Becoming Stress-Proof: Princella Seymour Of Complete Elder Solutions On How To Reduce Or Eliminate Financial Stress During A Challenging Economic Time

An Interview With Savio Clemente

Get Moving: While it’s impossible to eliminate stress, you can help prevent it from becoming overwhelming by adding simple daily stress relief practices, for both you and your loved one. When caring for an elderly parent, remember that managing stress starts with feeling good physically. When you notice signs of stress, encourage gentle movement — like a short walk or light stretching — to lift their mood and soothe the mind. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference in maintaining emotional well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural “happy hormones”, which are essential for staying resilient as you and your parents navigate the challenges of aging. These little acts of self-care can help foster a sense of calm, strength, and positivity in even the toughest days.

With all that’s going on in our country, our economy, the world, and on social media, it feels like so many of us are under a great deal of stress. Caring for elderly or aging parents can be particularly stress-inducing. We know chronic stress can be as unhealthy as smoking a quarter of a pack a day. What are stress management strategies that people use to become “Stress-Proof? What are some great tweaks, hacks, and tips that help reduce or even eliminate stress when caring for our aging parents? In this interview series, we are talking to authors, and mental health experts, who can share their strategies for reducing or eliminating stress. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Princella Seymour Author, CEO, Founder at Complete Elder Solutions — America’s Solutionist for the Aging Community

Princella Seymour’s thirty-year career has solidified her as a preeminent expert on solutions for the aging community. The heartbeat of her mission: love, family, and dignity. As a national advocate for revolutionizing elder care and transforming confusion into clarity, she has served as Vice President of the 120,000+ member National Association of Social Workers and as well as historically being a part of the Aging Life Care Association.

Her new book, Everything You Need to Know About Me, is born from decades of experience witnessing the heartache and confusion families face when trying to honor their loved ones’ wishes without having the necessary information. It is available on Amazon HERE.

As CEO of Complete Elder Solutions, Princella has helped thousands. She and her team ensure that families never have to navigate the complexities of aging alone and provide personalized solutions that honor the dignity of every individual.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to know how you got from “there to here.” Inspire us with your backstory! What lessons would you share with yourself if you had the opportunity to meet your younger self?

I would gently take my younger self by the shoulders, look her square in the eyes, and remind her to believe in herself. During our teenage years and even into young adulthood, self-doubt and a lack of confidence often cloud our perception of our true worth — an experience that many of us share. That sense of self-assurance is something that typically develops only with time and experience, which is a bittersweet truth. I’d also emphasize that it is life’s diverse experiences — both the triumphs and the setbacks — that shape us into who we are. We’d have an honest, heartfelt conversation about how chasing perfection is an illusion, and instead, I’d encourage her to embrace and celebrate her imperfections as vital parts of her authentic self. Recognizing the beauty in our flaws not only fosters resilience but also opens the door to living more freely and authentically. In that moment, I’d want her to know that her worth isn’t defined by societal standards or the need to be flawless, but by her courage to be herself. I would tell her to be brave, bold and manifest joy in every step of her journey.

None of us are able to experience success without support along the way. Is there a particular person for whom you are grateful because of the support they gave you to grow you from “there to here?” Can you share that story and why you are grateful for them?

Success is always held by the hand of a mentor. As I look back over my life, I realize the reason why I’m passionate about the seniors and caregivers is because I started as a little girl taking care of seniors in my community. At the same time, we would sit together and have long conversations, joined with a wealth of wisdom. In my early adulthood I was fortunate to have been mentored by Dr. Cindy Trimm, Global Leader, Trailblazer, and Best-Selling Author. She never gave me fish, but she taught me how to fish. She provided the tools of success, integrity, trust, compassion, which all makes for ingredients for success.

Are you working on anything new?

I’m excited to share that I’ve recently published a book titled “Everything You Need to Know About Me,” which is a heartfelt, straightforward guide designed to help you or your loved ones document the most important personal information. Life can be unpredictable — illness, accidents, or end-of-life moments can happen suddenly — and when they do, making quick decisions becomes crucial. This gentle guide walks you through recording vital details like medical information, emergency contacts, financial instructions, and final wishes, all while encouraging meaningful conversations about the future — before it’s too late. You can keep the book safely stored at home or in a safe deposit box and update it easily as circumstances change, giving you and your family peace of mind in uncertain times. This project was born from my own experiences witnessing families struggle to make decisions and carrying feelings of guilt or regret afterward. I truly believe that proper preparation can make a difference, and I want families to know that being proactive can ease a lot of the burden during difficult moments.

