It can feel quite isolating to be stuck inside the house day after day, especially during the cold and dreary season. Not to mention, the stress someone can feel without an outlet to release some tension. Seniors living alone can try some indoor stress relief tactics to make winter isolation periods more manageable. This blog will discuss some of the signs and symptoms of stress and some tactics to relieve it.
Some Signs And Symptoms Of Stress
Before choosing a tactic to relieve stress, it's important to first learn the signs and symptoms of oncoming tension. Knowing which things trigger an episode of stress can help a person better understand when it's time to start combatting those feelings and get ahead of them before they take over. People may:
- Feel overwhelmed
- Get frequent headaches
- Feel fatigued
- Have angry outbursts
- Over or under eat
- Lack motivation
- Have an upset stomach
- Experience insomnia
Set Your Calendar
Setting plans and making preparations for the year can help seniors handle isolating times. Though they may not be able to get out and about during cold winter periods, they could have spring and summer to look forward to. Planning out the year ahead can help reduce stress and give seniors hope for what's to come in the future.
Download A Mindfulness App
Practicing mindfulness is a great way to combat symptoms of stress. Anyone can download a free mindfulness app right from their phone, tablet, or computer. The apps section on Google Play offers options for Android users, while Apple products utilize the App Store. A search for "mindfulness app" will turn up numerous results. Some provide quiet sleep stories that can help people drift off easily, while others offer guided lessons on deep breathing, practicing gratitude, and more.
Try Yoga/Exercise
People can also easily accomplish yoga in the comfort of their own homes. Yoga is all about stretching and deep breathing, making it especially ideal for stress relief, but any exercise will do as it releases endorphins that can boost mood. No matter a person's level of mobility, there are beginner exercises that can be tried. Chair exercises are even worthwhile, allowing seniors to sit comfortably and attempt to move in a way that is easy for them. Try for just 10 or 15 minutes at a time to start.
Journal
Journaling is another common method recommended for stress relief. Sometimes, all it takes is writing down positive thoughts and feelings about the day to help diminish tension and scatter negative thoughts. Writing down just one positive thing that happened that day will lead to a list of seven positive happenings by the end of the week. They don't have to be significant events, either. One person may decide to jot down that their coffee was absolutely delicious that morning, while another may say that the sun peeked through the window that afternoon and the warmth on their face brightened their mood. Nothing is too small to include.
Get Companion Care From Senior Helpers of the Tri-Cities and SE Washington
Seniors living alone don't have to be on their own for the entire winter season. Request companion care from Senior Helpers of the Tri-Cities and SE Washington to have someone visit your senior loved ones regularly and keep them company. Anyone in the areas of Walla Walla, Richland, Kennewick, Clarkston, Pasco, or nearby can utilize these services. Contact us today to learn about what's included.