Have you or your senior loved one been experiencing headaches lately? It is not just you that may be feeling the frequent headaches as studies show that more than half the adult population is affected by it. Although it may seem like such a common occurrence, it can really impact your daily activities and special plans when you are unable to manage or control it. While there are prescriptions and over the counter (OTC) medications available to help keep your headaches at bay, some natural remedies may be able to help prevent them from coming back.
Here are 5 tips for managing and preventing headaches at a VRS independent or assisted living community:
Get enough sleep
Sometimes a lack of sleep can contribute to your headaches, especially if you are stressed or tense about something which prevents you from getting the appropriate amount of sleep daily. Studies indicate that those who slept only six hours a night on average, had more frequent and more severe headaches compared to those who slept longer.
Ensure you are eating enough
As a senior, it’s important to ensure you are eating enough food to be able to perform your daily activities without any pain or discomfort. If you are not consuming enough calories throughout your day, you may experience hypoglycemia which means that you have low blood sugar levels and your brain is not getting the energy it needs from the blood sugar or glucose found in foods.
Stay hydrated
With temperatures still being warm at this time of the month, you need to remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches in older adults, especially seniors. When there is an imbalance of fluid and electrolytes in your body, you can get a dehydration headache. Try your best to keep water around you at all times when you are living at a VRS independent or assisted living community.
Practice mindfulness
A great way to relieve your headaches or even migraines caused by both internal and external factors such as the environment is to practice mindfulness. Meditation is a great way to relax as it may inhibit the part of the nervous system that is responsible for handling stress. Your VRS senior community suite is the perfect place to practice mindfulness as there will be no disturbances so you can really focus on your breathing.
Perform light exercises
Whether you are outdoors or indoors at your VRS independent or assisted living community, it’s important to try and perform light exercises to alleviate any pain caused by your headaches. Low impact exercises such as yoga, walking or even some low-intensity exercises with resistance bands can unwind muscle tightness and lower stress in case you have a headache induced by tension.
If you’re looking for a VRS seniors retirement community that offers a variety of recreational activities, we are here for you. Feel free to contact us to inquire if we offer assisted living services at any VRS location. Call 604-731-1020 to arrange a tour at one of VRS’ warm and friendly independent seniors community.