Five Ways Seniors Can De-Stress
With COVID-19 continuing to sweep across our nation, many Americans are reporting that their anxiety levels have increased. Seniors, too, have been experiencing more symptoms of anxiety and stress. Whether they’ve had a significant change of plans or are feeling more isolated than before, the results of a global pandemic reach even the senior population.
Most seniors do not have access to their usual stress relief outlets right now. Their families, whom may have provided a reprieve from boredom or stress, are not able to visit safely right now. Social outlets, such as senior centers, libraries, churches, or even a neighborhood book club, are all canceled and closed. It can be challenging for seniors with hearing loss to join in a conversation that takes place six feet apart. Such rapid change puts stress on one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, even if the senior believes they are just fine.
Now, more than ever, it’s important that seniors learn to manage stress and anxiety. It’s fitting that April is National Stress Awareness Month. Here are five ways that seniors can destress, while following social distancing recommendations.
Listen & Move to Music
One great, easy way to manage stress is to turn off the television and turn on your favorite tunes. Music has a way of changing the mood in the room in a matter of seconds. Play music according to your current mood. If you’re feeling stressed, try calming instrumental music. If you’re feeling sad or lonely, try listening to some big band tunes. Bored? Play some dance music and tap along to the beat. Music and movement, even if it’s clapping your hands or tapping your toes, can reenergize you, while allowing stress to melt away.
Bake Bread
Another great stress reliever is to bake bread. Baking bread is an activity that will keep you busy and focused all day long. Depending on your recipe, the technique really doesn’t require much effort. Most of the work is in letting the dough rise throughout the day. Yet, it can easily occupy your mind, taking the focus off the COVID-19 pandemic. The process is very tactile. As you knead the dough, you’ll feel the stress release from your body. As you bake the bread, the aroma will fill your home with a sense of calm. Use the internet to find bread baking tutorials if you don’t know where to start.
Get Outdoors
Fresh air and sunshine are essential for coping with anxiety and stress. You can easily enjoy time in nature from the comfort of your front porch, balcony, or backyard. Bring a book with you to read outside, or color an adult coloring page. Listen to the sounds of nature. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Just be sure to wear sunscreen, a sunhat, and appropriate clothing for current temperatures.
Try a Meditation App
If you’re tech savvy, download a free meditation app on your smart phone. Set a reminder on your phone so that you remember to complete a meditation each day. Pick a time in your day when you typically feel the most stressed. If you don’t have a smart phone, you can find guided relaxation videos on YouTube. If you want screen-free meditations, then pick up a notebook and spend ten minutes focusing on gratitude. Record what you’re grateful for right now, taking effort not to repeat yourself.
Stay Connected Virtually
The biggest challenge for many seniors is feeling isolated due to travel restrictions and social distancing recommendations. This alone can cause stress levels to skyrocket. It’s very important that seniors maintain social connections in a safe manner. Social distancing does not mean social isolation. Find ways to stay connected to your family and friends virtually. Ask them to video call you if you don’t know how to initiate the call. Call friends and neighbors on the telephone. Write letters to loved ones. Participate in community morale boosters, such as decorating front facing windows or placing battery operated luminaries on your front porch. Although virtual isn’t the same as in-person contact, it can remind you that you are not alone in this pandemic.
If you are a senior who is struggling during the COVID-19 crisis, know that Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here for you. We are considered essential and our office remains open. While our everyday operations might look a little different, we are still able to provide free home consultations using video conferencing technology or via conference calls. Our caregivers are doing their part to remain safe and healthy. They are prepared to assist our current and new clients, adhering to the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You do not need to wait until this crisis is over to start receiving the assistance that you need. Please contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Punta Gorda or 239-226-1620 Cape Coral.