Exercise is too commonly seen as a tedious thing. It has a perception of being a painful chore to get done and a burden to your day. However, it doesn't have to be!...
Sparing time for relaxation is crucial, especially for older adults. It can help improve mental health as well as physical well-being. In addition, relaxation can help combat several health conditions, such as arthritis, nausea, and chronic headaches, among others.
It's also important to point out that we're living in stressful times. There's a deadly pandemic and a regular need for isolation. As such, these evoke acute stress among seniors. In addition to various chronic conditions that are age bound, seniors are also dealing with increased loneliness and social isolation.
All these stressful situations piling up on one individual often leads to depression. Luckily there are some simple things you can do to minimize the effects. .
8 Mind-Relaxing Tips
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Meditate
Meditation offers relaxation in its simplest form. While that's so, it's important to note that meditation is a very powerful tool for managing stress. It's also relatively easy to do anywhere, and you can get started today! Click here to learn about getting started!
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Take a Break from Cell Phones
Taking a break from cell phones helps to obtain a balance between the real-world and digital arena. And by spending part of your time outdoors in nature or with actual people, you can reduce anxiety. As such, you will enhance happiness, contentment, and have a more positive attitude.
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Listen to Music
Music is another powerful cure for stress. In particular, instrumental music is soothing and effective when targeting mental peace. Studies reveal that listening to music is helpful in managing stress and easing anxiety during challenging moments.There are various sources of relaxing music you can listen to. Consider creating your own playlist with songs that help you relax! Alternatively, there are also nature sounds and white noise machines designed to help foster relaxation before sleeping.
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Practice Breathing
Did you know that breathing is among the best ways to relax? Yes, by mastering the art of deep breathing, you can evoke calmness when you're feeling stressed. The results are fast and remarkable. You can start by taking a deep breath and then exhaling through your mouth.
And as you do so, release the tension on your shoulders and keep your hands on your abdominal area. Therefore, every time you inhale and exhale, your hands should rise and drop with your breath. Also, as you take each breath and exhale, count from 1-4 gently to enhance mental focus.
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Exercise
Engaging in physical workouts improves general health and promotes relaxation. For this, low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, chair stretches, and tai chi are excellent.
Tai chi, for example, is helpful if you are dealing with high blood pressure. It can help you manage this condition and speed up recuperation. Yoga is also a popular technique for combating anxiety and stress.
Walking can help evoke a positive outlook and attitude. Whichever physical exercise you decide to start with, set up a gentle but regular routine. This will gradually introduce your body to muscle stress and prevent injuries.
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Get a Massage
Massage therapy is also great for mental and physical relaxation. It will boost blood circulation, which has a refreshing effect on the mind and body. If your physician gives the go-ahead, don't waste time. Book a session, and you will enjoy the many physical and mental benefits!
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Venture Outdoors
Staying confined in closed spaces can provoke anxiety and uneasiness. Therefore, it's important to spend part of your day outdoors. If possible, look for a garden where you can lend a hand taking care of plants. Studies show hands in contact with the soil helps relieve stress, improves mental focus, and boosts cardiovascular health. Click here to read more about why you should grow a garden! -
Talk to a Friend
Have you ever heard of the saying "A problem shared is a problem halved"? Well, this can help when you're experiencing mental stress. If you have a friend, invite them over or visit them for a friendly conversation. You can share with them what's troubling you and reduce the burden on your mind. Even without a troubling situation, it's healthy to meet with friends and share moments.
Progressively, chronic stress can become a root cause of deadly health conditions. And even before that, it can be a source of adverse effects, discomfort, mood swings, and communication troubles. As such, these tips to relax your mind are essential when it comes to following a healthy lifestyle.
Let us know in the comments below - what's your favorite way to relax your mind?
