The prevalence of stress and anxiety among older adults is gradually rising and this calls for a greater awareness about the dangers of stress. As older adults are living longer, it is important to remember various stress management strategies for senior living in Mooresville, NC to help reduce stress. Here is what you need to know.
Walking or Slow Jogging
We must have heard the saying that goes if our body feels better, so does our mind, at some point in our lives. It is recommended by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America that exercise and other forms of physical activity product endorphins which help improve the quality of our sleep, in turn reducing stress. Older adults can take a stroll around their neighborhood, walk their dog, or slow jog on their treadmill for several minutes each day to keep their bodies active.
Meditating
Meditation has been practiced for over a thousand years. Recently, it has also been used as a source of relaxation and stress relief. Research has shown that meditation gives us a sense of peace, balance, and calm which can benefit our health and well-being. The elements of meditation which can help us to better manage stress include the following:
- Focused attention
- Relaxed breathing
- A comfortable position
- A quiet setting
- Open attitude
Getting Adequate Sleep
It is not uncommon for older adults to experience an adverse impact on their sleeping patterns as they advance in age. Some have difficulty falling asleep while others may have poor sleep quality, waking up several times throughout the night. This constant disruption in sleep is one of the many factors that cause older adults to feel depressed and anxious which can be addressed through adequate sleep. Here’s how we can improve our sleep quality:
- Reduce bedroom distractions before bedtime such as staying away from screens, keeping the bedroom dark, lowering the volume of music.
- Avoid things that can affect our sleep like alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
- Develop a bedtime routine that can include reading before bedtime, taking a warm bath, or meditating.
Surrounding Yourself with Cute Animals
Playing with cute animals like kittens, puppies, bunnies, and others can provide great stress relief. If you are not a pet owner, ask a friend or neighbor if you can spend some time with their furry friends. There are also local animal shelters where you can pay occasional visits to. Animals crave for attention or playtime and by petting them, both of you will benefit from the interaction. That sense of companionship you get from animals are known to reduce blood pressure and improve recovery from cardiovascular illnesses.
Laughing
Laughter is the best medicine indeed. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways for you to manage and lower your stress levels. You can surround yourself with people who make you smile and laugh or you can keep yourself entertained with comedy flicks on TV or at the movies that portray your kind of humor.
