While people who are still working may think of retirement as a stress-free time for seniors, that’s not always the case. Just because older adults no longer have to work or raise a family doesn’t mean they don’t still have concerns. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your stress that also come with health benefits.
Ways to Reduce Stress
Stress and anxiety can be caused by worrying about the future. If you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts about the what-ifs of tomorrow, here are some things you can do:
- Exercise: Physical activity produces endorphins — chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers — while also reducing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Before starting on any new exercise routine, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.
- Meditate: Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and most recently has been shown to provide a sense of calm, peace, and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health. If you’re busy, even one or two minutes of meditation a day can make a difference.
- Create a sleep routine: It’s no surprise that sleep can be disrupted due to stress, depression and anxiety. To get a good night’s rest, reduce bedroom distractions — including televisions, cell phones, and bright lights — that make falling asleep difficult,and avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
- Spend time with pets: Interacting with animals can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase feelings of social support.
- Laugh: As they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Enjoying a good laugh is one of the easiest ways to manage and reduce your stress. Try watching funny movies and TV shows, reading satire, or surrounding yourself with funny friends.
- Be creative: When you do something you enjoy — like listening and singing along to music, writing in a journal, dancing, painting, quilting, woodworking — you focus on something outside yourself.
- Get outside: Being in nature can improve your blood pressure and help boost your mood. Research also shows that being outside lowers the amount of cortisol in the body, and reduces harmful inflammation that could lead to autoimmune disorders.
Independent Living Is Also Stress-Free Living
Finding the right stress-free lifestyle for seniors requires some preparation. But if you’re looking for a lifestyle that opens you up to more possibilities by taking care of your household responsibilities, that’s what the services and amenities at Friendship Village Chesterfield and Friendship Village Sunset Hills offer. You’ll also be able to take advantage of:
- Maintenance-free living: Let our talented staff take care of all the chores — inside and outside maintenance, housekeeping and even cooking — while you do more of what you want to do. With our scheduled transportation,we can even drive you to doctor appointments and community events.
- Do what you want: While we handle the stuff you don’t want to do you, you have more time to do the things you enjoy. Take an exercise or art class. Pursue a personal best in our fitness center or heated indoor pool. Challenge your neighbors to a game of horseshoes, bocce ball, or pool. Relax in our library. Or meet friends for dinner.
- Enjoy peace of mind: We have 24/7 security and a 24-hour emergency assist system. Plus, because we’re a Life Plan Community offering Life Care, you have guaranteed access to our full continuum of on-site care — including Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation — should you ever need it, at predictable monthly rates.
Stress-Free Way to Explore the Benefits of Senior Living Communities
If you’re ready to learn more about Friendship Village Chesterfield and Friendship Village Sunset Hills now’s a great time to schedule a personal visit by contacting us here.
You can also hear about how our new expansion with award-winning dining options and stunning views from our rooftop patios is taking our lifestyle to the next level. Our exceptional services and amenities at our expanded community — including our grand ballroom, creative arts studio, and heated whirlpool spa — might even make you wish you’d moved in years ago.