Anxiety is a common mental disorder in people between the ages of 60 and above, according to a research article from the Harvard Medical School.
Anxiety is a common thing nowadays and people are becoming more aware about the importance of therapy and lifestyle changes to reduce anxiety in our daily life.Other common factors of excessive anxiety in seniors include insomnia, chronic illnesses and heart ailments. At times, people who fail to cope with their anxiety issues often abuse alcohol, antidepressants and psychoactive drugs such as marijuana for anxiety and stress.
The problem of anxiety in seniors is not surprising: seniors often suffer from various physical illnesses which can have a negative impact on their mobility, and their freedom is also reduced to some extent. Before considering any physical discomfort or illness the reason behind your anxiety, make sure to discuss it with your doctor first.
Every individual’s body responds to different treatments in a different way. What may work for you may will not necessarily work the same way for another person and vice versa. Therefore, don’t lose hope or get disheartened if something doesn’t work for you.
In this article, we will share some useful tips on how you can alleviate your stress and anxiety naturally without using any drugs or psychotic medications.
Getting Social Support
Seniors suffer from feelings of loneliness or isolation due to lack of mobility and social interaction with others. These feelings can cause anxiety and stress. The best way to combat these negative feelings is by strengthening your social support network.
By joining social programs at your local community centres, pursuing a new hobby that you enjoy or by simply walking around your local park, you can reduce your stress, socialize and make new friends. Unconditional support, companionship and socialization is by far one of the most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
Meditation and Mindfulness Exercises
If you feel anxious all the time, then try to practice some calming meditative exercises. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) suggests deep breathing exercises to ease symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Physical exercise also helps to ease stress in people suffering from depression and anxiety. Since intense workouts can be quite challenging for some people, especially those who suffer from back pain or chronic arthritis, low-impact workouts and exercises such as yoga, walk, swimming or tai chi are some great options to increase physical activity without giving excessive strain to your body.
Listening to Music
Listening to soothing natural sounds is also effective in coping with issues of stress and anxiety. You can relax both; your mind and body by listening to some soothing instrumental or nature music.
Music is touted to be a natural mood regulator which can relieve anxiety and induce relaxation. Soothing backgrounds such as ocean waves or classical piano music, or even an audiobook or radio show can help you relax and unwind, especially at night before bedtime.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Lack of proper sleep or poor quality sleep can increase feelings of stress and anxiety. Many seniors find it hard to sleep at night because of anxious feelings about life in general or due to certain medication interactions. Many people simply can’t sleep at night because they feel that it’s more difficult to reach out for help during nighttime.
If you sleep a lot during the day due to certain medications, lack of mobility or simply out of boredom, then you are more likely to have trouble getting to sleep at night. Reading a book, cutting off excessive consumption of caffeine, switching off the phone and practicing yoga or meditation before bedtime can help you unwind for a better night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Stress and anxiety are probably such mental disorders which effect more to those who suffer from nighttime fears or isolation. However, it is extremely important to understand that it nothing to feel ashamed of. With the support of your family and friends and by making some positive changes in your daily lifestyle, it is possible to eliminate symptoms of stress amd anxiety and live a more peaceful and stress-free life.
