Did you know that women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder? According to research studies, the fight or flight responses in women are more easily activated due to the levels of estrogen in their bodies. While it is important to note that anxiety is perfectly healthy, as it is a normal physiological reaction to stress, necessary steps for relieving anxiety should be taken to ensure that this stress would not snowball into anxiety disorders harmful to our health. Taking this into account, here are several ways of relieving anxiety!
Physical Activities
As we get older, many of us neglect to adopt physical exercises in our daily routines. However, numerous studies have linked physical activity to better mental health, releasing feel-good endorphins to relieve the anxiety we might be experiencing. Some less physically taxing exercises you can consider picking up are walking, swimming, dancing, or even chair yoga. Consult a doctor if you have any concerns about which exercise to adopt, especially if you are struggling with existing health issues.
Diet Changes
You are what you eat. Nutrition is crucial to a healthy mind and body and the food that we ingest plays a crucial role in the quality of our physical and mental health. Consider eating foods rich in nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, or omega-3 fatty acids, as these nutrients are scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mental health. Examples of foods you should include in your diet are leafy greens, cashews, and fatty fish like salmon. The mind and the body are intricately intertwined. By simply taking care of our physical health, we also improve our mental health, making us more equipped to handle the stressors formed out of anxiety.
Breathing Exercises
You can perform deep breathing exercises anywhere, which will help you to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. Breathing deeply increases the concentration of oxygen in the blood which soothes sections of the brain experiencing anxiety while activating our parasympathetic nervous system, allowing us to relax even further.
While there are many different deep breathing exercises you could adopt, consider starting with a simple exercise whereby you inhale slowly and deeply through your nose. Focus on taking in air into your abdomen and chest, before releasing the air through your mouth. Repeat this over and over until you calm down from the anxiety attack.
Social Interactions
As discussed earlier, our mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. Social isolation or loneliness can lead to adverse health consequences such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Consider strengthening current social bonds or even establishing new ones with family and friends as they can act as pillars of social support. Adopt video calls if it is not possible to meet up regularly, and consider joining a retirement community to establish new bonds.
Experience the Best in Senior Living at Regency Pointe
As our health slowly deteriorates as we age, taking good care of our physical and mental health is of greater importance than ever before. Maintaining a healthy social life is one of the ways to overall well-being, and thus you should consider considering our retirement community here at Regency Pointe. If you are seeking a vibrant community to call home, our team members are well equipped to handle your needs. Feel free to contact us for any further information!
