Manage stress to age well

  • Hamimatunnisa Johar

Press/Media: Article/Feature

Period22 Dec 2023

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleManage stress to age well
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletThe Star
    Media typePrint
    Country/TerritoryMalaysia
    Date22/12/23
    DescriptionAs we step into 2024, prioritising mental health takes on even greater significance, particularly in the post-pandemic era. The pandemic has taught us the strength of resilience, emphasising the critical importance of prioritising our mental health in navigating the life journey ahead. The year 2023 is marked by
    some events and issues that may further strain our mental well-being, such as rising costs of living in Malaysia and the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.

    The connection between stress and health issues is no secret. Mental stress does not just impact our emotional state; it also profoundly affects our physical health. Cortisol, a hormone central to stress response, plays a crucial role. In healthy individuals, cortisol levels surge upon waking for about 30 minutes before steadily declining to the lowest point before bedtime. However, this rhythm can become disrupted, particularly in certain conditions and groups. For instance, individuals with chronic conditions (e.g. cardiovascular
    diseases, diabetes, obesity, etc), chronic stress and older age often exhibit imbalanced cortisol rhythms.

    When cortisol secretion is disrupted due to prolonged stress, it can also lead to a higher risk of various diseases. For individuals with chronic conditions, this imbalance might exacerbate existing health issues, worsening symptoms and complicating management. In the general population, prolonged cortisol
    dysregulation can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and elevate the risk of developing
    conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and mental health conditions, emphasising the importance of
    stress management for overall well-being.

    Stress can also affect how we age at a cellular level. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of DNA chromosomes, safeguarding our genetic data and helping cells divide properly. But as cells divide, these caps get shorter. When telomeres are too short, cells cannot divide anymore, which is linked to ageing,
    cancer, and a higher chance of dying. An altered cortisol secretion pattern has been linked to accelerating the
    shortening of telomeres, thus contributing to accelerated cellular ageing.

    Given the challenges of the past year, incorporating mental health care into our self-care routines becomes more important than ever. Daily habits like practising mindfulness, eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and having positive social connections are crucial. Do not be shy about seeking professional help when needed.

    Most importantly, being resilient, which means bouncing back from adversity and tough times, is a key skill. It involves developing healthy coping mechanisms, seeking support, and nurturing a positive mindset.

    In today's world of relentless social media and instant updates, finding peace amidst chaos is challenging. Coping involves embracing gratitude for what we have while taking active steps to inspire change, like helping others in need, volunteering in the communities, or educating loved ones about global
    crises such as the situation in Gaza. Balancing our mental well-being with self-care is vital to navigating the
    fast-paced information age with empathy and resilience.

    As we embrace a promising start to the new year, let us aim to mature and age gracefully by
    effectively managing stress levels and nurturing our mental well-being. Who would have thought that the
    secret to staying youthful lies in being happy, keeping our stress levels in check and helping others in
    need—something that is not only effective but also inexpensive?

    Dr. Hamimatunnisa Johar is an epidemiologist and public health researcher whose work focuses on
    unravelling the complex interplay of the psychobiological mechanisms of cardiometabolic and age-related
    conditions.
    URLhttps://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2023/12/22/manage-stress-to-age-well#:~:text=AS%20we%20step%20into%202024,healthcare%20in%20navigating%20life's%20journey
    PersonsHamimatunnisa Johar