With every year that passes, we might feel stressed out by the burdens and responsibilities of daily living. Yet, stress is an indispensable part of life. We experience stress at work, play, or even at home when disagreements or tensions arise. A large part of aging gracefully is learning how to manage stress and mitigate its harmful effects on our bodies. If you are still plagued by the stressors of daily life in your retirement years, here are five tips for managing stress levels and living well as you age!
Practice Mindfulness
Being mindful is a way to help you regulate your emotions and relieve negative stress when facing life’s many challenges. Being accountable to the present and practicing gratitude for what we have in life is a great way to practice mindfulness. Another way to inculcate mindfulness is through meditation, where you quiet your mind and attune yourself to the present moment.
Connect with Others
As you age and get older, you will come to realize that a sense of community is immensely important in protecting both your physical and mental health. Family and friends have a crucial role to play in the network of human relationships. Whether in the workplace or through leisure activities, make sure you plan and follow through with activities that help you connect with friends and family. You can check out local interest groups, get involved in volunteering in the neighborhood, join a religious organization, or even enroll in a class at your local community college to create meaningful opportunities for connecting with others.
Engage in Exercise
Everyone knows that exercise is one of the key ways in which you can manage stress levels and improve your overall longevity. How often do you engage in exercise? If you are an active individual, keep up with your exercise regime! Exercise has a multitude of benefits on our cognitive and physical health. If you have not been exercising regularly, do not fret! There is always room for improvement. You can always start small by taking short walks around the neighborhood. Aim to take these walks three days per week. If walks aren’t your thing, you can also try swimming, table tennis, or yoga. Whatever exercise you choose to engage in, remember that consistency is key to living a stress-free lifestyle.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Are you getting enough nutrition in your diet? Or have you been snacking on refined foods and sugary snacks? It is no secret that eating a healthy diet can have positive effects on your health. Be sure to include vegetables, meat, nuts, eggs, and vitamins in your daily meals. It is important to eat quality protein too! Ensure that your diet has anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods such as wild-caught fish, chia seeds, berries, and leafy and cruciferous non-starchy vegetables.
Reflect and Reach Out for Help
If you are struggling with the negative effects of stress, aging, or grief, it could be time to reach out to your support networks. There is no shame in reaching out to the people who care about you. Having them rally around you can greatly alleviate your stress levels.
If you are interested in joining a warm, welcoming, and supportive retirement community in Columbia, SC, schedule a tour and visit our active independent living community today! We would be more than happy to share about our senior living programs with you. Find out more about what we have to offer!
