We are nearing that ”most wonderful time of the year” again. I, myself love everything that Christmas has to offer but it can be a very stressful run up.
While winter is indeed coming, so too is cold weather, flu season and the constant worry about COVID-19. It’s a worry and stressful time for us all. Now is where it is crucial to focus on you, take care of both your mental and physical health. One of the best ways to that is to take some ‘me time’. Its not indulgent or selfish, its important and all goes towards a good quality of life.
Over the years, relaxation has become an overlooked activity and we have begun to glorify the overworked and busy lifestyle. To focus on aging well, relaxation plays a vital role. With that in mind here are a few easy relaxation tips for the elderly.
The Important of Relaxation for the Elderly
It’s the circle of life. As we age, our bodies can be become more susceptible to health complications. Relaxation does in fact play a vital part in improving and maintaining both our physical and mental health. For the elderly or aging adult, relaxation can alleviate the possible risks that lead to heart problems such as strokes and heart attacks.
Stress is one of the main contributing factors to a number of health issues. Whether its a run down immune system, a stream of nasty headaches or even high blood pressure. While many may believe they are temporarily overwhelmed, stress literally has a dozen ways it can harm your body. You are more susceptible to cold and flu, it can increase inflammation and make your more vulnerable to germs and bacteria.
If we are sick we take medication, if we are tired we go to sleep but why is it when we are stressed we soldier on?
Relaxation is a powerful tool in your arsenal, lets work on being a little kinder to ourselves and taking some ‘me time’ for your health.
4 Relaxation Tips To Try At Home
Get Creative
Myself, I like to take on a hobby when I am feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It could be by bringing out the pens and paintbrushes or picking up the crocket hook for yet another scarf. This helps me to relax because my mind is solely focused on this one activity. There is no time pressure or external stressors. It is purely, me time.
Creating something can actually help stimulate your mind and body. It’s hard to focus on all the bad things in life when you are totally consumed on trying to make eyes of the character you are drawing match or whether you missed a stitch and have to start again. The creative activity takes over and you will feel your mind and body simply go ”Ahhhhhh”.
Have a Date with Mother Nature
I wouldn’t be the most active of people but when I do go out I like to go to the forest or the woods. Especially during the autumn. There is nothing more beautiful that the mix of the autumn colours and the crunch of the leaves under foot. This calms me down completely.
Next time you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed head out to the park or the forest for a stroll, and it you don’t want to do it alone, take a friend and a flask of tea for a good chat.
Have a Soak
It’s hard not to relax with in the soothing warm water with smell of your favourite bubble bath. Let all the worries and stress float away and take some time to relax. Taking a good old fashioned bubble bath gives you that much needed down time.
Of course not everyone has a bath tub in their home but that doesn’t mean you still can’t relax. Why not try a foot spa with the same favourite bubbles and a cuppa or a nice shower with scented candle.
Hug a Mug
Ever taken the first sip or a coffee or tea and in that moment with the smell of it, the warmth of the cup in your hands and you feel a sense of calm? I have had it many a times and it always help bring me back to earth and refocus. It’s not as long lasting relief as the other relaxations above but taking the time to sit and enjoy that one cup could be the boost that you need.
Here at Uccello Designs, we are all about making lives easier and with our daily living aids like the:
you can have just that. So go on, pop the kettle on, I certainly will!
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