Ok, thank you for sharing your inspired life. Let’s now talk about stress. How would you define stress?

Stress is an inevitable part of life — a natural and instinctive response to the demands and challenges we encounter daily. It can manifest in countless ways, stemming from various sources such as work pressures, personal relationships, health issues, or significant life changes. This response is not only felt physically, through symptoms like tension, headaches, and fatigue, but also emotionally, resulting in feelings of anxiety, irritability, or overwhelm.

Spiritually, stress can lead to feelings of disconnection or loss of purpose.

When left unchecked, it has the power to disrupt our well-being, impacting our health, clarity, and overall sense of balance. Recognizing stress as a normal yet powerful force underscores the importance of proactive stress management routines — such as mindfulness, exercise, and self-care — to protect our health and restore harmony in our lives. Ultimately, managing stress is essential for maintaining resilience, clarity, and a vibrant sense of well-being amidst life’s inevitable ups and downs.

In the Western world, humans typically have their shelter, food, and survival needs met. So what has led to this chronic stress? Why are so many of us always stressed out?

Humans have a funny way of making life more complicated than it needs to be, often fueled by desires that go far beyond our basic needs. Money can become a trap — we might have enough to get by, but we still chase after bigger houses, nicer cars, exotic trips, and material things that seem to define success. These endless cravings and societal pressures create a never-ending cycle of striving and feeling dissatisfied, which in turn generates ongoing stress — especially when our finances can’t keep up.

On top of that, conflicts — whether in relationships, at work, or within families — can be a major source of stress, causing emotional upheaval that affects our mental and physical health. Poor lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, and substance abuse, contribute to declining health, which only exacerbates feelings of stress and anxiety. Sadly, not enough people practice stress and anxiety management, even though it plays such a big role in our lives.

Living in a fast-paced, high-pressure world amplifies these stressors, often leading us to internalize and magnify our worries. Remarkably, much of the stress we experience is self-imposed — we are our own worst enemies, creating unnecessary pressure and anxiety by overreacting or by not setting healthy boundaries. The truth is, today’s chronic stress isn’t just about external pressures; it’s a complex mix of societal expectations, personal choices, and the relentless pace of modern life. Recognizing these factors is the first step toward breaking free from the cycle and finding a more balanced, joyful way to live.

What are some of the physical manifestations of being under a lot of stress? How does the human body react to stress?

There are countless studies on the dire impact of chronic stress on the human body. Chronic stress, left unchecked, leads to wear and tear on the body and instigates a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Physically, stress can cause aches, chest pain, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, muscle tension, digestive issues, and weakened immunity. Mentally, it may lead to anxiety, irritability, depression, panic attacks, and sadness. Behaviorally, individuals often cope through habits like excessive alcohol consumption, gambling, overeating, smoking, or compulsive behaviors such as shopping or internet use, which can further harm health. Managing stress is crucial not only to prevent these symptoms but also to promote overall well-being.

Is stress necessarily a bad thing? Can stress ever be good for us?

If left unchecked, stress can become harmful. But the truth is, stress responses aren’t all bad — they’re helpful at times. When used the right way, stress keeps you alert, motivated, and prepared to handle challenges or avoid danger. It gives you that extra push to face new situations and tough times, helping you stay focused and resilient. So, while too much stress can wear you down, a healthy dose of it can help you stay sharp and ready to take on whatever comes your way. The only constant is change, and we need to be prepared for it at each chapter of our lives.

Let’s now focus more on the stress of caring for elderly or aging parents. This feels intuitive, but it is helpful to spell it out in order to address it. Can you help articulate a few reasons why caring for our aging parents can be so stressful?

Accepting and acknowledging that your parents are aging is profoundly difficult. It means letting go of the mental image that they will always be the strong, caregiving figures in your life — and instead, recognizing that now, you may need to be the one supporting and caring for them. This shift can feel like losing a part of your childhood, and it’s deeply emotional. It also forces us to confront the reality that life is finite, that mortality looms just around the corner, and that at some point, we will have to say goodbye. That impending grief and the sadness of inevitable loss can be overwhelming.

