Stress isn’t unique to older adults. You’ve likely been dealing with stressors your entire life. However, aging brings on new and anxiety-provoking concerns. Perhaps you’re dealing with a loss, a health condition or adjusting to retirement. Seniors also tend to experience more physical symptoms of stress like sleeping difficulties, irritability, headaches or chest pains. If not dealt with, high stress levels can lead to health problems like high blood pressure and heart issues.
Cope with your stress in a productive and healthy way by following these stress management tips:
- Write It Out
There’s something about writing down your feelings that helps you pause and organize your thoughts so you can better problem solve. Journaling has been proven to reduce stress levels. If you’re not sure where to start, try making a gratitude list. Counting your blessings offers many benefits including increased happiness, better sleep and greater resiliency. Why is expressing gratitude so good for us? It trains us to embrace the positive and offers us clarity on what matters in life. You don’t even have to wait until you’re stressed. Making gratitude a regular practice can help mitigate your stress before it begins.
- Go Outside
Just ten minutes outside can make a big difference in how stressed you feel. While sitting in the sunshine should be sufficient to lift your spirits and increase your Vitamin D levels, walking is even better for stress management. Physical activity boosts your mood, keeps you in shape and gives you energy. Whether you camp out on your front porch or hit a local trail, the benefits of being outside are undeniable.
- Meditate
Meditation offers many emotional and physical benefits like increased self-awareness, patience, lowered blood pressure and reduced negative emotions, all of which can lower your stress levels. How can you get started if you’ve never meditated before? It can be as easy as finding a quiet spot to sit comfortably and concentrating on your breath. Notice when your mind begins to wander and try to bring your focus back to the present moment. You can also try a guided meditation where a teacher leads you through the process.
- Play With an Animal
If you’re an animal lover, you probably already know how much unconditional love and comfort animals provide. But did you know pets are scientifically proven stress relievers? They also keep you active, social and healthy, which in turn helps you live a longer life. If you can’t commit to the responsibility of owning your own pet, consider volunteering at an animal shelter or fostering an animal. The act of petting a dog or cat has a calming effect due to the release of serotonin, the chemical that stabilizes your mood and makes you feel happy.
- Socialize
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, it may be time to phone a friend. Social interaction forces us to focus our energy outward instead of inward, which is beneficial for stress management. Plus, talking through your concerns with someone else strengthens your confidence in dealing with your problems and broadens your support network. Loneliness is especially prevalent in older adults, which makes it all the more important to maintain friendships and develop coping skills. Getting involved in a community organization, joining an exercise group or volunteering are a few great ways to expand your social circle.
- Laugh
This is no joke: Laughter is the best medicine for both mental and physical health. A good chuckle improves your immune system, boosts your mood, increases blood flow and relieves pain, all of which is great for stress management. Next time you’re feeling stressed, watch a funny movie, read a comic strip or set a date with your funniest friend. You’ll get your endorphins flowing in no time.
- Have a Plan for the Future
For seniors, the uncertainty of the future can be a big source of worry. One thing you can do to alleviate this stress is to get your affairs in order by having a life insurance policy and a will. If you want your final expenses to be covered, inquire about a whole life insurance policy from Americo Senior Life today. We have a variety of affordable senior life insurance coverage options to meet your needs. Help secure you and your family’s future and get an online quote today.