Modern life is stressful, and it seems that stress and mental health challenges are on the rise. While nearly every age group feels this added pressure, the people who seem to have experienced the greatest increase in stress are those between the ages of 45 and 64.

The increase in technology, including smart phones, and the way it has sped up life and created 24-hour access to news and other stress-inducing sources affects all age groups. Furthermore, people in midlife have increased  responsibilities  as compared to other people in other age groups. The stress is taking a toll on mental health.

Self-care is perhaps more important in the new decade than ever before. Some low-pressure ideas:

  • Pause every hour to breathe deeply for one minute
  • Keep a journal to record times of gratitude
  • Exercise, even just 20-30 minutes a few days a week
  • Turn off technology and screens at least an hour before bed every night