People tend to seek a less stressful life as they age, developing personal techniques for managing worry and anxiety. As an older adult, it’s an especially good idea to stay in touch with your mental well-being. Chronic stress can impact the long-term quality of your life, including increasing the likelihood of disease.
Here are 10 ways you can reduce stress and how The Estates at Carpenters can help.
Tips To Help Older Adults Manage Stress
Some of our favorite ways to destress and combat the negative effects of worry and anxiety include:
- Get a little fresh air.
Spending time outside increases the oxygen levels in your brain, boosting serotonin and encouraging a greater feeling of wellness. At The Estates at Carpenters, you’ll enjoy a grilling area, dog park, our 19th hole putting green, party patios and more.
- Exercise more often.
Called meditation in motion by the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise is a wonderful way to stay in touch with your body and keep yourself feeling well. Senior living communities like The Estates at Carpenters feature wellness programming, a fitness center, and classes to practice deep breathing, mindfulness and yoga.
- Learn something new.
At The Estates at Carpenters, we provide lifelong learning with collegiate educational events and Florida Southern College speakers. Our community also offers computer classes and features two on-site libraries so you can keep growing your brain.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
A top recommendation from the American Psychological Association for reducing anxiety is getting even more sleep. Only when older adults change their sleeping habits consciously do they realize that they haven’t been getting the kind of rest they need. With a worry-free senior living lifestyle, you’ll be able to get every wink your body needs.
- Eat mindfully.
Mindful eating practices improve digestion, enhance the enjoyment of meals, and help you appropriately cope with difficult emotions. In addition to supporting your dietary goals, The Estates at Carpenters can help you manage stress through delicious and healthy dining options.
- Consider retirement options that remove the burden of maintenance.
A great way to alleviate stress is to cut down on the responsibilities that take a daily toll, particularly those that become increasingly difficult over time. At The Estates at Carpenters, you can enjoy a relaxed and convenient lifestyle while our staff handles the housework, maintenance and landscaping.
- Restructure your thinking.
Another way to combat stress is to change the way you think about your worries. You can reduce stress by replacing worrying thoughts with relaxing ones through exercises with yourself or a therapist, a process known as cognitive restructuring.
- Spend time with family and friends.
Being with loved ones regularly can relieve stress, reduce blood pressure, and help build your support network. Outings, classes and events at a senior living community like The Estates at Carpenters can strengthen these connections.
- You can volunteer.
Retirement often comes with more free time than you might know what to do with. Volunteering could be the answer! The ability to use your gifts, training and experience to help others can be a healthy way to find additional fulfillment. Through all seasons of the year, The Estates at Carpenters residents engage in philanthropic activities to better the local community and pass on their knowledge to younger generations.
- Read a favorite book or watch a favorite film.
It’s not uncommon for older adults to need an escape during times of high stress. You can calm your anxious thoughts and tap into positive emotions by listening to music that evokes good memories, reading a story that captures your imagination, or watching a classic movie.
The Estates at Carpenters is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. We provide a full continuum of care and a unique advantage to Winter Haven, Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando, and surrounding Central Florida region retirees.
Learn more about our Wellness Center and programming today.