With all that’s happening around the world, it’s understandable to feel stress, and while no one enjoys living under stress, there are lots of things you can do to manage it successfully. April is National Stress Awareness month which makes it a great time to consider how to reduce or avoid stress. Get started with these 5 tips for stress management from Brandermill Woods:
1. Cultivate resilience.
With the world changing so rapidly, it’s natural to feel resistance, which manifests itself in the form of stress. To cultivate resilience, remember the serenity prayer: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Cultivating the wisdom to worry less about things beyond our control can provide a renewed perspective and more peace of mind.
2. Try meditation.
Meditation is a great way to encourage mindfulness which helps you to live in the present moment and avoid worrying about the past or future. When done consistently, meditation helps to boost your mood and reduce stress levels. In particularly difficult situations, it’s also a great go-to method for managing your reactions and lowering stress levels. Find ways to incorporate meditation into your everyday schedule by joining a session on campus, listening to a podcast or even starting a journal.
3. Care for your health.
A great stress reliever for older adults is taking care of basic wellness needs. This includes eating plenty of lean protein and fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly to give yourself an energy boost, and keeping up with medical appointments to nip any potential health problems in the bud.
4. Socialize with friends and family.
As we age, it’s easy to fall into patterns of isolation, which can be very damaging for our health. A lunch with friends or a happy hour can be a great stress reliever. Be sure to reach out to friends, family and loved ones regularly—and consider the many classes, games and activities available at retirement communities like Brandermill Woods. We’re here to help you engage.
5. Contact us to learn more.
The wellness benefits and social activities are two strong reasons to move into a retirement community. To learn more or join us for a stress-free retirement, contact us today!
