After writing the last three blog posts on A, B, and C; Attitude Balance and Control, I thought I should add this extra one on stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can strike when you least expect it.
It is because the body is so amazing at adapting to its environment, which includes stressors like work deadlines or family responsibilities, as well as relaxing activities such as relaxation techniques, for example! It can happen to anyone from any walk of life, age group, and culture.
I see patients from all walks of life, of all ages, and from various cultures. Now, this gentleman came in needing help with some anxiety issues, which were creating stress.
My first question to clients is, “What are your goals?” We need goals, whether they are small or large, short-term or long-term.
They provide us with a purpose for getting up in the morning. This individual was coming up to age sixty and had built up a business that was quite successful.
I was surprised when he said he didn’t want to retire. He liked the satisfaction of getting the company off the ground, having lunch with his wife, and taking a long, enjoyable, stress-free vacation several days every week.
The man wanted to give his son-in-law a little more responsibility. His only concern was if the son-in-law would have coped with the everyday stress of running a business in the modern, fast, and continually changing society.
Life was beautiful for him anyway. He got started in finance with Westpac Bank in the 1980s. Banks used the same system, and managers had to retire at 65.
Today, bank managers can stay on if they are healthy and mentally sound. Banks have switched to a new system that allows for bank managers to stay on if they are healthy and mentally sound.
If this guy chose to retire at 65, he would enjoy a good pension and superannuation and own his own house. Since he had been working in the bank, he would also have very favorable low rates on his mortgage, probably good health, and his kids would grow up and most likely be independent and leave home happily.
How long, on average, was that bank manager expected to live after he retired? I asked him, and his answer was quite interesting. “Eight months!” He exclaimed.
He came back the following week, and I asked him to repeat it, and he didn’t bat an eyelid. He said that if all a retired manager was doing was playing golf and fishing. They were the first to go.Â
However, they would live much longer if they got involved in a project or charity work.
From our interaction, one thing is clear; it would be best if you had a purpose in life, a reason to get out of bed. Lack of purpose leads to stress, anxiety, and depression.
All work and no play make Jack a dull boy, which only creates stress. You also need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced—work, leisure, and family.
The key to a long and healthy retirement is finding ways to stay active and engaged. Whether through work, volunteering, hobbies, or other pursuits, maintaining a sense of purpose can help you enjoy a longer and happier retirement.