As seniors age, they can experience a variety of stresses from issues such as loneliness, medical ailments, and bereavement. It can become easy for you to get trapped in a negative headspace, especially if nobody else is there to help you out of these destructive cycles. Without the proper techniques and support, you may find yourself struggling to keep your spirits up every day. Try to manage or relieve anxiety by following these practical tips for seniors now!
Keeping Up with a Regular Routine
Routines can help add a sense of security and structure to your life. Carrying out repetitive actions can make the day feel comfortingly familiar. Studies have shown that making an effort to finish breakfast before turning on the news can reduce early-morning anxiety. For patients with dementia, a regular time set aside for dinner can decrease sundown syndrome. By following simple routines every day, you can make your day more predictable and relieve stress.
Have a Healthy Diet
Mental health is closely connected to physical health. Your body and brain need the proper nutrients to work effectively, so a balanced diet of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates will do wonders for your mind. It is important to note that certain foods will increase anxiety. Skip your morning coffee as the caffeine can make you jittery. The nicotine in your cigarettes may also arouse feelings of nervousness. Remember, maintaining a healthy body means keeping your mind healthy as well!
Exercising Regularly
You could join a fitness class with some friends or take a solo hike after dinner. Just as it is with maintaining a healthy diet, keeping your body physically active can help improve your mental health too. With a wide range of guided workouts and supplementary resources for seniors available online, getting in a couple of exercises a week has never been easier.
Interact with Friends and Family
A key cause of anxiety is loneliness. Staying isolated for extended periods may lead to or exacerbate a mental health crisis. Getting out there and interacting with others can help you feel more connected with your surroundings and fend off feelings of loneliness. It can also help you to stay rooted in the moment, ensuring that you do not dwell on your worries or the past. For the more spiritually inclined, joining spiritual groups can further enhance your connection to others and yourself.
Put On Some of Your Favorite Music
Jazz? Pop? Classical music? Whatever your preferred genre is, music is undoubtedly a source of comfort for many. Listening to familiar tunes can lift your spirits and add a sense of tranquility to your life. If you want to, dancing along to the beat can stimulate you physically and mentally as well. Whether it’s an old record or the brand-new song that you have just downloaded into your phone, music is easily accessible and always adds vibrancy to any occasion.
Anxiety can become debilitating if it’s not treated quickly. Making changes to your lifestyle can help you improve your mental health as you age. However, you must remain open to professional options like counseling as well. Always reach out to mental health or medical professionals when in doubt.
