Unhealthy Ways to Cope With Stress: What Seniors Should Avoid
According to the World Health Organization, 14% of older adults are living with a mental health challenge. In San Antonio, TX, which is experiencing a rise in its senior population, supporting emotional wellness has never been more important.
The first step is to understand and counter any unhealthy coping habits that often appear as a result of stress. This article outlines some unhealthy ways to cope with stress and provides tips on better ways to handle stress in your senior years.
Emotional Eating When Stressed
We all get stressed, and the temptation to devour some comfort food is never far away during those times. As appealing as high-sugar or high-fat food seems, this is a trap that can put your health at risk in your senior years, and it's best to avoid it.
A poor diet can create several health issues, including:
- Weight gain
- Energy dips
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
Even if you have had a poor diet in the past, it's never too late to start reversing the damage. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats and proteins while reducing your consumption of processed foods can have a positive impact on your health.
Withdrawing From Social Life
Sometimes, difficult or stressful experiences can leave you wanting to withdraw from the world, leading you to turn down invitations to social events.
However, this can pose a considerable health risk for seniors, and extensive research has been conducted on the impact of social isolation on well-being. It can increase the risk of cognitive decline and depression, and isolation should be a reason to reach out to memory care behavioral support in some instances.
Building social bonds is vital for combating stress, so take the time to join senior activities or attend social events offered in your retirement community.
Senior Stress Management: Over-Reliance on Screen Time
With on-demand TV and high-speed internet, there is always plenty of opportunity to catch up on your favorite show or binge-watch the latest drama. However, while TV can often be a good way to unwind after a stressful day, excessive screen time can have a negative impact on your health, especially for older adults.
Screen time can divert attention away from other healthy activities, such as interacting with others, exercising, or sleeping. Always keep an eye on your screen activity, and when the TV credits appear, head outside for a walk in the fresh air, an exercise class, or a healthy meal with friends.
Too Much Alcohol
Another popular way to unwind during times of high stress is to open a favorite bottle of wine or reach for a beer in the refrigerator.
It's a tempting, quick relief for times when you're feeling anxious, but it can have a long-term impact on health in older adults. Too much alcohol can disrupt your sleeping patterns, which can make daily demands feel more stressful and can even increase anxiety levels.
Long-term overuse can also cause more profound issues, like problems with your liver or memory. Instead of reaching for alcohol, try a healthier alternative to wind down from the day, such as breathing exercises or herbal tea.
Avoiding Your Exercise Routine
If you are stressed, you may find it harder to maintain a structured routine, which could include daily or weekly exercise classes. However, neglecting your physical health in your senior years can begin to have a significant impact on your body.
Lack of exercise can lead to:
- Weaker muscles
- Lack of mobility
- Poor cardiovascular health
- Poor quality sleep
- Low moods
In fact, exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage emotional wellness in aging. So, the next time you feel pressured, make a commitment to stick to your exercise routine. Your mind and body will thank you.
Doing Too Much
Keeping busy is important for your health, and in your senior years, it can make your day more fulfilling.
However, if you are stressed, avoid the temptation to overexert yourself. It can lead to exhaustion, which can exacerbate your stress symptoms. Instead, find a flexible routine that includes some quiet, relaxing activities, such as mindfulness, reading, or a gentle walk in nature.
In San Antonio, TX, there are fantastic walking routes and nature trails nearby, such as Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and The Fellowship Hiking Trails.
If you live in our community at Discovery Village Stone Oak, you could also take a gentle stroll around our landscaped gardens.
Hiding Emotions
If you are stressed, you might feel the need to stay strong and put on a brave face for friends and family.
However, bottling up emotions rather than discussing them can exacerbate those feelings. Over time, this can take its toll on your health, leaving you more prone to anxiety or high blood pressure.
It may also increase your tendency to isolate yourself from the world, leading to heightened feelings of loneliness. Sharing your emotions doesn't have to mean long conversations.
Talking with others during a relaxing group activity, such as gardening or art classes, is an excellent way to boost mental health in retirement.
Coping Habits to Avoid: Negative Self-Talk
Stress can turn into a cycle of negative self-talk, which can leave you feeling depressed and anxious. Sometimes, you might not even notice you are doing it, but over time, it can leave you with low self-esteem.
Practice mindfulness to help counter the dangers of negative thoughts and learn self-compassion. Simple activities can help encourage you to have happier, more positive thoughts, like talking to friends or keeping a gratitude journal.
Addressing Unhealthy Ways to Cope With Stress
It's common for most of us to resort to unhealthy ways to cope with stress at one point or another in our lives. Nevertheless, taking care of your health in your senior years is crucial, so use this guide to help you adopt more positive coping strategies.
Being in a calming and supportive environment in your senior years is one of the best ways to reduce your stress. Take a moment now to schedule a tour of our senior living community at Discovery Village Stone Oak.
Here, you will find everything you need to live well in your senior years, including a serene outdoor environment, an on-site fitness center and pool, and nutritious, chef-prepared meals.