The Old Artist
The other night I was watching television with great interest as a journalist interviewed a ninety year-old bloke who still runs his own business, is sharp as a tack and as productive, funny, creative and happy as ever. He is an artist who sculpts, draws and paints and with the help of his young (sixty five year-old) wife, manages his own successful commercial art gallery. He also teaches (and entertains) budding Picassos.
His positive attitude and his laugh were infectious. He flirted (harmlessly) with the female interviewer, he wheeled out a string of witty one-liners and he was clearly a charismatic, charming and engaging character who loves life. He made the interviewer laugh so much that she had to stop and regain her composure several times.
Finding the Good
During the interview it became clear that our artist was the eternal optimist. He had an amazing ability to find the good and to find a reason to be happy. Not too long after his first wife passed away from cancer he started to have coffee (tea actually) with one of his “sexy young students”, who would become his second wife within twelve months. “I loved my first wife very much, but she wouldn’t want me to sit around moping”, he said.
The other thing which captured my attention during the story was the ever-present cigarette between the fingers or lips of our artist. When the interviewer questioned him about his apparent good health, he put it all down to laughing and having fun. “My goal in life is not money or accolades” he said, “it’s to laugh as often as possible, to do what I love with people I love and to have fun. While others do all kinds of strange things to their bodies and spend their lives worrying about getting sick, my health plan is laughter and fun.”
Confusion
So there the ‘fitness expert’ sat in his hotel room (I was interstate) somewhat conflicted. Here was this old guy who’s been smoking for seventy (or so) years, who has outlived the average western male by over a decade and is still going strong! That’s not meant to happen. Shouldn’t he have died long ago? Throw into the equation the fact that he eats meat daily (apparently that’s gonna kill you), has a beer or two most days and has never been near a gym in his life and you need to ask a few questions. Of course the experts are gonna say it’s just dumb luck or amazing genetics but what if it’s not?
What if he’s done something (consciously or not) which has enabled him to reach his tenth decade on the big blue ball in such good shape despite his lifestyle, despite his lack of exercise and despite his liking for charred animal flesh?
Well, he has.
Killing Ourselves with Stress
Without knowing it (but then maybe on some level he did), he has avoided the biggest health risk in western society; stress (and all the destructive, cancer-causing hormones and chemicals it produces). While so many of his contemporaries have worried themselves into sickness and an early grave, the happy artist has laughed his way into old age.
Consider these factors:
He is passionate about what he does, he experiences joy every day, he laughs a lot, his life has meaning and purpose, he is appreciated and needed, he loves people and is loved in return, he is creative and expresses that creativity, his mind is stimulated and challenged, he is still learning, he is optimistic, he chooses not to worry and he lives a relaxing and fulfilling life.
Now, before you misinterpret what I’m saying, I’m not suggesting that we all run out and buy ourselves a pack of Marlboro and some clay. Of course smoking is harmful, as is an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. What I am saying is that for some people the biggest determinant of health or sickness in their life will be their ability to effectively manage stress (fear, anxiety, anger). Keeping in mind that situations, circumstances and events don’t produce stress, we do.
Current research
Current research is telling us that more than any other variable, stress will kill us the quickest. Long-term chronic stress will see our body consistently producing high levels of cortisol (a destructive hormone), which has been strongly linked to obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, various cancers and a wide range of other chronic diseases. The precis’ version? Stress equals cortisol, cortisol equals disease, disease equals premature death.
Compare the level of health of Sally who eats badly and doesn’t exercise for a month with her twin sister Julie who is under immense emotional and psychological stress for the same amount of time. Sally gains two kilos. Julie ages ten years and her health declines dramatically.
So, I’m not suggesting that you take up smoking (of course) but I am suggesting that you learn to manage your stress. In fact, while you’re at it, eat well, exercise regularly, live a healthy lifestyle and laugh a lot too. If you don’t already have a stress-management strategy, then now might be the time to make that happen. If you don’t manage it, it will manage you.
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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
First of all, great use of an article title! I was intrigued enough to open your mail over the rest, even though I have tons to clear today.
Also, interesting observation you have about the old man. Excessive stress can kill more than cigarettes, for all we know!
