by Jason Lewis
You can live your best life and feel good at any age. The key is taking proactive steps to care for yourself. Seniors can improve their quality of life by taking control of their physical and mental health. Although this might sound like a huge task at first, you can implement small, easy changes to your daily lifestyle to help boost your wellness. If you’re interested in feeling better, keep reading for some tips on how you can stay healthy and get the most out of each day.
Getting Help Around the House
Even for those of us who enjoy housework, it can become more difficult as we age. If arthritis and other health conditions prevent you from completing any chores, one solution is to hire some extra help. Luckily, professional landscapers and cleaners are affordable these days. In Los Angeles, for instance, most homeowners only spend between $117 – $223 for interior cleanings.
Staying Physically Active
Physical fitness is important at any age. In addition to boosting our immune system, improving balance, and building strength, physical activity also naturally reduces depression and anxiety. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new workout program to make sure it’s safe for you. If you’re having trouble getting motivated to work out, you might even ask a friend, relative, or loved one to be your workout partner. Everything, including fitness, is more fun with a friend.
Coping with Stress
Although there’s a lot of focus on caring for your physical health as you age, seniors should also prioritize their mental and emotional health. Experts say stress hurts our health, making us sick. Despite those findings, however, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal advises taking a different approach to stress. McGonigal recommends rethinking your stress response as a helpful process that prepares you to perform better. Surprisingly, Harvard studies have backed up McGonigal’s claims. By changing the way you react to stress, you can improve your coping mechanisms and resilience when faced with difficult situations.
Beating Depression
Even those of us who adequately cope with stress can sometimes feel sad, lonely, or even depressed. To help beat the blues, try to surround yourself with people you love. Engage in social activities, which help you meet new friends and overcome loneliness. Because physical activity has been shown to reduce depression, you might go for a walk or take a gentle fitness class. You might even talk to a medical professional about medications or daily techniques you can use to boost your mood.
On those days when you’re having trouble staying motivated enough to get out of bed, be patient with yourself. Try to push through any difficult days, and always remember to treat yourself with the same level of compassion you’d show a beloved friend.
Getting Enough Sleep
Sure, your doctor’s said it over and over again, but getting enough sleep really is crucial for your health. A healthy lifestyle that consists of 8 hours of sleep per night helps reduce your risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s. “Deep sleep is like a power cleanse for the brain,” says neuroscientist Lisa Genova.
To fall asleep, you might try implementing an evening relaxation practice. You could convert a quiet space or an unused bedroom in your home into a meditation room, read your favorite book, or sit quietly in candlelight. Psychotherapist Terri Cole calls these relaxing spaces your own “zen den.” Best of all, Cole says it’s “something you have control over, and all it requires is a candle and maybe a nice, little meditation.”
Caring for Yourself
Although we all know the importance of caring for our health throughout our lives, it’s especially crucial during our senior years. From taking care of your body to hiring help around the house, there are many ways you can boost your quality of life at any age. Be sure to get enough sleep each night, and talk to your doctor about safe activities to help you stay fit. Remember, you deserve to enjoy a high quality of life. Your health and wellness are worth it.
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