Stress is an inescapable part of life. After all, it’s anything that causes a sense of hardship or strain, and very few people get through life without experiencing something that makes them feel pressured. Whether it’s thinking about friends or family members, managing your health, handling your finances, or dealing with change, there’s a good chance that something in your day will leave you feeling stressed. Thankfully, there’s no age limit on managing stress well. In fact, stress management for seniors can be highly effective.
Stress Management for Seniors
High stress is associated with a host of nasty health problems. According to Harvard Medical School, it increases the risk of heart disease, heartburn, and many other health problems. It can make diabetes worse, trigger high blood pressure, and cause insomnia. It can also cause people to become anxious, worried, depressed, or frustrated. Stress can show itself in many ways, so the symptoms of stress are varied. While some people experience tension headaches, others may struggle with poor concentration or indecisiveness. Some may find themselves battling irritability or edginess or crying without understanding quite why. Others struggle with back pain, indigestion, or even heart palpitations.
Learning to manage stress can ease these symptoms and may help prevent more serious stress-related health issues. Fortunately, there are several great options when you’re looking for stress management for seniors.
Take a Walk
Light exercise is an excellent way to beat stress and keep your waistline in check, and walking is an excellent wellness tool. For an added bonus, head outside to get some sunshine, fresh air, and pleasant social interaction.
Drink Water
Being dehydrated is actually a source of stress. Sipping too many caffeinated drinks or skipping beverages to avoid having to make a trip to the restroom can make the situation worse. Be kind to your body, and give it the resources it needs to thrive. Drink water throughout the day.
Squeeze a Stress Ball
You’ve probably seen stress balls online or in drug stores. They’re easy to use. Simply pick up the ball with one hand. Squeeze it. Then, relax your hand. Continue that pattern for ten reps before switching to the other side. It’s a simple chore that can relax your mind, build strength in your fingers, and may even help offer some relief for stiff joints in the hands and fingers.
Read a Book
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer fiction, nonfiction, or a mixture of both. When you spend time escaping into the pages of a book, you’re unwinding and leaving the day’s stress behind for a while.
Meditate
There are numerous forms of mediation. Using one to calm your mind and find a peaceful place inside yourself is a great way to manage stress.
Listen to Music
It’s often said that music soothes the savage beast, and it’s certainly easy to make the argument that stress is beastly. Perhaps that’s why listening to music is widely recognized for its power to relax and calm the mind and body. For a little variety, try dancing along to your favorite tunes. You’ll be combining the soothing sounds of music with a little light exercise for a one-two punch of enjoyable stress management.
Socialize with Friends or Family
In times of stress, people often retreat. This is counterproductive because socializing with friends and family is a fantastic way to recharge your batteries and reduce your stress levels. Reach out to loved ones who make you feel positive and plan a fun experience.
Spend Time with Animals
Animals are fantastic companions. They offer affection without judgment, so being around a pet can be incredibly soothing. If you don’t have a pet of your own, visit a friend who does, make a trip to a zoo or aquarium, or consider volunteering at a local shelter.
Get Involved
Helping others lets you take a break from your worries and gives you something to be proud of. It also offers a chance to be active and socialize. Finding a cause that you care about or an activity that you enjoy that needs volunteers can benefit both the organization and your stress level.
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Incorporating a few of these tips into your daily routine is a smart way to manage your stress. Doing so can help you enjoy a healthier, more relaxed life.
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