Aging with vitality sounds amazing, right? You picture yourself hiking in the mountains, sipping green juice, and radiating inner peace while wearing perfectly fitted yoga pants. But in reality, there’s often one pesky little thing that keeps us from that zen state—stress. And let me tell you, stress isn’t just an annoying sidekick that shows up when your Wi-Fi cuts out. Stress is like that uninvited guest who eats all your snacks, spills wine on your carpet, and then proceeds to mess with your heart, too.

Yep, stress affects our hearts—and it's not in the "Hey, let’s do some cardio!" way. It’s more like "Hey, let's crank up your blood pressure and make your heart work overtime while you’re just trying to survive your 47th Zoom meeting of the day."

The Stress Mess: Why Our Heart is Not a Fan

When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, releasing hormones like cortisol. Now, don’t get me wrong, cortisol is useful when you’re facing a wild animal or trying to dodge traffic. But when it's on repeat, constantly flooding your system, it can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and—guess what—more stress. It’s like a never-ending hamster wheel of heart-pounding chaos.

And this, my friends, is the stress mess that sneaks up on you as you age. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with work deadlines, taking care of elderly parents, or wondering why your skincare routine is suddenly not working—it all adds up. And if you’re not careful, it can have a negative impact on your heart health over time.

Our bodies are designed to handle day-to-day stress—like that unexpected email or the forgotten lunch— but when stress becomes chronic, it can start to take a real toll on our hearts and overall health.

What I Do About It: The Vitality Hack

So, how do I combat this stress-fueled heart-palpitating madness? Let me share my secrets for embracing aging with vitality (and a healthier heart, thank you very much).

1. Breathing Like I Actually Know How to Breathe
   It turns out, we all know how to breathe. But when stress hits, our breathing can become short, shallow, and…well, panic-induced. So, I take a few minutes each day to focus on deep, slow breaths. You know, like the ones that don’t involve gasping when you realize you’ve left your keys in the refrigerator (yes, I’ve done that). Deep breathing helps reduce cortisol levels and sends a signal to my body that I’m in control—not my to-do list.

2. Laughing at the Chaos (Yes, Literally)
   Have you ever tried laughing at something stressful? It’s honestly life-changing. When the dogs are driving me up the wall, or when I’m contemplating why my plant died again (RIP, Fern), I just pause and let out a good belly laugh. It sounds ridiculous, but laughter is a natural stress reliever. Plus, it’s way more fun than being a ball of anxiety.

3. Movement, But Like, Not the Intense Kind
   I’m all for a solid workout, but let’s be real—sometimes life gets in the way, and you just don’t feel like running a marathon or trying to master a handstand. So, I embrace the simpler movement: walking, stretching, or yoga. You know, the stuff that won’t make you feel like you need a nap afterward. Regular movement gets the blood flowing, helps reduce stress, and—bonus—helps keep my heart happy.

4. Taking Time for ‘Nothing’
   This one is my secret weapon. In our world of constant hustle, I make sure to carve out time to do absolutely nothing. No emails, no phone calls, no stress. Just me, my couch, and a cup of tea (or wine, depending on the day). This "nothing" time is crucial for recharging and giving my body a break from the constant fight-or-flight response.

5. Talking to Someone Who Won’t Judge (But Will Definitely Listen)
   Sometimes, you just need to vent. And let's be real—staring at your dog while you talk about your day doesn't always cut it (though they are great listeners). That’s where a good friend, family member, or even a therapist comes in. Having a support system is essential for managing stress. When life gets overwhelming, I’ve learned that sharing the load with someone who gets it can make a world of difference. A chat with someone who'll listen, offer advice (if needed), or just let you rant is a huge stress reliever. Plus, it reminds you that you're not in this alone—and that connection is one of the best ways to keep stress at bay.

Heart Health is a Journey, Not a Race

Stress may always be around, and let’s face it—it’s going to pop up every now and then (probably the minute you forget your water bottle at home). But the key to aging with vitality is how we respond to stress, not whether we can eliminate it entirely. By taking small steps to manage stress, laugh at the chaos, and prioritize self-care, we can keep our hearts—and minds—healthy as we embrace the beauty of aging.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always brownies, right? (Just kidding, kind of.)

Join me this year and beyond as I share my personal journey of embracing the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that come with aging. Together, we’ll explore the complexities of growing older and discover the beauty in every step of the process.