Knowing what causes you to feel stressed or anxious can help you manage or avoid those things. If you can cut those things out of your life completely, you'll likely experience a bigger boost in your mood.
However, not everything can be avoided completely. Perhaps you have a strained relationship with a loved one you want to keep in your life. Dig deeper into that situation or stressor to figure out what about it causes you to feel that way. Look for ways to improve the situation to ease some of those feelings.
For some people, taking on too much responsibility can increase stress levels. Serving others and being actively involved in your community are positive things, but they should help you feel fulfilled rather than negatively affecting your mental health. Examine your obligations to see if there are any you can omit. Focus more of your time on the things that are emotionally or spiritually fulfilling and that you can handle reasonably.
Your retirement years often don't come with any strict scheduling requirements like you had when you worked full-time. That freedom is appealing to many people, but it can also help to have some structure in your day.
Having morning routines and regular activities you do during the day can give you a calming sense of familiarity. They can also help you prioritize your activities and let you focus on the things that bring relaxation and enjoyment into your life.
Chronic health conditions or new health concerns can weigh on your mind in your senior years. Scheduling regular checkups with your health care provider and talking about new symptoms or concerns as soon as they appear can ease these worries. Work with your physician to manage any current conditions you have. Following the recommended treatments and protocols can help manage your symptoms and prevent the issue from progressing.
You can also do things yourself to stay on top of your health. Getting an adequate amount of sleep helps you feel rested and better able to deal with potentially stressful situations. Staying hydrated can help you focus and stay in charge of your emotions. Eating a healthy diet helps support your overall health and can give you the energy you need to handle situations that pop up during the day.
Regular exercise also supports your physical health, which can lower your overall stress levels. Plus, it can boost your mood by increasing your endorphins. For some people, getting in a good workout can help them calm down when they're anxious or stressed. Find ways to stay active that fit your physical capabilities and are enjoyable to you.
Being out in nature can help you maintain a more positive outlook. Fresh air and sunshine can boost your oxygen levels and serotonin, which supports a positive mood. At LifeStream at Glendale, simply walking around the beautifully landscaped grounds each morning can start your day off with fresh air and a connection to nature that helps ease your stress and anxiety.
Feeling like you have to do everything on your own can add to your anxiety and stress. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who'll listen to your concerns when you're feeling overwhelmed. Asking for help can ease your responsibilities and help you enjoy lower stress levels. Plus, spending time with people you enjoy can give you a more positive outlook on life.
Incorporating more enjoyable experiences into your life can lower your overall stress levels. Consider activities you used to do for fun or want to explore. You might learn to play an instrument or explore another skill you've always wanted to try. Maybe baking cakes or doing crafts brings you joy. Volunteering is another common way to bring joy and fulfillment to your life.
Prayer and scripture can be powerful tools in navigating stress. Get into a regular prayer routine to talk to God about the situations that are causing anxiety or stress. Reading the Bible can also help guide you with God's word. Write down comforting passages so you can refer to them when you need extra strength. Being involved in a church community and attending services regularly may also help.
Owning and maintaining a home can be a major source of stress for older adults. The expenses of being a homeowner can strain a tighter budget, and you're responsible for a lot of maintenance. Moving to a senior community like LifeStream at Glendale can eliminate many of those stressors.
Residents have access to lots of convenient services and amenities that make life easier. These include restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, laundry, scheduled transportation and more. Plus, the community offers socialization opportunities with other people in similar situations, which can help you develop healthy, supportive relationships that can ease stress.
