According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million American adults have an anxiety disorder. Chronic anxiety can affect your mental and physical health. It could even increase your risk of other health conditions.
Instead of allowing anxiety to slow you down, try these natural anxiety treatments. These tips for easing anxiety in older adults can help you take back control of your life. Explore our holistic health tips and herbal remedies for seniors!
Anxiety is the body's response to stressful situations. It can cause feelings of worry and fear while triggering symptoms like:
According to the American & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the US. However, only 36% of people seek treatment.
Many people with an anxiety disorder have co-occurring disorders or physical illnesses. These can include:
If you have one of these conditions, seek a doctor's help for treatment. They can offer advice on holistic health for older adults to ensure you receive proper care.
Otherwise, try one of these herbal remedies for seniors with anxiety.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a group of herbs that can help your body respond to stress. It's used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
In a small study, people who took ashwagandha daily had less cortisol than the placebo group. Cortisol is the body's stress hormone. Participants reported improved sleep quality and reduced stress levels.
You can take ashwagandha as a tablet, liquid tincture, or tea.
Chamomile is available as an extract, tea, and tablet. It contains antioxidants, which can help fight oxidative stress and protect your body from cellular damage. Antioxidants may help reduce your risk of some chronic diseases.
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia. Getting enough sleep each night can ease stress and anxiety levels during the day.
Before adding these natural anxiety treatments to your routine, consult a doctor. Some herbs and supplements can interact with certain drugs. For example, chamomile may interact with the anti-rejection drug cyclosporine or blood thinner warfarin.
Your doctor can help you choose herbal anxiety relief for elderly seniors that won't interact with medications you're already taking.
Valerian is a plant that's used to help treat anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. It may work by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA may have a calming effect on the body.
Consider consuming valerian tea 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime. Soak two to three grams in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
Don't take valerian for over a month without consulting a doctor. Possible side effects include dizziness, headaches, and an upset stomach.
Some studies indicate that P. incarnate may be effective in treating anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness. You can consume this species of passionflower in tablet or liquid form.
If you prefer aromatherapy to drinking herbal teas, consider breathing in lavender oil. Lavender is used to help calm the nerves and ease anxiety. It contains terpenes, which may have a calming effect on chemical receptors in the brain.
Making a few changes to your routine can help ease anxiety in older adults. Here are a few senior mental wellness tips that may help. You can find more guidance through health and wellness programs in your senior living community.
A recent study found that people with physically active lifestyles have a 60% lower chance of developing anxiety symptoms. Exercising daily can divert your attention away from anxious thoughts.
Boosting your heart rate can trigger brain chemistry changes. For example, it can change anti-anxiety neurotransmitters (brain messengers) like:
Regular exercise may improve your willpower and concentration, improving some anxiety symptoms. Explore different exercise classes through your senior living community's wellness program to remain fit. These can include yoga, pilates, and walking groups.
Explore meditation, deep breathing, and other mindfulness practices. Gaining awareness of the present can help increase your ability to tolerate stressful thoughts and feelings.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines meditation and cognitive behavior therapy. These techniques may help relieve anxiety symptoms.
Aromatherapy may help:
Explore different essential oils and herbal remedies for seniors to determine what helps you relax. You can use a diffuser or add essential oils to a warm bath.
Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting a good night's rest can improve your ability to react to stressful situations.
To improve your sleep hygiene:
Try to improve your sleep environment to ensure maximum comfort. Living in a luxurious senior living community can make all the difference in ensuring you rest.
Try to reduce your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol may interfere with neurotransmitters that regulate your mood. This imbalance may cause anxiety.
Smoking cigarettes could increase your anxiety symptoms. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes alter pathways in the brain. These pathways are linked to panic disorder and anxiety symptoms.
Caffeine may worsen your symptoms. Cutting caffeine out of your routine may provide anxiety relief for the elderly.
The chemicals in processed foods, dehydration, and low blood sugar levels can affect your mood. Consider following an anti-inflammatory diet. Eating fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins may help relieve stress symptoms.
Stress can affect your ability to concentrate, function, and enjoy your golden years. Instead, use these tips for easing anxiety in older adults. These natural anxiety treatments can help you regain control over your life.
Looking for a relaxing environment where you can focus on your well-being? Choose Addington Place of Prairie Village for compassionate care.
We offer personalized and secure living options for seniors seeking a vibrant yet relaxing lifestyle. Enjoy comfort, convenience, and exclusive resident-focused lifestyle programs. Contact us now to schedule your tour of our community in Prairie Village, KS.