On top of those heavy emotions, caring for an aging parent introduces a whole new chapter in your life — one filled with uncertainty. It’s not a role you’ve been trained for or prepared to navigate, and every parent ages differently, making it difficult to plan. Factors like personality traits, existing health conditions, and financial considerations add layers of complexity. Managing doctors’ appointments, medication routines, home safety, and emotional support can feel like an ongoing juggling act. All of this — emotional, physical, financial — creates a significant amount of stress, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. Recognizing these challenges is the first step in finding ways to cope and care with compassion and resilience.

Can you share with our readers your “5 Things You Can Do To Reduce Stress When Caring For Your Elderly Or Aging Parents”?

A. Get Moving: While it’s impossible to eliminate stress, you can help prevent it from becoming overwhelming by adding simple daily stress relief practices, for both you and your loved one. When caring for an elderly parent, remember that managing stress starts with feeling good physically. When you notice signs of stress, encourage gentle movement — like a short walk or light stretching — to lift their mood and soothe the mind. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference in maintaining emotional well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural “happy hormones”, which are essential for staying resilient as you and your parents navigate the challenges of aging. These little acts of self-care can help foster a sense of calm, strength, and positivity in even the toughest days.

B. Stay Connected: Maintain connections with those who bring you comfort, joy, and emotional support, and who can also assist with daily needs. A caring friend, family member, or neighbor can be a good listener and share responsibilities, helping ensure that stress doesn’t become overwhelming for you. Building a supportive network is essential for both your and their well-being and peace of mind. Remember, you’re not meant to do this alone reaching out and leaning on others is a sign of strength and wisdom. When you foster these relationships, everyone benefits: your loved one feels cared for, and you find peace of mind knowing that you’re supported every step of the way.

C. It Begins with You: Prioritize self-care every day by eating nutritious foods, staying active, and getting sufficient rest. These simple habits strengthen your body’s resilience, making it much easier to manage stress and maintain overall well-being. Caring for yourself is the first step in caring for others. Put yourself first.

D. Consult with a Professional: Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Caring for an aging parent is a new and often overwhelming journey and reaching out to experienced professionals can make a world of difference. Whether it’s speaking with healthcare providers, legal experts to help draft wills, or financial advisors to get everything in order, these specialists can offer invaluable guidance and support. Their expertise helps ensure that your parent’s wishes are respected and that important arrangements are made before it becomes difficult to do so. Collaborating with professionals not only eases your burden but also ensures your loved one’s needs are met with dignity and care.

E. Find Joy: Amid the stresses of caring for aging parents, take a moment to pause and reflect on happy memories and the priceless lessons your loved one has shared. Let these moments of joy rekindle your spirit and remind you of the deep love and gratitude you feel. This perspective can transform your caregiving journey into a meaningful act of love, making the responsibilities feel more manageable and heartfelt. When you focus on the positive moments and the bond you share, caring becomes not just a duty, but a beautiful way to honor and cherish your loved one.

Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or resources that have inspired you to live with more joy in life?

I just love Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom. Mandela’s story showcases how one person’s determination to fight against oppression can transform a nation and inspire global change. His unwavering hope and forgiveness, even in the face of immense suffering and sacrifice, remind us that true leadership comes from compassion and inner strength. The book encouraged me to embrace a life of purpose, resilience, and joy, highlighting that even in the darkest times, hope and perseverance can lead to freedom — not just for others, but within ourselves. Mandela’s life exemplifies how choosing love, integrity, and optimism can turn adversity into a catalyst for positive change, inspiring us to live joyfully and with purpose. If you haven’t read it, do so now! Not to name a particular show, but every day I listen to two podcast shows, they both focus on selfcare and nutrition. Finally, my inspiration is Suzie Orman. I listen to her often on the keys to women and financial success.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I am going to start a “Happy Caregiver Movement”. Rather than focusing on the stress of a caregiver but see it as a blessing to become a caregiver. At such time you bond and learn so much more about the person you are caring for. You get to see where they are vulnerable and share love and joy all at the same time. Finally, it’s a moment when you get to give back!

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This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.