SENIOR SELF-CARE
Taking Good Care of Your Overall Health
Now that you’re in your golden years, it’s essential to make sure you’re not only taking care of yourself physically but mentally as well. When you’re at your absolute best overall, you’ll not only have less stress, but you could also be less prone to illness. So, let’s look at some of the things that can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Manage Your Tasks Well
Now that you’re older, you’ll need to make sure you don’t take on more than you can realistically manage. To keep things manageable, you can make use of these tips from Comfort Keepers; for example, it’s suggested that you make a list of scheduled activities and prioritize them. When you put your list in writing, it makes it easier for you to keep track of all the things you have on your plate. Of course, it pays to be flexible when planning your activities so you don’t feel overwhelmed or drop important tasks. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll need to learn to say “no” to anything that you can’t do or don’t have time for. As difficult as it might be, saying “no” will give you more time to take care of your own priorities and you won’t have to deal with disappointing others because you weren’t able to do what they asked.
Make Time for Yourself
According to North Shore, the benefits of relaxation include a decrease in your stress level, reduced anxiety as well as an improved ability to cope with your daily activities. What you use for relaxation can vary though so it’s okay if you’re not interested in things like meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Sometimes, developing a pleasant and relaxing skincare routine can help make the day a little better. Products from Bare Skin Care can help make your skin feel younger and rejuvenated, and we have many different options to choose from.
However, keep in mind that taking time to relax is completely different from getting enough sleep. As an older adult, it’s recommended that you get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night so make sure you’re not sacrificing your rest.
Do Things You Enjoy
Finding a hobby or doing things that you enjoy has been shown to have a positive effect on your mental health as a senior. It keeps your mind engaged and ensures that you’re physically active. When you take part in activities that involve others, you get a mental boost from the social interaction that can keep mental issues such as depression and anxiety at bay. If you’re not sure which activities will work for you or you’d like to try new things, Sonas has a few recommendations to explore. You could join a book club or take up dance classes. Your golden years can be an excellent time to learn a new language or upgrade your computer skills. You could also start painting, crocheting, making floral arrangements, or brewing beer.
Take Care of Your Teeth
As you get older, taking good care of your teeth becomes even more important. Not only can daily brushing and flossing help you combat problems such as tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, it can also stave off more serious concerns such as diabetes and heart disease. If your teeth are a little crooked, however, keeping them clean can be difficult, which is why it’s important to address this issue sooner rather than later. Unless you have severely misaligned teeth (in this case, you’ll need to talk to your dentist about treatment options), you can look into at-home aligners from companies like byte to correct your misalignment. These clear aligners can give you noticeable results in as little as three months. What’s more, the company focuses on offering exceptional customer service to help answer questions or solve any issues that may come up along the way. Once you’ve finished the treatment, your teeth will be much straighter and easier to care for, which will help protect your overall health.
Get Help When It’s Necessary
For some seniors, the path forward as they age is not only clear but also welcomed. In other cases, seniors have difficulty adjusting to their new lives. This can be especially likely if work was a major part of their daily lives and it’s time for retirement. If you’re having trouble finding your rhythm, then you should consider getting therapy. Talking to someone about your concerns will help set you on the right road and help to alleviate any anxiety you may have about your future. You should do your research to find the best therapist for your specific situation before making an appointment. You should also know that if you don’t feel up to attending an office, in-home counselors are also available. These types of services will help to maintain your privacy and allow you to get the help you need within the comfort of your own home.
Seniors can face specific challenges when it comes to mental health so it’s vital that you take care of yourself so you can be at your best.
To learn more about Bare Skin Care’s line of products, please visit our website, www.bareskincare.com!
Claire Wentz
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