Senior Care: Stress occurs when the body is exposed to something that is either threatening or challenging to it.
When this happens, the body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This means that all of the body’s systems are working at full speed, the heart is beating faster, muscles are tense, the body temperature is raised, and the mind is on full alert. But when seniors are exposed to stress for an extended period of time, it can have a negative impact on their health. Stress can cause things like depression, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal issues, and even obesity. Senior Care providers can be a big help with this.
Managing stress is not always easy, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips that seniors can follow to help them manage their stress levels.
1. Get Moving
Exercise is one of the best ways to get your senior’s energy levels up, and it can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. If the senior is not the type of person who likes to exercise, they can always go for a walk, or try dancing. Dancing is not just a great way to burn off stress, it is also a great way to have fun.
2. Healthy Diet
Many people are under the impression that when they are stressed out, they are supposed to eat junk food. Instead, advise your senior to focus on eating healthy foods. Some of the best foods for stress relief are fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains, and salmon.
3. Proper Rest
If the senior is not getting the sleep that they need, they are not going to be able to function properly. Your senior is going to feel tired, irritable, and far more susceptible to illness. Getting the proper amount of sleep is not just good for their stress levels, it is also good for their health.
4. Good Relationships
Strong relationships are one of the best stress relievers that there are. Having a good support system will help your senior to feel less isolated. They will have someone to turn to when the stress becomes too much, and their mind is overwhelmed.
5. Communicate
When your senior is stressed out, encourage them to talk about it with the people in their life. It is very important for them to open up, and express what they are feeling. If they bottle everything up, it can lead to more stress.
6. Breathing Exercises
There are many different ways that your senior can practice breathing exercises. They can take deep breaths in through their nose, and then slowly breathe out through their mouth. They can also try practicing alternate nostril breathing, or they can try inhaling and exhaling through their noses in a specific pattern.
7. Meditation Techniques
Another great way to help your seniors with stress is to teach them how to meditate. Some of the best ways to meditate include practicing meditation while watching the waves on the beach, doing yoga, or listening to soft music.
8. Senior Home Care
A caregiver will help your loved ones to manage their stress levels. They will help your loved one to eat healthier, help with transportation, and clean the house so that your loved one will not feel as overwhelmed.
Senior Care: Conclusion
There is a lot that you can do to help the senior in your life manage their stress levels. Getting the best senior care is one of them! They will feel more positive about themselves, and they will have an easier time getting through the day. Book a consultation today!
If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Senior Care in Geneva, IL, please contact the caring staff at A Mishle Group Services, Inc. today. (630) 888-6644
Sources
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987