Seniors: Stay Stress-Free this Summer

Stress is something that affects all individuals of any age–even retirees! That is why it is essential to take on stress-reducing activities, so your body doesn’t deal with these stressors for long periods of time. At Maple Brook Terrace Retirement Community, we are here to help you live some of your best years in our community, which is why we are sharing some fail-proof ways that you can relieve stress. Utilizing these activities will help you stay stress-free and enjoy the beautiful summer weather that Greenville has to offer.

Signs You’re Stressed

The first step is recognizing signs of stress. Stress affects not only your mind, but also your body. Your body tends to let you know when it has taken on too much stress, and these indicators take many forms. Stress symptoms can include:

• Tension headaches
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Indigestion
• Poor concentration
• High blood pressure
• Change in sleep patterns

If you’re showing any of these symptoms, keep reading for some stress-reducing activities. And if any of these symptoms become severe, talk it over with your doctor.

Stress-Reducing Activities

The warmer months are a great time to conquer any stress. The weather in Greenville, SC is sunny and warm, and the extended daylight hours of summer make this time of year the ideal time to step outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Spending time outside is a great way to combat stress and can uplift your mood, increase your energy, and more. But it can get hot here, so be careful when enjoying Greenville’s sunshine. Properly equip yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t forget to hydrate while you’re out and about, and lastly, have fun!

Below are a few additional stress-reducing activities that you can enjoy this season:

• Maintain strong social connections: Spending time with your friends and family is a sure way to get your mind off of what is stressing you. Additionally, a good friend or family member is an ideal person to talk to about your concerns or stressors, and they may have sound advice to give. Try meeting outside to get out of your routine, perhaps on one of our benches around the community.
• Move your body: Exercising has been proven to release endorphins and improve your mood. With proven benefits, try taking a walk around the community and enjoying the sunshine. We host various exercise classes at Maple Brook Terrace, and we’d love to have you join. Some of our classes include walking groups, where you can move your body and meet other residents!
• Try self-care techniques: Journaling your thoughts, meditating, and mindful breathing have been shown to reduce some of the symptoms of stress, as these techniques help you remain present. Practicing these methods helps us reflect towards a positive mindset. Try these self-care methods in nature in our community, or open your windows for fresh air into your space.
• Cleaning and Decluttering: Did you know that a cluttered space can lead to stress? Start the season with a clean space and a clear mind. Open your windows so you can enjoy the weather, turn on your favorite music, and get cleaning. After you are done, be sure to add fresh flowers to your space to boost your mood.

There are various other ways to manage your stress, including having a good laugh, enjoying your favorite hobbies, and other methods. When utilizing these techniques, we recommend checking with your doctor as well for their recommendations.

And if you’re one of our active senior residents, the staff at Maple Brook Terrace is happy to help you find a support group in our community or assist you in finding a fun activity to help you de-stress!

To learn more about our residency or schedule a tour of Maple Brook Terrace Retirement Community, contact our friendly team today.

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