Criag, i loved reading about this man, and I truly appreciate yet another who does recognise that stress is or can be worse than the rest. GP after GP over the last 25 yrs have told ne to ‘keep in mind giving up cigarettes’ but don’t ‘stress’ about it. I can tell you it has got much harder and more stressful to be a smoker since I am now such a social outcast. However my regular GP’s are supportive that the worst ailment and most significant in my life is stress. It is finding support, love and laughter I have needed first. As I get well I hope to find the inner strength to quit. It would not be possible the other way round without putting myself at even greater risk of harm on an emotional and psychological level. Unfortunately the anti smoking campaign seems to take little account of this. Thankyou…and like you I would never suggest someone take up smoking – all I ask is that people recognise some of us suffer from diseases far more sinister than and addiction to a legal substance.
I do agree- stress is the most amazingly destructive force in our lives,
and needs to kept to a limit. But only enough of a limit so we still have a bit of an ‘edge’ on life don’t you think?
There has to be a bit of a balance- I know I need a bit of adrenaline to make me achieve stuff.
And let’s not forget the blessing of great genes- that man must have them in abundance- if only we all did, then we could all be lazy smokers living till 90+!
Charasmatic, charming and engaging.
People with these dimensions in their character dont even realise how they can help turn an ordinary day into amazing.
Have an amazing day!
Hey Craig
I see your point and actually enjoyed reading today’s blog that I actually read it twice.
It would be helpful is someone could teach us simple ways in which one can manage stress. Unfortunately, I personally identify the stress levels creeping up on me after it’s too late….yes I tell myself to do things differently next time, but you know change doesn’t come too easily now, does it?
Continue to love & enjoy your work.
Gullu
Very thought provoking Craig.
I absolutely agree that stress is a killer.
I’ve had the experience in my life (I’m 47 now) to witness health problems (and early deaths) of many of my contemporaries and I have to admit that a lot of these poor individuals were negative, mean, and in general had poor attitudes.
I think the bottom line is that they allowed themselves to be stressed out and this eventually manifested itself in illness.
Interesting slant Craig
As a former smoker who quit in 1984, my initial reaction to your headline was “you gotta be kidding”
I know smoking definitely took the edge off stress and then it shifted to eating. I have also expanded the way I manage my stress by focusing on the people and things that bring me joy. To you point, we need to find ways to de-stress and there are healthy and unhealthy ways to do that. It’s all about c the choices we make.
Cheers,
Lorraine
http://www.powerfull-living.biz/blog
Hi Craig. It’s High C here. Sometimes you can’t avoid stress – like when someone in your family is losing the battle with the Big C, and I am selling up and moving interstate to be closer to my family. Lots of change and big stress, blah blah blah. I am battling high cortisone levels which means I have a very short fuse and tend to lay awake and worry about anything and everything. The best thing I can do is manage the stress. Funny though, that the big recommendations about managing it are about healthy living – eat well, sleep well and get exercise – which I do. I make sure I get a break on weekends and do things I enjoy and have a change of scenery. I recognise the danger signs and do my best to manage it. Can’t make it go away sometimes. It scares me a bit though, the link with disease and cortisol.
Keep it coming, Craig. Good stuff.
High C
First, let me say that I agree that stress is a killer. As a former Coronary Critical Care RN, I can’t tell you how many patients came in with fatal or near-fatal heart attacks after responding adversely to a stressful situation.
But, as much as I appreciate the artist’s great attitude towards laughter and fun, I have to wonder how many people he has poisoned with second-hand smoke during those 50 cigarettes a day.
I can only hope that his positive attitude rubbed off on those around him MORE than the blow-by toxins.
Yes it is a provocative title Evelyn… enjoy your day.
Hi gottabecreative – I’m hearin’ ya!
I’d like you to be stress-free and cigarette free! But until then here’s a me hug ( )
Hi Briar – yep, there’s good and bad stress – one’s called eustress (good), the other’s called distress (bad)… ( )
Hi Gullu – that lesson is on the way – maybe this week! ( )
I’ve met them too Mark.. thanks for saying hi…
Hi Lorraine – that title was quite strategic – it’s called a hook!
Thanks for your feedback…
Interesting timing on this post Craig. I was having a rough day yesterday and spent some time on youtube watching some of your video posts. They made me laugh. A LOT. Your laughter is infectious.
I discovered last month that I can only watch them during the first week or so of our internet contract month (before our speed gets shaped). Although, watching your facial expressions as stills (when the video keeps stopping on me) is kinda funny too!!!!
We gotta learn to have more fun and stop taking ourselves so seriously.
Hi High C – situations and circumstances which are more likely to produce a stress-response are innevitable… we still need to do our best to manage that situation (no matter how tragic) as best we can (in terms of our own personal response) – one of my best friends is going through the same thing right now – her dad is in his last days of battling brain cancer – she’s a 30 year-old girl and ability to cope amazes me every day..
Big hug for you ( )
Hi Craig,
So looking forward to your blog on how we can change our responses to events and situations (both big & small) so that we keep our positive mindset going. Your friend is truly inspirational – I’m sure the friendship you share really gives her some much needed support. Thanks for reminding us to do the same with our friends.
Also, sorry if this is long….but wow ! what a great story about the 90yr old smoker. I have had some worries about my husband and his smoking. He works long hours, but actually manages his stress quite well. It is his birthday today and now instead of worrying about the smoking, I have been reminded to just give my support and perhaps stop nagging. Thank you !
Hi Brennan – you make a very good point… Stop making me think!
Cheers…
Hi Lightening… you like looking at my contorted face mid sentence? I’m ugly even when I’m not contorted!
Hugs
Well ain’t Mother Nature grand?
If she had her way, we would all be getting our daily doses of oxytocin, dopamine and those other “lovely” hormones to keep our stress at bay.
As it is today, most of us are too busy to be getting busy (wink, wink)… and unfortunately that is one way stress can get a stronghold on us.
I say, if nothing else, go for hugs…
“Hugs for Health” suggests that we should have 4 hugs daily for Survival, 8 for Maintenance, and 12 for Growth. Glutton that I am, I partake in way more than my daily recommended dosage…Can’t hurt me, right?
I’m not quite sure if this includes cyber hugs Mr Harper, but here’s YOUR daily quota anyhow…
() () () () () () () () () () () ()
Hi Anon – yep, nagging is definitely a health hazard! ( )
Hugs to you k-belle
()()()()()()()()()
Miss you heaps, keep nagging me to give up the fags, I know I need to want too.
Pepperina
Hi k-belle – Hugs for Health?
Sounds good to me….
Does it have to be twelve hugs or can it be one long one?
So to speak…
( ) x 12 (lazy I know)
Aww…Princess Pepper…
Glad you’re still around! Yes, keep nagging your mum to quit the fags!
And to your Mum…JUST DO IT GIRL! Love you and miss you heaps XXX
That depends…how long can you go?
(Hugging, I mean)
BTW. Harper, It took you more keystrokes to type out that last line rather than just sending the 12 damn hugs…but you just gots to have it yo way…doncha!? ;-D
You know what makes me stressed? That freakin boom boom boom sound that comes from those speakers on wheels they call cars. I can feel it hit my core and rattle my brain. I’m listening to it right now. One of my neighbours has it turned up so loud you can probably hear it in the next suburb. I feel like going over there with a gun and saying ‘you like boom boom? Well here’s the ultimate boom boom for ya.’
It’s the noise of daily life that makes me stressed & anxious. Traffic, trains, printers, photocopiers, coffee machines, my bosses voice, the sound of those metal beer barrels being rolled into the basement of pubs at 7.30am. I honestly sometimes feel like all this noise is making me mentally ill. I want it to all go away. I want peace. I want to turn down the bass and turn up the treble. Without making a seachange how do you deal with all the noise? It was less stressful when I would walk around with the rest of the zombies blissfully unaware of anything around me.
Ange
It’s the George Burns syndrome. Smoke a cigar a day, drink a few martinis and live to 100. It all depends on how you do it. What’s your essential make-up mentally? And what are you doing to change that?
Nice post, Craig.
My Uncle Cecil smoked a pack of unfiltered Camels every day and had a healthy martini before every lunch and dinner.
He also read the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the New York Times from cover to cover eveey day. He managed his own portfolio and filed his own taxes.
He died at 100. His heart just stopped one day. No sickness. Nothing but a little arthritis.
Since I smoke (not 50) I am counting on my having his genes.
Wish me luck.
I think what kept Uncle Cecil going was his huge curiousity about the world. He could speak on any subject!
And he always had a kind word to say about everyone – or else he did not mention the person. They did not exisit. I guess that is what kept him so stress free!
Thanks for the great article. It really made me stop and think, and I have to say that I agree with you. Well done! What about a follow-up post on how to effectively become a stress free person?