Stress can have a negative impact on a senior's overall physical, mental and emotional health. Though eliminating stress from daily life is nearly impossible, it can be managed by reducing triggers and pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
The staff at Cambridge Court is trained to help seniors attain their best possible health through individualized care plans. Seniors can also take steps to manage their own stress levels through simple actions such as growing a windowsill garden, wearing a fidget bracelet or listening to music and ambient sounds.
Here are five more ways seniors can minimize stress.
Difficulty sleeping can be a common issue for seniors. Chronic conditions and pain make it difficult to sleep soundly or keep a steady routine. This can lead to increased frustration as seniors struggle with long, restless nights and daytime drowsiness.
Seniors shouldn't hesitate to speak out when insomnia becomes disruptive to normal life. Their health care providers can work with them to help improve their sleep. Some simple changes seniors might try on their own include:
Avoiding caffeinated beverages and chocolate-flavored foods four to eight hours before bed
Turning off computers, tablets or televisions an hour before sleep
Taking a warm bath or dimming the lights to safe nighttime levels
The laundry and housekeeping services here in Kearney help seniors keep their homes clean and inviting; however, organization is just as important to maintain a relaxing environment. When rooms are cluttered, it becomes harder to find items and complete simple tasks.
Seniors can take advantage of spring cleaning traditions to reduce the number of their possessions if necessary or improve storage by adding bookshelves, cabinets or closet organizers to their assisted living apartment.
Whether it's a trip to Cambridge Court's salon or an evening with a favorite book, seniors need to take time to rest and recharge by doing something important to them. Engaging in these personal times helps them spend time reflecting on their own thoughts and feelings so they can nurture a healthy self-worth.
Becoming involved with others and influencing their lives for the better can help widen a senior's view to see beyond their own problems.
This can provide encouragement and lets them focus on the positive things in life and potential solutions to the circumstances that are creating the stress.
Hobbies let seniors pour their emotions and creativity into a project they love. This lowers stress and enhances normal life by providing something to look forward to accomplishing each day.
Many activities can also be done in a group, which ensures seniors have common interests to talk about with others.
