Chronic stress not only takes a toll on emotional health, but it can also affect overall wellbeing. When seniors reach retirement age, it doesn’t mean their stress levels decrease. Thankfully, there are several natural ways to relieve stress, ranging from meditation to creative activities. Here are a few of the best ways to help seniors beat stress naturally.
Suggest Meditation
Meditation emphasizes mindfulness, and it helps people clear their minds, find peace, and apply the lessons learned to their daily lives. Through breathing techniques and an increased awareness of the self, meditation gives seniors the tools they need to minimize their anxiety. There are many ways for seniors to enjoy the benefits of meditation, including using guided meditation apps like Calm and Headspace to get started. They can also use online resources or check out guided meditation CDs from their local libraries.
Interacting with compassionate caregivers can also help seniors relieve stress and enjoy a higher quality of life. For families living in Carmichael, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Get a Pet
For a senior who can keep up with a pet, a loveable cat or dog can be a great boon in times of stress. Studies show spending time with pets is a great way to relieve stress and decrease blood pressure levels. Pet owners also tend to exercise more frequently, which can reduce stress. Dogs and cats also relieve feelings of isolation, which can be a cause of anxiety in older adults. Seniors should choose pets that are easy to care for, such as cats or small lap dogs. Those who can’t care for pets could volunteer at their local pet shelters.
From caring for pets to managing their own health and wellbeing, seniors may need assistance with an array of activities. Home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Recommend Creative Activities
Sometimes anxiety dissipates when seniors find the right creative outlet. Journaling allows seniors to express themselves, and painting can help them focus their minds on the present. Seniors may also find solace in scrapbooking, photography, and knitting. These fulfilling activities give seniors purpose, which can reduce stress caused by feelings of idleness.
Encourage Exercise
For seniors who rarely exercise, the prospect of joining a gym may cause anxiety. However, exercise is a great way to relieve stress because it can regulate the body’s production of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also forces the body to produce more endorphins, which are chemicals responsible for positive emotions. These neurochemical benefits, when combined with the physical benefits of exercise, can vastly minimize a senior’s stress levels.
Serve Chamomile Tea
When seniors start to feel anxious, they can drink chamomile tea. This tea is famous for its calming properties, and it’s most commonly used to help people sleep soundly. It can also ease symptoms of anxiety thanks to a flavonoid called chrysin, a compound found in the chamomile plant.
Some older adults need help alleviating stress, managing daily tasks, and making healthy lifestyle choices. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Carmichael families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (916) 485-4663 today.