How can we manage stress to promote wellbeing?
We all know what it’s like to feel stressed, and we all have certain triggers. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a missed flight, or a new social situation, stress is a natural part of life.
But as we get older, these stress triggers can change. Our health, and the health of our loved ones, becomes a more prominent source of stress, especially as this is something out of our control.
On top of that, there’s the possible move into a care home, which can be a hard transition to navigate. At Birchwood House, we want to recognise the impact stress can have on our wellbeing, whilst using gentle, effective ways to reduce anxiety.
So, what are some of the ways we manage stress to promote wellbeing?
Recognising stress
Moving into a care home can be incredibly daunting. A study once described the move into residential aged care as one of the most stressful life experiences for older adults, often increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. And whilst it’s natural to feel nervous and apprehensive about a new environment, too much stress can build up in our body.
Stress affects some of the body’s most essential systems, including our heart, muscles, digestion, sleep, immune system and overall wellbeing. Physical symptoms include persistent headaches, chest pain, difficulty sleeping at night and changes to your appetite, to name a few.
For any resident experiencing this persistent stress, we want them to know they are not alone. We are here to support, encourage and care for our residents, in a way that makes this transition as peaceful as possible.
Managing the physical space
We try and build familiarity with the care home, and personalising the physical space can help to reduce this feeling of apprehension living somewhere new. Using photos, familiar objects and personal items can help residents feel more settled in their new space.
Also, the move into a care home doesn’t just involve the resident. We know how important family life is to people, and we encourage family involvement as much as possible. Working collaboratively to navigate this change is key for reducing anxiety and helping residents become better used to the new space. Regular calls and visits also help residents adjust, and it’s important that shared spaces in the home are a place for social connection.
Peer support has been a proven effective tool in managing stress for older adults, so we encourage our residents to make friends and socialise during various activities.
Promoting mental health
When it comes to promoting emotional wellbeing, it’s important we immerse ourselves in activities we genuinely enjoy. Creative hobbies can fuel our sense of purpose, helping to regulate hormones and calm the nervous system by reducing cortisol levels.
Some examples include crafts, gardening and music, but it’s completely down to the individual and their preferences. This will usually be based on the residents’ hobbies prior to moving into the home, as we want residents to stay connected to their former interests.
Other ways to manage stress includes mindfulness, such as breathing exercises. Deep breathing is particularly effective for calming us down, helping reduce physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, or tense muscles. Box breathing is another exercise that promotes relaxation, and breathing to a particular rhythm has been shown to calm the mind and improve focus.
Ultimately though, emotional support is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’, and recognising mental health needs will look different in every individual. Through active listening, we can normalise asking for help and make Birchwood House a place where individuals needs are truly respected.
Yes, managing stress is essential for promoting wellbeing, but we’re here for our residents every step of the way. By focusing on our breathing, connections, creativity and movement, we can train our brain to feel calmer and more in control. We want to help our residents live their daily lives to the fullest, without the burden of anxiety and fear of the future.
To find out more about how we could help your loved one, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
