Ways to Manage Stress and Improve Well-Being in Elderly People
Stress and mental health issues are genuine concerns for elderly people. According to Eric Kim, psychologist at the University of British Columbia (UBC), this age group is particularly vulnerable due to the physical and psychological changes that come with aging, and based on Eric Kim UBC, the result includes finding ways of managing stress. His findings have revealed several key strategies to help seniors cope with difficult life transitions as they age. In this article, we will discuss some of these valuable techniques for managing stress and promoting positive mental health among older adults.
Growing old can be an incredibly stressful experience. As people age, they may find it hard to stay active, leading to isolation and despair that affects their overall well-being. With the fear of losing independence and physical capability due to aging, natural anxieties can quickly take over, leading to further stress and health problems. However, with some mindful strategies tailored for elderly individuals, we can help manage this stress to maintain their mental health and keep them living positively. In today’s post, we’ll explore different ways you or your loved one can manage stress while still being able to enjoy activities like hobbies or strengths as they advance in life!
Stay Active
Amid a stressful day, nothing feels better than releasing those tensions through physical activity. Moving your body can reduce stress levels, whether it’s a brisk walk, a light jog, or a peaceful yoga session. By engaging in regular physical activity, it’s possible to improve both physical and mental well-being. The benefits are clear: more energy, better moods, and a healthier body overall. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, take a break and get moving – your mind and body will thank you!
Connect with Family Members
It’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from the people who matter most to us, like our family. However, taking the time to connect with loved ones can help us feel more grounded and supported. Whether picking up the phone to call a sibling, setting aside an afternoon to hang out with a grandparent, or scheduling a weekly video chat with a cousin, every effort to stay connected can make a huge difference. As Eric Kim, a professor at UBC, has pointed out, relationships are critical to our emotional well-being, and investing time in the family can be especially rewarding. So next time you feel lonely or disconnected, reach out to a family member and see how much of a difference it can make.
Communicate with Your Doctor
Your doctor is your partner in managing your physical and mental health. To get the best care possible, you must communicate with them about any worries or concerns regarding health issues or medications. It’s normal to feel hesitant or afraid to bring up sensitive topics, but remember that your doctor is there to help and support you. Being open and honest will allow your doctor to create a plan that meets your needs. Don’t hesitate to talk with your doctor – it’s a positive step towards better health management.
Engage in Activities that Bring Joy
As we age, we must maintain healthy habits and reduce stress. It is engaging in activities that bring joy. Whether through hobbies, arts and crafts, or other enjoyable activities, participating in things that make us happy can increase our overall well-being. According to research by Eric Kim at UBC, engaging in pleasurable activities can lower stress levels and improve overall mood. This is especially true for older people, who may face more stress and physical limitations. By exploring new interests and engaging in joyful activities, seniors can improve their quality of life and experience greater happiness and fulfillment.
Prioritize Sleep
As we go about our busy lives, it’s easy to push sleep to the bottom of our priority list. However, getting enough rest is crucial for our health and well-being. Not only does it help us feel more alert and productive during the day, but can also positively impact our mood and overall energy levels. So, the next time you’re tempted to stay up late, think about all the benefits of a good night’s sleep. It might just be the best thing you can do for yourself.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits
We all face stress and anxiety at one point or another. However, knowing that unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or smoking can worsen these feelings is essential. Drinking may give you temporary relief, but ultimately it only masks the problem and can lead to even greater anxiety the next day. Smoking also adversely affects mental health and can make it harder to manage stress. Instead of turning to these unhealthy habits, try finding ways to manage stress and anxiety, like meditation, exercise, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.
Final Thoughts
Exercise is a way to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy and creativity. It increases serotonin, which helps regulate emotions. Physically active individuals tend to live longer lives than those who are inactive. Exercise helps us physically and emotionally, improving concentration, motivation, self-esteem, and happiness.
It provides a natural outlet for releasing tension and increasing positive thoughts about oneself and one’s life. Though intense exercise can leave us with too much adrenaline or cortisol in our system if done excessively, moderate activity three times per week can help keep our mind, body, and soul healthy. Everyone can benefit from engaging in some form of regular physical activity to improve their well-being.
