Our diets can affect our mood and health, but no one food or drink provides instant, long-lasting relief for anxiety symptoms. As awesome as it would be to say, “I think I’m feeling anxious. Pass me that popcorn chicken, stat,” the truth is that removing certain foods and drinks from your diet can help calm your anxiety. So, if you’re after a more peaceful mood, here are some ingredients to avoid and include to achieve the best result! Avoid Alcohol We’ve all heard it, but alcohol is not the solution to your problems. Although ingesting alcoholic beverages can result in short-term relief, the long-term effects are anything but helpful. Alcohol can make getting to sleep more difficult and lead to an overall worsened mood as it leaves your system. In fact, alcohol is a depressant and can make your anxiety much worse. Cut Back on Caffeine Millions of people rely on coffee to start their day. However, caffeine — a core component of coffee — can make you feel nervous and fidgety if ingested in large quantities. If you suffer from jitters in the morning, it might be time to taper your caffeine intake. More of These, Please Enough about things to cut out of your diet; how about things we can eat to make ourselves feel better? Berries contain antioxidants, which can aid in combating stress and depression. Complex carbohydrates in oatmeal, breads, and quinoa can help increase the serotonin in your brain, resulting in a calming effect over time. If you like fish, try out salmon. It contains vitamin D, which helps produce dopamine and serotonin, easing anxiety symptoms. Now you have the right ingredients for a successful, calming diet! DIETARY TIPS TO COMBAT ANXIETY
Nourishment for the Mind
A GUIDE TO EXCEPTIONAL SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Your golden years are a time to prioritize activities that keep us physically and mentally engaged while bringing a renewed sense of purpose. Fortunately, many enriching activities can do just that. Here are four popular and rewarding options for seniors to consider. Embracing the Great Outdoors For many seniors, spending time in nature can be a rejuvenating experience. Activities like gardening, birdwatching, and hiking allow everyone to connect with the natural world while providing gentle physical exercise and a chance to socialize with like- minded individuals. Whether it’s tending to a thriving vegetable patch or embarking on a scenic trail, outdoor pursuits can add wonder and tranquility to your daily life. Lifelong Learning The pursuit of knowledge is a passion that should span a lifetime. Many seniors
thoroughly enjoy continuing education classes, lectures, or self-directed learning. From exploring new languages and cultures to keeping up with the latest scientific discoveries, these intellectual endeavors keep the mind sharp even as time passes. Community colleges, senior centers, and online platforms offer many learning opportunities for older adults. Creative Expression Senior activities involving creative expression can be incredibly fulfilling for those with an artistic inclination. Whether it’s painting, writing, or joining a local theater group, these creative outlets allow individuals to tap into their innate talents and passions. Artistic activities provide a creative outlet and foster a shared and beautiful community. Staying Physically Active Physical fitness is crucial for overall health and well-being, especially as we age. Senior-
friendly activities like low-impact exercise classes, dance lessons, and water aerobics can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. These activities benefit the body and provide opportunities for social interaction and mental stimulation. As we embark on the golden years of our lives, it is important to embrace the wealth of enriching activities available to seniors. By engaging in these pursuits, you can cultivate a sense of joy, fulfillment, and continued growth, ensuring that your later years are truly the best years.
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator