During your retirement years, you should be relaxing and taking life easy, but for some older adults, there are still plenty of reasons to feel stressed. With a global pandemic added in, even the calmest among us is likely to be a bit tense. But stress, even in small doses, can be harmful to both mind and body, so it’s important to get some relief on a regular basis.
Here are 5 fun activities that can help decrease stress:
1.Try Your Hands at Art
Hundreds of studies have shown the stress-relieving benefits of making art, including drawing, painting and working with clay.[1] So it’s no surprise that studios offering one-time painting and ceramics sessions have sprung up all over. There are also longer term classes available, often provided by community recreation programs at affordable prices. Search for classes online or ask a loved one to help you find options to fit your needs.
2.Stroll Through a Zoo or Animal Rescue Center
You’ve probably heard before that physical activity reduces stress,[2] but did you know that animals could also relieve stress? According to the National Institutes of Health, interacting with animals decreases stress hormones and lowers blood pressure.[3] So why not combine these healthful activities by visiting a zoo or animal sanctuary? If there are no zoos in your area, you could visit an animal rescue center or even a friend or loved one with pets—as long as they are well mannered.
3. Pot Some Plants (or Buy Some That are Already Potted)
If you have ever gardened, or even cared for house plants, then you likely already know what the research shows—that digging in the dirt and cultivating plants is great for both body and mind.[4] And it doesn’t even require a plot of land. A plant, bag of potting soil, and a pot can yield the same benefits. If you’d rather not get your hands dirty, you can purchase all kinds of potted plants that can help with stress, ranging from blooming and green plants to container gardens of herbs and vegetables.
4. Get a Light Massage, if Your Doctor Approves
Such close contact may not be for everyone due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, but if you are vaccinated and take other precautions, a gentle massage may be a good way to relax. However, it’s wise to check with your doctor first to be sure you have no existing health conditions that will make massage unsafe. If you get the green light, look for massage therapists who specialize in geriatric massage, so they’re trained in the proper techniques for seniors.[5]
5. Laugh
It’s true—laughter is good medicine,[6] so prescribe yourself plenty of it. Watch funny TV shows, movies and/or comedy acts, read humorous books or spend time with someone who makes you chuckle. The more you tickle your funny bone, the lower your stress level will be.
[1] Creative Arts Interventions for Stress Management and Prevention—A Systematic Review; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836011/
[2] Exercise: A Healthy Stress Reliever; American Psychological Association; https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/exercise
[3] The Power of Pets; NIH News in Health; https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets
[4] Gardening is Beneficial for Health: A Meta-Analysis; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5153451/#bb0330
[5] Massage: Get in Touch with its Many Benefits; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743
[6] The Laughter Prescription: A Tool for Lifestyle Medicine; American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125057/
S7694_21-6326_enewsletter 2021_C Reviewed 07/01/21
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