Anxious Feelings Are Normal
Anxious feelings are normal, but unchecked anxiety has a negative impact on the human body. Some people don’t have the “tools” to keep it in check. And, sometimes, people simply forget what they already know.
Calm: A Gift of Aging Gracefully
Thankfully, wisdom from life experiences is a gift and that gift is granted to anyone who chooses to use it.
The focus on technological advances in recent years has left many older citizens feeling ignorant as they struggle, and often fail, to keep up with rapid changes.
It’s time for older adults to be the smart ones!
Older Adults Know How to Stay Calm
At this moment, aging adults can use their gifts of wisdom to be guiding lights for their families and friends. Older adults have already lived through crises that today’s younger generations will never understand. Our older loved ones have already survived the stresses of disease, world wars, and painful experiences.
Older generations have experienced the loss of family and friends, their once-perfect bodies, and even the careers they may have loved. Nonetheless, older adults are typically less anxious than younger generations. Studies have proven that people are happier in their older years.
Staying Calm is Important for Aging Gracefully
Enjoy a slower pace today and be the brighter light while people around you may be feeling stressed. Teach others to be calm by your own example. Here are 17 things YOU can do to create calm today:
- Play music that makes you feel happy, energetic, or relaxed.
- Get outdoors. Breathe clean, fresh air and appreciate nature’s sounds, scents, and beauty.
- Limit watching or listening to the news. Stay current without oversaturating yourself.
- Move your body to dispel anxious energy. Dance, walk, hike, practice yoga, Tai-Chi, weightlifting, or any type of exercise. YouTube videos eliminate excuses for missing exercise classes.
- Make a list of people you haven’t called for a while. Then, make some calls and enjoy catching up with family and old friends.
- Satisfy your inner child by drawing, painting, coloring, or Zentangling.
- Let your mind go on vacation by reading books that are hard to put down.
- Recall a happy moment, with as much of the sensory experience as possible (scents, tastes, sounds, colors, and feelings). Savor the memory and consider writing it down.
- Breathe mindfully. Use diaphragmatic breathing as the basis for relaxation. Belly breathing lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate, and relaxes body and mind.
- Diffuse calming scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. High-quality essential oils can sometimes be used topically or internally. Check labels for recommendations and precautions.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and quality proteins and avoid sugary and processed foods.
- Stay well-hydrated with plenty of water, liquids, and hydrating fruits and vegetables.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol and smoking which are proven to worsen anxious feelings rather than lessen.
- Clean a drawer, room, or whole house. Declutter to refocus and create a sense of accomplishment when completed.
- Laugh out loud by watching a funny show or movie, a comedian, or YouTube videos.
- Soak in a bath or take a shower to loosen tense muscles. Imagine fear and stress going down the drain.
- Lay down and listen to guided meditations that take you to a happy place.
Stay Calm While Aging Gracefully
Empower yourself and your family by incorporating any of the above tips and ideas. Learn 5 meditation techniques or enjoy more ideas on reducing anxiety from Psychology Today and talk to your medical provider if you believe your anxiety is becoming unmanageable.
“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.”
Dan Millman, 74-year-old American author and lecturer in the personal development field.
Share your thoughts in the comment box below…
What are YOU doing or saying to keep your family calm right now?
We need calming at this time in our country this was a great info piece everyone stay calm and healthy at this time. Hope to see you soon Kathryn.
At least we see each other on Zoom!!
Now that the weather is not so bitter, I have been taking my little dog to explore all the varied walking paths here in Avon Lake. Each neighborhood seems to have little paths hidden away, and Pookie relishes new smells and adventures with each one. It gets me out too.
I’m glad you enjoy getting out!
Hi, Kathryn!
Love your thoughts on being calm. We are seeing the laughable aspects of things and reassuring our loved ones that we will work through with them whatever comes our/their way. We play cards and work jigsaw puzzles, and, I’ll admit, even take naps! As in #5, I would encourage calling a cherished friend or relative if you are feeling anxious and just need to talk.
Thank you for all you do, Kathryn!
Tina
Thank you for your encouraging words!!
Enjoyed Monica ideas, will try to do a few especially deep breathing and yoga.
Thanks for the Monica Alexa article – calm and on target and certainly describing exactly the very things the wisest among us will be doing.
Excellent. Great advice. Perfect timing.
With the virus on our minds, it is important to focus on our health by exercising, eating healthy foods and watching less television. I am trying these practices and hopefully get through this turbulent time.