The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that anxiety disorders affect one of every five people in the United States. While prescription medications are available, there are a number of natural remedies that can often provide relief. Following are seven natural remedies for seniors living with anxiety.
1. Laughing
Laughing while watching a funny movie or television program stimulates the brain to release dopamine. This neurotransmitter is a chemical compound responsible for regulating mood. Laughing also reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which contributes to the physical effects of anxiety.
2. Relaxing
Seniors can take 30 minutes to sit down and enjoy a book, go for a walk, engage in meditation, or perform yoga. When your loved one consciously indulges in a relaxing activity, his or her vital signs stabilize and physical tension slowly disappears.
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s emotional wellbeing, consider hiring a professional in-home caregiver. Elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
3. GABA Supplements
GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is a neurotransmitter that interferes with the chemical compounds that encourage excitation. However, since this supplement reacts with certain medications, GABA should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
4. Chamomile
A study performed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that drinking chamomile tea or taking the flower in supplement form for eight weeks correlated with a dramatic decrease in anxiety symptoms among study participants.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a great way to boost your loved one’s emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Columbia families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
5. Lavender
The scent of this common purple flower has been shown to promote relaxation. Burn lavender-scented candles or apply lavender-scented oil to the collarbone or temples and allow the scent to melt stress and anxiety away.
6. Refocusing
Therapists from Pepperdine University recommend that when anxiety attacks begin, individuals should focus their thoughts elsewhere. Examples of refocusing techniques include grasping an ice cube and concentrating on the sensation and holding a set of keys and running fingers along their ridges.
7. Facing Fears
Many people live with common phobias. Therapists often suggest that facing fears helps afflicted individuals realize their subsequent anxiety is unfounded. For example, if social events invoke fear and anxiety, seniors can make an effort to attend church or community functions with friends.
For families living in Columbia, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
