Home Care Experts Share 4 Tips To Promote Relaxation For Senior Citizens
Relaxation, much like physical exercise, is something that humans of all ages need on a consistent basis. When you first think of the word “relaxation,” it’s easy to be reminded of comfy couches and loose, soft clothing. But there is much more to relaxation than sitting around after a busy day. According to the National Institutes of Health, our immune system declines as we age, leaving us more susceptible to disease and illness. Home care experts say relaxing on a regular basis can lower your stress levels and ensure that you stay healthy, even when your immune system is getting weaker. Here are four great relaxation exercises that will help you or your loved one stay stress-free as they get older.
Meditation
Humans have studied the benefits of meditation for thousands of years, and for good reason. Home care experts agree that consistent meditation lowers overall stress levels, especially in seniors. An easy meditation that anyone can practice from the comfort of their home is to focus on a soothing, positive image, such as a calm beach scene or a loved one smiling. Meditation can reduce anxiety, regulate your breathing and help you take your mind off whatever is ailing you.
Massages
If you’re someone who is okay with being touched by a stranger, massages are a great way to reduce stress and anxiety in seniors. Professionals are trained to focus on pressure points on your back and shoulders, leaving you in a state of complete relaxation and bliss. There are different types of massages for different ailments, so be sure to do your research before you decide which type of massage is right for you.
Breathing exercises
Breathing issues are a common symptom of anxiety and being stressed out. Seniors suffering from anxiety often note that they feel like they can’t take a deep breath when they need it, making their stress levels even higher than before. Home care experts say that practicing breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Focus on taking long, even breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Hypnosis
When we talk about hypnosis, it’s easy to think of it as a crazy doctor waving a pocket watch back and forth in front of your face. But guided hypnosis with a stress-relieving professional can help seniors relax by rewiring the way their brain deals with things that happen in daily life. If you or your loved one is nervous about entrusting a stranger to perform hypnosis exercises, home care experts recommend researching “self-hypnosis” to see if there is a way to reduce your stress from the comfort of your own home.