Chronic stress can be very debilitating for your health at any age as it can lead to several problems such as weight gain, digestive issues, cardiac disease, and diabetes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you could have only communicated with or seen your aging family members through video calls for months and it could have been extremely stressful for you or your loved ones. Here’s what active relaxation is and the different ways to manage stress for older adults.
What Is Active Relaxation?
As opposed to passive forms of relaxation like reading or meditation, active relaxation necessitates movement and activity. Such activities can provide a sense of centeredness as well as peace, which bring about several positive effects such as reducing stress levels, promoting better sleep, and decreasing blood pressure.
One of the most practiced forms of active relaxation is progressive muscle relaxation. It involves starting to get comfortable by taking deep, cleansing breaths. Then try to tense a part of your body and release the tension after. The easiest way to do it is usually to start with a foot, tense the muscles and let them relax after ten seconds. Repeat the same steps above but with the other leg. From there, focus on other muscles above the feet and follow the same procedures.
Senior-Friendly Forms of Relaxation
Other than progressive muscle relaxation, there are other forms of active relaxation that are well-suited for your aging loved ones to engage in and they include:
- Taking a Walk with Nature
Spending time in nature can lower stress hormones, improve memory and reduce anxiety and depression as well. Being in nature is a great way to relax and de-stress by helping you clear the head and bring you into the present. Do encourage your loved ones to take out some time during the day to immerse themselves in nature. Head over to the nearby local park or take weekly hikes on a consistent basis.
- Tending to the Garden
Your loved ones can also tend to their garden daily if they have one. Be it growing new herbs, trimming the shrubs, or even mowing the lawn, it can help to take their minds off stressful matters. The results are an improved garden as well as a rejuvenated mind.
- Calling a Friend
Do encourage your loved ones to maintain their social health by ringing up their old friends for chats. Having good social health can improve their emotional well-being, reduce stress levels and help them feel more support from family and friends.
Live to the Fullest at Discovery Village At The Forum
At Discovery Village At The Forum, we want our residents to not only live but to live their lives to the fullest and that includes having minimal feelings of stress and anxiety. Through our senior independent living program, your loved one can lead a relaxing and enriching independent lifestyle.
If your loved one requires some form of assistance with daily living activities, do consider reaching out to us regarding eligibility for our senior assisted living program. We provide the flexibility and freedom for your loved ones to do what they love while receiving the living assistance they require.
