Stress Relief Tips for Seniors

We all deal with stress — it’s a natural part of life that motivates us to get things done. However, when stress gets out of control, it can affect both our mental and physical health. That’s why managing stress is so important. Check out the following tips to help reduce stress and see which ones work for you.

11 Tips to Reduce Stress

1. 1. Brew a cup of tea. An easy way to manage stress is with a nice cup of tea, especially since it has been proven to provide numerous health benefits. For those wanting to relax, the amino acid L-theanine is believed to be responsible for tea’s relaxing properties.
2. 2. Practice deep breathing. When you experience stress, your body goes into a fight-or-flight mode, causing an accelerated heart rate and shallow breathing. Practicing deep breathing techniques to help trigger the parasympathetic nervous system and control relaxation.
3. 3. Light a scented candle. Certain scents, such as lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass, can create a soothing atmosphere and help us feel more relaxed. Light an aromatherapy candle and feel your stress start to melt away. 
4. 4. Try meditation. Meditation can help you train your focus and awareness so you can be mentally clear and emotionally stable. The best part is anyone can do it. It doesn’t cost anything, you don’t need special equipment, and you can do it anywhere. If you’d like to try it but aren’t sure where to start, the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center has a page on guided meditation you can reference.
5. 5. Exercise regularly. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a more intense workout, regular exercise can significantly reduce stress.
6. 6. Listen to music. Music has a profound effect on our emotions and plays a definite role in managing stress. Listening to your favorite tunes can be a great way to relax and unwind. Consider creating a playlist of calming songs that help you feel at ease.
7. 7. Spend time in nature. Nature has a grounding effect on the mind. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting outside, spending time in nature offers stress relief for seniors — and for everyone else who makes an effort to get outside. 
8. 8. Maintain a healthy diet. What you eat can impact how you feel. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help keep your body healthy and your mind more resilient.
9. 9. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and negatively impact your mood. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body recover and make managing stress easier. 
10. 10. Connect with loved ones. Spending time with friends and family can provide emotional support and help you feel more connected. Whether it’s a phone call, a video chat, or an in-person visit, connecting with loved ones is a great way of managing stress and improving your overall well-being. 
11. 11. Read a book. When you read, you enter another world – one that doesn’t have your problems. The result, according to one study, is a 68% reduction in stress. Set aside 30 minutes to read every day and take note of how you feel after you’re done. 

Stress-Free Living at Meadow Lakes

An important part of stress relief for seniors is avoiding becoming too anxious or tense. At Meadow Lakes, we offer a carefree lifestyle with relaxing amenities that help residents with managing stress, including the following:

• Art Studio. Create your own work of art, whether you like to paint, sketch, or craft. If you’re just getting started, take a class to learn the basics.
• Fitness. Through our LivWell holistic wellness program, there are a multitude of physical fitness opportunities for you to explore in our community. Exercise on your own at our fitness center, swim laps in our heated indoor swimming pool or head to the outdoor pool during warmer months.
• Beautiful Campus with an Accredited Arboretum. Our extensive campus grounds are the perfect place for a relaxing walk amongst the trees and signposts that identify the many species you’ll find on our 103 acres. 
• Library. Our senior community library is located conveniently on the campus for easy book borrowing. Grab a book or magazine, heat up a cup of your favorite tea, and let your mind wander.

The Meadow Lakes Lifestyle

Ready to learn more about the relaxing amenities and low-maintenance lifestyle Meadow Lakes offers? Contact us today with any questions you might have about our New Jersey senior living community. We’d love to tell you more about our mission to help seniors live their best lives.