Self-Care Tips for Seniors
Collaborative Post
Are you a bit confused about self-help or what you can do for self-care? Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. Self-care doesn’t mean having to go on a month-long yoga retreat or giving up chocolate forever. Here are some simple suggestions that are ideal for seniors.
Keep A Gratitude Journal
Getting older is easier for some people than for others. Older people who struggle with health problems or money worries might feel disheartened. If you can learn to practise gratitude, you can combat some of these negative thoughts. Even in situations that you out of your control, you can find something to be thankful for. Feeling grateful for the good things that you have will make you happier and help you maintain better health.
Keep a notebook by your bed and get into the habit of writing down a few things that you were grateful for that day. These don’t have to be big things. Whether you’re grateful for a great day with your grandchildren, or a fast appointment at the denture clinic, write it down.
Spend More Time In Nature
People who don’t spend much time in the outdoors are more likely to experience poor health and less satisfaction in life. Seniors often struggle to spend enough time outdoors, but there are lots of benefits to getting into nature.
Breathing fresh air or feeling the sun on your skin can give you a mental boost that you can’t really get anywhere else. Getting out and about can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress hormones.
You could aim to make going for a walk somewhere a part of your regular routine, for self-care. If you live in the countryside, you have plenty of choices for where to go. If you’re a city dweller, look for a quiet park or garden where you can get some fresh air and connect to nature.
Try Natural Remedies
A lot of older people grew up in a time where alternative medicines and remedies were largely ignored. However, in recent years, scientists have found that they are a lot of benefits to several natural methods of treating ailments.
Instead of always taking painkillers for a headache, you could try a neck massage pillow. Instead of prescription medication for anxiety, try diffusing essential oils that naturally help you feel calmer. Ginger tea is considered a natural way to lower your blood pressure.
Remember, before you add any kinds of herbs or supplements to your diet, you should always talk to your doctor first. This is especially important if you are taking any other medications or are managing a health condition. However, you might be surprised by the number of conditions that you can treat with natural remedies.
It is still important to visit your doctors frequently. There are still things that only medical professionals can fix. For example, if you have missing teeth, then you can visit this dentist who does dentures and the best dental implants in Chandler to get them replaced.
Reconnect With Old Hobbies (Or Start New Ones)
What did you enjoy when you were younger? Perhaps you were a painter, a golfer, a writer, or a musician? A lot of people find that some hobbies fall by the wayside as they get older, often due to the demands of work and parenting. Now that you’re older and have more free time, you can take up some activities that you used to enjoy. Give yourself some time each week to reconnect with your favourite hobbies.
You could take up a new hobby. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about trying out something new, like joining a book club or taking up a photography class. Finding something new that you love to do could be the perfect way to get started with your new self-care practice.
Make Weekly Plans With Loved Ones
Loneliness can affect anyone, and it can be a big problem for a lot of older people. The best way to beat loneliness and isolation is to make regular plans with friends and family.
Make plans with your nearby friends. Invite them over for dinner or make reservations at a restaurant. If you feel more energetic during the day, swap dinner for lunch, or a morning coffee.
If your closest family members actually live further away, there are still plenty of ways to connect. Thanks to technology, it’s much easier to stay connected to people, wherever they live. Book some time in to get together online, through Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. The great thing about these platforms is that you can enjoy seeing your loved ones face to face. If you need some help setting up your phone or computer to use these platforms, the grandchildren can probably help you to get it sorted!
