! Would you like a new home? One with a single level or perhaps a low maintenance yard? Time to move closer to those grandkids? You can now purchase a new home with the Modern Reverse Mortgage. With a one-time down payment, you can double your home buyer budget and have no monthly mortgage payment. *You still own your home and are responsible for property tax, insurance and any HOA fees just as you are today. You can sell you home at any time, never a pre payment penalty, if you pass while in the loan your home goes to your heirs because you retain title to your home. **Not intended as tax advice. Please consult a tax professional. 1 2 3 REVERSE MORTGAGE Call me for your free, no obligation review at 425-889-8989 As heard on Reverse Mortgage Radio Saturdays, 11:30am at www.am590theanswer.com Mutual of Omaha Mortgage Inc. dba Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgage, NMLS ID 1025894. 3131 Camino Del Rio N 110Q, San Diego CA 92108. Arizona Mortgage Banker License 0926608. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection & Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lend ng Act, License 4131356. Idaho Mortgage Broker/Lender MBL-2081025894. Oregon Mortgage Lending License ML-5208. Washin ton Co sumer Loan Company License CL-1025894. These materi ls are ot from or approved by HUD or FHA. Subject to credit approval www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org #646089195 Equal Housing Lender.