Breathe in…Breathe Out: Stress Relief Tips for Seniors

We’ve all dealt with stress — it’s a natural part of life. However, when we leave it uncurbed, it can lead to negative outcomes for our mental health, physical health, and behavior. Managing stress by adding relaxing activities and peaceful routines to our lives is important. Below, learn all about stress relief tips for seniors and find out how Monroe Village helps residents manage stress through various services and activities.

10 Easy Stress Relief Tips for Seniors

There are many ways to manage stress, so you’ll need to find what works for you. Here are a few examples of ways seniors can calm down and destress.

1. 1. Brew a cup of tea. An easy way to manage stress is with a nice, hot beverage. Tea has long been proven to provide 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. With this feeling comes accelerated heart rate and shallow breathing. Practicing deep breathing techniques helps to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system and control relaxation.
3. 3. Light a scented candle. Certain scents like lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass can create a soothing atmosphere and help us feel more relaxed. Light a candle with one of these scents and feel your stress start to melt away. Combine this with a cup of tea for the ultimate relaxation session.
4. 4. Try meditation. Meditation is practiced to 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. 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 calming 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 is a great stress relief option for seniors and can help improve their mood.
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 manage stress more effectively.
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 can be a great stress relief option for seniors and can improve their overall well-being.

Experience Stress-Free Living at Monroe Village

These stress relief tips are great for moments when you’re feeling the effects of tension or anxiety, but it’s also helpful to find ways to prevent these feelings. At Monroe Village, we offer relaxing amenities that help residents with managing stress and living a carefree lifestyle.

• Day Spa. When you want total relaxation, a trip to our onsite spa is due. Enjoy a full-body massage in a quiet, calming room to restore both your mind and body.
• Creative Workshop. The Monroe Village creative workshop is the perfect place to explore new hobbies or refine long-established interests. Here you can unleash your creativity and soothe your mind with watercolor classes, birdhouse building, and more.
• 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 newly positioned fitness center, swim some laps in our heated indoor swimming pool, or check out one of our many fitness classes.
• Beautiful Campus. Our extensive campus grounds are the perfect place for a relaxing walk, digging in the community garden, a lively game of shuffleboard with a friend, and more.
• 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.

Ready to learn more about the relaxing amenities and low-maintenance lifestyle Monroe Village offers? We encourage you to contact us today to learn more about our senior living community and the ways we focus our attention on managing stress and helping seniors live a more rewarding and fulfilling life.