Relaxation for Seniors

Relaxation for seniors is an absolute must. Knowing how to relax can reduce stress. Stress is a major component in modern life and it doesn't let up just because you've retired. In fact, aging can add even more stress to your life. Stress is a common instigator of physical ailments such as headaches, back pain, high blood pressure, skin conditions, heart problems, chest pain, and asthma. Chronic stress can lead to problems with sleep, as well as worsen existing health conditions. But you need not be a victim of stress. Knowing how to relax can be accomplished using three simple techniques.

The three main tools that seniors can use to relax are: breathing, muscle relaxing and meditation.

• Yoga for Seniors - Yoga combines both breathing and meditation to teach the art of relaxation. The effects from just a twenty minute session are almost immediate. See how it's done in Yoga for Seniors.


• Breathing Exercises - Practiced deep breathing is an excellent stress reducer. These exercises are simple, free and can be performed whenever you want. There are many examples on how to begin breathing exercises. You can start here with Relaxation for Seniors - How to Implement Breathing Exercises for Stress Reduction. Breathing control is an important component in all stress relieving activities and is perhaps the easiest to incorporate in any stress reduction program.


• Meditation - A mental exercise which seeks to alleviate mental "chatter" (comparable to a tape recording of self recriminations with no stop button) and refocus the mind on more tranquil thoughts that are are more beneficial to mental health.


• Muscle Relaxing Exercises - There are many variations to these exercises but the primary goal through a visualization process is to gradually and methodically release the tension from your muscles.


• Affirmation - Short positively worded phrases to be used throughout the day and particularly when a particular stress trigger is present. Some examples might include: "I deserve to feel good right now", "I feel peaceful and calm", "I respond to stress and tension effectively." These affirmations are an excellent method for learning to recognize and deal with events that trigger stress.


• Hydrotherapy - An ancient form of therapy used to treat many medical conditions. Hydrotherapy includes the use of warm compresses, which expand blood vessels. This temporarily increases circulation, helps relax muscles, and reduces pain. Warm water in the form of a bath, Jacuzzi, or hot tub also provides relaxation and stress relief. Soak in warm water for up to 30 minutes. Epsom salts, mineral mud, aromatherapy oils, ginger, moor mud, and dead sea salts may be added. This is a particularly simple form of relaxation for seniors and is a great way of invigorating a sense of wellness.


• Aromatherapy - Same as hydrotherapy but employs various fragrances to bring on relaxation. Have you ever noticed how a particular smell will bring back memories long forgotten? Start taking notice of particular smells that bring back pleasant memories and then use those smells to help you relax when you're feeling stressed.


• Massage Therapy - Massage is a terrific way to loosen up the muscles, increase the circulation and bring oxygen and nutrients back to the area. Even just a quick 15 minute neck massage can do wonders.


• Sound - Music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our minds and bodies. Slow, quiet music or classical music is particularly good. This type of music can have a pronounced beneficial effect on your physiological functions. It can slow your pulse and heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your levels of stress hormones. It promotes peace and relaxation and helps to induce sleep. Nature sounds, such as ocean waves and rainfall, can also induce a sense of peace and relaxation. Music can be combined with the soothing effects of hydrotherapy to reach a sustained state of calm or can be played at any time or place whenever needed.


• Laughter - When's the last time you had a good belly laugh; not just a chuckle but a real honest to goodness laugh attack? If you haven't had one in awhile, it's about time you did. Never underestimate the stress releasing power of laughter.