By: Dennis Jaggernauth (D.D., MSc., B.A., Postgrad DipEd, and a John Maxwell Trainer, Speaker, and Coach)
Retirement day arrived and it felt like a massive tidal wave crashing down upon Dennis.
Mentally and physically unprepared for the impact, he found himself questioning why there wasn’t a system in place to help individuals like him navigate the uncertainties that come with retiring after nearly three decades as an educator. The thought of a significant salary cut and losing the title and accolades of his previous job induced a high level of stress.
To address the considerable weight loss, lack of energy and vitality he was experiencing, Dennis underwent medical tests. However, no significant disease markers were detected. Stress emerged as the main culprit. But what exactly is stress? It can be defined as the mental, physical, and behavioural response individuals have to potential threats to their safety or well-being. Excessive stress can lead to severe physical, psychological, interpersonal, or performance issues.
When faced with challenges without relief or relaxation in between, individuals may become overworked, and stress-related tension can begin to build up. Despite its negative effects, stress is a natural part of life. A certain amount of stress is necessary to motivate us and get us out of bed in the morning, helping us overcome procrastination and moving forward. However, chronic stress can contribute to a range of health problems. According to an article by Dr Smitha Bhandari on WebMD.com, stress plays a significant role in conditions such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, some people turn to alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs as coping mechanisms, which only exacerbate the body’s stress response and create further issues instead of providing relief and relaxation. To manage stress effectively, it is crucial to identify the situations that induce stress and adopt strategies to control and mitigate its effects. Here are some stress-inducing areas and corresponding ways to manage them:
Stress-Inducing Situations:
- Career change or job loss, including retirement
- Financial issues
- Relationship problems
- Health issues
- Lack of exercise and poor diet
- Continuous procrastination with important/urgent matters
Ways to Control and Manage Stress:
- Engage in regular exercise (walking, swimming, or other fun activities)
- Maintain a healthy diet (low sugar, high fibre, etc.)
- Quiet time (meditation)
- Perform deep-breathing exercises
- Listen to soothing and relaxing music
- Spend time outdoors, pursuing hobbies such as gardening or visiting the beach
- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
- Avoid holding grudges and practice forgiveness
- Connect with loved ones, friends, and engage in helping those in need
Reflecting on his retirement experience, Dennis realised that his lack of accurate knowledge left him ill-prepared. He took intentional action to manage the stress, beginning with regular exercise and a proper diet, which played a significant role in his journey towards overcoming the negative effects of stress. Seeking professional help to adjust his portfolio to meet his retirement needs was his next step. Lastly, he felt compelled to share his newfound wisdom with others approaching retirement, enabling them to plan effectively.
For more information email: denjaggs1@gmail.com
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