If you want to minimize stress as you get older, say goodbye to these 9 behaviors

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | November 11, 2024, 7:24 pm

Getting older can come with its fair share of challenges, and among them is the potential for increased stress levels.

Interestingly, our own behaviors often contribute to this stress.

We may not realize it, but certain habits we’ve formed over the years can ramp up tension instead of relieving it.

The trick to minimizing stress as we age?

Learning to say goodbye to these unhelpful behaviors.

In this article, we’ll identify 9 behaviors you should consider bidding farewell to so you can help ensure a more relaxed and peaceful journey into your golden years.

Just like decluttering your home can lead to a more peaceful environment, decluttering your behaviors can lead to a more peaceful life.

Let’s begin.

1) Saying yes to everything

Let’s start with a behavior that causes unnecessary stress, especially as we get older — the habit of saying yes to everything.

As we age, time becomes more precious.

Yet, many of us continue to overcommit ourselves, trying to please everyone and meet their expectations.

This not only leads to physical exhaustion but also adds mental stress.

Think about it.

When you say yes to everything, you often end up with a schedule that’s packed to the brim, leaving you little time for relaxation or self-care.

So what’s the solution? Learning to say no.

This doesn’t mean you’re being rude or selfish.

It means you’re prioritizing your mental health and ensuring you have time for yourself.

It’s totally okay to decline requests or invitations if they’re going to add unnecessary stress to your life.

As we get older, it’s essential to understand that we can’t do everything — and that’s perfectly fine.

2) Neglecting physical health

I can’t stress enough (pun intended!) how important it is to maintain good physical health as we age.

Unfortunately, I learned it the hard way.

A few years ago, I found myself constantly feeling tired, stressed, and irritable.

Everything seemed to be a chore, and I could feel my energy levels plummeting.

It was only when I visited a holistic naturopath doctor that I learned my poor physical health was contributing significantly to my stress levels.

Eating unhealthy food, not getting enough exercise, and skimping on sleep were all behaviors I was guilty of.

And they were taking a toll on both my physical health and my mental well-being.

It was fine in my 20s and 30s, but as the body ages, it becomes less able to withstand the bad treatment we put it through… and it was catching up with me, fast.

So I started eating healthier, incorporated regular exercise into my routine, and ensured I got a good night’s sleep every night.

The difference was remarkable.

Not only did my energy levels improve, but the amount of stress I felt also reduced drastically.

So from personal experience, I can tell you that if you want to minimize stress as you get older, it’s crucial to say goodbye to any behavior that neglects your physical health.

Trust me, your body and your mind will thank you for it.

3) Living in the past

As we age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly reminiscing about the ‘good old days’.

While it’s nice to look back fondly on our past experiences, constantly living in the past can actually cause a lot of unnecessary stress.

Did you know that research shows dwelling on past events and worrying about the future can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol?

By focusing too much on what has been, we often forget to appreciate what is.

And this can make us miss out on the joy of living in the present moment.

So if you want to minimize stress as you get older, it’s essential to say goodbye to the habit of living in the past.

Instead, try to focus on and appreciate the present.

After all, to quote Kung Fu Panda, today is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.

4) Holding on to grudges

As you get older, you start to realize that life is too short to hold grudges.

Harboring resentment and anger towards others can be a significant source of stress.

When we hold on to a grudge, we are choosing to carry the burden of someone else’s wrongdoing.

This not only strains our mental and emotional health but also prevents us from finding peace and moving forward.

It’s important to understand that forgiving someone isn’t about absolving them of their actions.

In fact, they don’t have to have any idea that you’ve forgiven them — you don’t ever have to tell them or even talk to them again.

But your body will certainly feel the difference of the weight of negativity lifted. 

5) Overloading on news and social media

In our highly connected world, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of news and social media.

While staying informed and connected is important, overconsumption can lead to stress and anxiety.

Endlessly scrolling through social media or obsessively checking the news feed can be draining.

It can make us feel like we’re always missing out or not keeping up, adding to our stress levels.

Plus, the constant barrage of negative news stories can affect our mood and overall mental health.

Countless psychologists have said it, and growing older proves it to be true — prioritizing mental well-being means you must limit your time on social media.

You don’t have to go to extreme measures like deleting your account — but do set boundaries for your screen time and take regular digital detoxes. 

6) Trying to control everything

Life is unpredictable, and as much as we’d like to, we can’t control everything.

Holding onto the idea that we can manipulate every aspect of our lives only leads to stress and disappointment.

I’m sure we’ve all faced situations that proved that to be true.

It can be a tough pill to swallow, accepting that some things are simply out of our control.

But here’s the thing—it’s okay. It’s okay that you can’t control everything.

It’s okay to let go and trust in the flow of life. And it’s also incredibly liberating. 

Not everything has to rest on your shoulders.

Not everything is your fault if it goes wrong. And everything can always work out in the end.  

Embrace uncertainty, and remember that sometimes, the best things in life come from the unexpected.

7) Comparing yourself to others

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, and for a long time, I had a habit of comparing myself to others.

If someone had a bigger house, a better job, or seemed happier, it made me question my own life.

This constant comparison was not only mentally exhausting but also added an unnecessary layer of stress.

I was so focused on what others had that I lost sight of what I had and the progress I had made.

When I finally realized the toll it was taking on me, I decided to stop comparing myself to others and start appreciating my own journey.

If you resonate with this, it’s time for you too to say goodbye to the habit of comparing yourself to others.

Remember, everyone is on their own path, and your journey is unique to you. Appreciate where you are and how far you’ve come.

8) Ignoring your emotions

As we age, it can sometimes become easier to suppress our emotions rather than deal with them.

But ignoring your feelings doesn’t make them disappear; it just buries them, causing more distress in the long run.

Whether it’s sadness, anger, or even joy, every emotion has a purpose and needs to be acknowledged.

The longer you push them down, the longer they will cry out to be felt. Not to mention, the longer they will put stress on your body and mind.

That’s why such a big part of minimizing stress as you get older is saying goodbye to the habit of ignoring your emotions.

Instead, allow yourself to feel and express your emotions in healthy ways.

It’s not only liberating but also an essential part of helping your body and mind function at their best.

9) Avoiding change

Change is a part of life. It’s inevitable and often beyond our control. We all know this — yet it’s so hard to fully embrace it.

So many of us get into the unconscious habit of resisting change, clinging to the familiar, and avoiding new experiences.

It’s completely understandable and natural, of course.

But we must also recognize how these behaviors all lead to lead to stress and anxiety.

Because we can never avoid anything new or unexpected — we only make ourselves afraid of the inevitable. 

Embracing change, on the other hand, opens up new possibilities, brings growth, and can reduce stress.

It allows us to adapt, learn, and become more resilient.

It will take some time for sure, but start to look at new experiences with an open mind and see them as opportunities for growth.

After all, life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Embrace the journey

Life, with all its twists and turns, is a journey.

As we age, the route may become a little less familiar, but each step brings its own lessons and insights.

The behaviors we’ve discussed are just some of the things that can add unnecessary stress to this journey.

But remember, it’s never too late to change.

Each day presents a new opportunity to let go of old habits and embrace healthier ones.

As we say goodbye to these behaviors, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.

We give ourselves the chance to age with grace, courage, and minimal stress.

In the end, it’s not just about adding years to our life, but life to our years.

So here’s to embracing the journey and making the most of every moment.