How often do we get the opportunity to just relax? Well, did you know that August 15 is National Relaxation Day? Yes, a “national day” that was created merely to “treat yourself”! Winding down and taking it easy and just doing things that make you happy.
Nurse Next Door has curated four ways you can plan to treat yourself and/or partner and family, doing something that makes you happy, which is what we call, Happier Aging!
Book a Pottery Class
Art studios may offer clay wheel lessons and other pottery classes where you have the option to buy a class pack or drop-in when you feel artsy. You can choose to do a plain clay project or paint it to your liking!
Many outlets have been highlighting pottery/clay lessons as the new trend in mindfulness practices. Learning how to spin the clay wheel to get a smooth surface or curve has mental and physical benefits. How so?
Firstly, pottery enables you to express yourself through art and create something completely unique, which can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Health Fitness Revolution says that pottery can:
- Improve your focus: “Pottery allows you to escape the worries of life and shift your focus toward your creation. Being able to fully focus on something helps the mind relax and expand, which will help you focus on other areas of life”.
- Exercise: The movements of making pottery can strengthen one’s hands, wrists and arms. “This can be beneficial to those prone to arthritis in the hands, as it promotes joint movement and dexterity”.
- Improve your quality of life: as mentioned before, expression through art can boost your confidence and self-esteem, which allows you to “connect with yourself by expanding your body and mind. Embarking on new creations, learning new techniques…can (all) contribute to a lifetime commitment of learning and maintaining a productive hobby.”
Pottery class can be as social as you’d like it to be, or quiet and in solitude. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, pottery is a great way to relax.
Go to the Fair or Beach!
Check for any county fairs taking place in the summer in your community. Or if you live in an area with a beach, check to see if there are any boardwalk fairs.
It can be a great time to spend with family or friends! Walk around and check out the stands, get some ice cream, play some boardwalk games and win that teddy bear and maybe go on the ferris wheel too! Slow down your pace, stroll around, take in your surroundings and relax.
There is something about fairs that transcends time and is nostalgic. Being able to enjoy games and classic snacks with family is one of the most relaxing experiences. It’s almost like a mini-vacation. Plus, you get to channel your inner child at heart gets to come out and play as well!
Be sure to remember to prepare for the sun, use broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing to protect yourself from sun damage.
Get a mani-pedi (with a paraffin treatment)!
Whether you’re a lady or a gentleman, you shouldn’t neglect your digits! You don’t even need to get nail polish or colour. The main idea is that you’re pampering yourself! So book a manicure and pedicure date with a family member or friend, sit back and relax!
You can chat as your hands and feet are being paid delicate attention to! What you can expect is a hand and foot soak to soften your skin and cuticles. The technician will then trim and buff your nails then fix your cuticles. Some pedicures also include an exfoliating scrub for your feet and calves. Some manicure-pedicures also include a nice little treat: a complimentary hand and feet massage!
Ask if the salon also provides Paraffin treatment. It’s especially popular with seniors with arthritis. The American Society of Surgery of the Hands states that paraffin wax treatment “provides relief from arthritis pain, sore joints or sore muscles”. What happens is your hands (or feet) are gently dipped into a tub of warm paraffin wax, which creates a thick coating. The wax coats your hands/feets and cools down and solidifies. The warm temperature proves effective in soothing joints that ache and opens the pores. After a few minutes, the esthetician will peel away the wax, revealing soft and relaxed hands and feet!
Essential Oil it up!
Essential oils have been becoming really popular as a holistic approach when it comes to wellness. Many show the benefits of helping people relax. Essential oils are derived from plants and flowers and studies show that aromatherapy can:
- Ease symptoms of anxiety
- Offer relief from symptoms of depression
- Improve the quality of life for people living with chronic health conditions
According to the Natural Holistic Health Learning Center: “Many seniors have difficulties getting in and out of the bathtub and are therefore limited to showers. There are many soaps and shower gels available that contain herbs and essential oils and are beneficial in the shower. Be sure the product only contains pure essential oils, not fragrance oils.”
You can also shower as usual then add a few drops of essential oil to your facecloth or sponge and rub it over yourself briskly as you continue to stand under the running water. Breathe in the aromatic steam deeply. And don’t forget hand and foot baths for a quick, easy way to benefit and enjoy”.
Outside of the bathroom, you can also consider getting a small diffuser and putting it in the bedroom or living room can calm your senses (or heighten your senses)!
Alzheimers.net highlights some essential oils that are prominently used that can help with relaxing:
“Lavender
Lavender is thought to be calming and able to balance strong emotions. It has also been used to help with depression, anger and irritability, and can help in some cases of insomnia. Lavender can be directly inhaled, used a massage oil or sprayed on linens.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an energizer and can be used to stimulate the mind and calm nerves at the same time. Best used in the morning, peppermint oil can be inhaled directly, diffused in a room, used as a massage oil, sprayed in the air or even placed in a bath.
Bergamot
Bergamot can be used to relieve anxiety, agitation, mild depression and stress. This mood elevating and calming oil can also be used to relieve insomnia. To use bergamot oil, place a few drops in a bath, use as a massage oil, diffuse through a room or use a spray-on clothing or linens.
We hope these four simple ideas can inspire you to give yourself a little time to relax and focus on the little things in life and the things you love to do.
Did you know Nurse Next Door’s caregivers can support in transportation and accompaniment if you do plan on having a fun day out with the family or attend a pottery class? Learn how we can support you in staying independent by calling us toll-free at +1(877) 588-8609!
