Stress and anxiety are things that many people live with in this fast-paced world. However, for seniors, stress and anxiety can exacerbate a lot of health issues. This is why it is so important to know, as a senior, how to manage your stress and anxiety so that it is not managing you! Whether you live with family, or in senior housing in Everett, WA, stress/anxiety management is very important and helpful for your overall well-being.

Journaling/Creativity

Journaling is a wonderful way to manage your stress and anxiety because it allows you to be completely honest and raw with your thoughts and feelings in a safe place. However, don’t feel obligated to write things down in words if that’s not what comes naturally. You can use a journal for making drawings or paintings, and even as a planner to help you be able to plan your days. Your journal is personal to you, so don’t feel like you need to use it in a certain way. The main idea is to use your journal as a way to get your emotions out instead of bottling them up and becoming stressed and anxious about them.

Mindful Movement

Mindful movement is something that is exercise, but requires you to be just a little more mindful than typical repetitive exercises like situps or lifting weights. Things like yoga, tai chi, pilates, etc. are all examples of mindful movement. These types of exercises can help you relax, work on your breathing, and give you the benefits of regular exercise when practiced consistently. Each of these exercises is different, so you may need to try a few different ones before you find the one that works best for you. However, don’t give up if tai chi isn’t for you—maybe yoga or pilates is! Many seniors who live in assisted living in Everett participate in these kinds of classes, so just ask around your community to see what’s offered nearby.

Know The Signs

If you don’t know the signs of stress and anxiety, you won’t even know that you need to do something about it. Signs of stress and anxiety are different for everyone, but there are a few signs that are very common. With just a little self-reflection and honesty, you should be able to know whether or not you need to find ways to cope with stress/anxiety for the sake of your health. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:

Back Pain
Concentration Issues
Crying
Difficulty Making Decisions
Heart Palpitations
Indigestion
Irritability/Edginess
Tension Headaches

(Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/stress/stress-relief-tips-for-older-adults)

Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Everett, WA has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake provides outstanding assisted living and independent living.