As a senior citizen, you may not be suffering from the same stress that bothers younger people – such as work and raising a family.
Instead, you may be stressed about losing your independence as you age, a health concern or losing friends and family loved ones.
A few, well-thought-out movements on a daily basis can help to relieve the stress you’re going through – even if your mobility is limited or you live in relative isolation.
Even some relatively small movements while sitting in a chair can release endorphins in your brain so that your mood is improved and you’ll also provide a boost to your health and flexibility.
Here are some movements which seniors can engage in even if confined to a wheelchair or if you have limited mobility:
- Chair – Help your balance and your stress with some simple chair exercises such as shoulder rolls, arm lifts, toe tapping, leg lifts and bicep curls.
- Walks – Walks don’t cost a thing, and if you can, you should get out in the fresh air, walk as briskly as you can and breathe deeply. You’ll be amazed at how spending some minutes walking each week can make a difference in your mood and how you feel.
- Tai Chi – Slow and controlled movements are the hallmark of Tai Chi moves, and many seniors are finding it a great stress reliever. The movements resemble those found in many martial arts programs, but they’re low impact and not meant as a contact sport.
- Pet Play – If you have a pet, you’ve got a live-in exercise machine. Walking your dog, cuddling with your cat and playing light games such as “fetch” with them can enhance your day’s dose of activity and movement and play a great part in relieving stress.
- Yoga – Not enough can be said about the benefits of Yoga. The gentle movements and deep breathing exercises can help to improve your mood while giving your body the extra flexibility it needs to function properly.
- Gardening – Even if you only have room for a few potted plants in a sunny window or a small patio where you can place a chair, gardening is a great way for you to cope with and relieve stress on a daily basis.
Explore some movements and relaxation techniques designed to help relieve stress you may be experiencing from aging. Relieving stress from your life can help slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, improve cognitive skills, increase blood flow – and so much more.
These simple movements, plus maintaining a positive attitude, your sense of humor, getting enough sleep and looking forward to each day can help to dissolve stress in your life and help you live to your fullest potential.
