While retirement is typically a relaxing period, it can also come with the stress of its own. This stress can be related to many things, such as having to manage chronic illness, adjusting to the changes that come with this new phase of life, or separation from family and friends. Luckily, though, there are plenty of things you can do to relieve your stress. Here are our tips for reducing stress at your age.
Does Your Treatment Need to Be Specific?
The best forms of stress relief are those that respond specifically to the issues you are facing. For instance, if insomnia is keeping you up at night and causing you stress, you can look into a special type of behavioral therapy that treats that particular issue, such as CBT-i. If a disability is the source of your stress, you can look into making changes in your home that allow you to live more independently. You can also speak to a trusted professional such as a doctor or a geriatrician to determine what lifestyle changes you may need to make to accommodate your disability.
If your stress is being caused by your living situation, you might want to consider senior living options. At Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City, we provide independent and assisted living options so that you can choose what best suits you and your needs.
General Tips for Stress Relief
General stress in adults can also be relieved through the following ways:
- Keep Engaged in Regular Physical Activity. Regular exercise keeps you healthy, enhances your mood, and reduces stress. An exercise needn’t be complicated or too strenuous to have benefits either. A 15-minute walk around your block can do wonders to boost your mood. If you have issues with mobility, you can discuss options such as Tai Chi with your doctor.
- Look into Getting a Hobby. Picking up a craft, dancing or reading can be ways to help you relax. Group activities – such as dance classes or art lectures – can also serve as good stress relief as they help keep you socially engaged, warding off loneliness and depression. If you think your stress is caused by loneliness, fill your calendar with events and activities so that you have something to look forward to.
- Think About Getting a Pet. Many studies have shown that having an animal companion – whether in the form of a friendly feline, loyal pup, or others – can help lower stress. But remember that taking care of an animal is a responsibility. If you are thinking of getting a pet, be sure that you can handle the physical and financial challenges of doing so.
Don’t Ignore the Symptoms of Stress
Stress can manifest physically and mentally, such as through the following ways:
- Crying for causes you can’t discern
- Feelings of irritability and edginess
- Tension headaches
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Poor concentration
- Indecisiveness
- Heart palpitations
Don’t wait to seek relief from stress. In adults, chronic stress increases the risk of health problems such as heart disease and heartburn. It can also increase blood sugar levels and worsen diabetes, causes high blood pressure, and insomnia. If you feel that you may be experiencing stress on a regular basis, it’s best to reach out for help sooner rather than later.
