Stress doesn’t retire when we do. In fact, for many older adults, stress can sneak in from all directions – health issues, changes in independence, loss of loved ones, or simply trying to keep up with daily routines. While aging brings wisdom and perspective, it can also bring unexpected challenges that weigh heavily on the mind and body.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live with stress. There are simple, practical ways to ease daily worries, lighten your mental load, and bring more peace into your life – without making big, overwhelming changes.
We know you’ve heard all the usual stress-busting advice: take deep breaths, go for a walk, or listen to calming music. And while these can work wonders for senior stress, sometimes you want to try something new for senior stress management. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the 11 fun ways to relieve senior stress so you can feel calmer, more in control, and able to live life to the fullest.
1. Get Goofy for Senior Stress Relief
We have a secret. The antagonist to stress and anxiety isn’t always calmness… It’s fun! Being goofy and silly – and making yourself laugh – is one of the best ways to bust boredom and stress quickly.
When you’re stressed, set a five-minute timer and do something ridiculous. Talk to your houseplants in a dramatic Shakespearean monologue. Sing to your pet. Wear your socks on your hands and put on a puppet show for yourself. A little absurdity can reset your mood in minutes.
2. Create a “Worry Window” Every Day
There are very real reasons why you might be feeling stressed. Your worries are valid and legitimate. But rather than let senior stress creep up throughout your day unexpectedly, give stress its own space. Set a dedicated time to worry, and don’t let stress outside that window. For example, spend 15 minutes mid-morning to do all your worrying – about bills, appointments, health, relationships, or anything. After that, stress is off-limits for the day. It can wait until tomorrow’s worry window.
You may also want to schedule something fun after your daily worry window, like reading a favorite book, watching a funny show, or calling a friend. This fun time prioritizes senior mental health, helping you get back into the right mindset to have a calm, productive rest of your day.
Pro-Tip: Take your “worry time” outside! Walking in the fresh air can make your worries seem a little less important and can help you break down your problems into more bite-sized, manageable pieces. Need help getting outside? Catch a ride with GoGo Rides to get to the local park or trail where you can do all your best worrying – and then relaxing!
3. Outsource the Annoying Stuff
One of the biggest contributors to senior stress is chores and household maintenance. The solution? Outsource anything that doesn’t bring you joy. Stress management isn’t about pushing through everything alone; it’s about finding ways to lighten your load so you can focus on what matters.
Here are some easy ways to outsource your to-do list:
- Cooking: Let GoGo’s meal delivery services take care of dinner with nutritious, tasty meals delivered right to your door.
- Grocery shopping: Get your groceries delivered with GoGo Grocery so you don’t have to worry about traffic, long lines, or hauling heavy bags.
- House cleaning: Hire a house cleaner through GoGo Home Services for deep cleaning or routine tidying.
- Laundry: Many laundromats offer pickup and delivery services, like wash ‘n fold, so you don’t have to worry about doing laundry at home.
- Lawn care: If lawn care feels overwhelming, GoGo Home Servicescan connect you to professional gardeners to mow the lawn, trim hedges, or even plant flowers for you.
- Handyman tasks: From fixing a leaky faucet to installing safety modifications, GoGo Home Services can help you hire a reliable, trustworthy handyman to do everything you need around the house.
- Prescription delivery: Avoid stressful and time-consuming pharmacy trips by using GoGo’s pharmacy delivery service, which delivers your prescriptions right to your door.
- Pet care: GoGo Home Services can help you find a local dog walker or pet sitter to help keep your furry friend happy and active on days when you need a break.
4. Hit the Reset Button When Things Go Wrong
Bad mornings happen. Maybe you spilled coffee on your shirt, maybe traffic was horrible, or maybe you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Instead of letting the bad mood follow you all day, hit the “reset” button:
- Change into fresh clothes (even if you didn’t spill anything) so it feels like a new day.
- Take a quick five-minute shower – it tricks your brain into thinking it’s a new morning.
- Leave the house, even if it’s just for a short GoGo Ride around town.
- Do something completely different than what you originally planned for the day (if you have flexibility in your schedule).
Prioritize senior mental health by giving yourself permission to restart the day, snapping you out of a stressful cycle before it spirals.
5. Create a Personalized “Calm Down” Playlist
Music is fantastic for senior stress management. Create a playlist with songs, recordings, and audio that make you feel calm, like:
- Songs that make you nostalgic, like the song you danced to at your wedding or your favorite summer road trip anthem.
- Songs your grandchildren like, so you can connect with them the next time you get together.
- Songs that make you want to dance, because there’s nothing quite as powerful for banishing senior stress as a little fun and movement
- Voice recordings from loved ones, like if you’ve saved old voicemails from family. If not, you can request voice recordings from your loved ones as your birthday or Christmas present!
- Nature sounds or comforting voices, like soothing audiobooks, podcasts, or ASMR recordings can help bust senior stress.
Whenever senior stress strikes, press play and let your mind escape.
6. Make a “Fun Fund” to Combat Senior Stress
Stress is often tied to feeling “stuck” in a routine. Break that cycle by creating a small financial “Fun Fund” you can dip into when stress strikes. Use a jar of cash, a separate savings account, or even a prepaid gift card you can go to for spontaneous senior stress relief when you need it most. Some ideas for spending your FUN-d include:
- A massage or spa day
- An indulgent dessert at your favorite bakery
- A new hobby item like paints, knitting supplies, gardening tools, or a puzzle
- Guilt-free fancy takeout from a high-end restaurant in town (GoGo Gourmet can deliver for added luxury!)
- A small shopping spree at your favorite boutique or bookstore
- Theater or museum tickets
- A new toy or treat for your pet
- A plant or flowers to brighten your space
7. Invent a New Holiday for Senior Stress Relief
If senior stress is making life feel dull and overwhelming, inject some excitement by creating your own holiday. A little lighthearted fun can work wonders for senior mental health, breaking up routine and adding a sense of anticipation to your week. Studies show that having things to look forward to improves mood, enhances brain function, and even supports overall well-being.
Maybe it's "Pajamas-All-Day Thursday," "Dessert First Friday," or "No News Weekend." Or maybe you pick a theme for the day, like “Roaring ‘20s” or “Jungle Safari.” The key is to commit to it like it’s an official holiday. Make it feel real by:
- Planning a special meal that fits the theme
- Decorating your space
- Wearing an on-theme outfit
- Trying something new
- Inviting others to join in and celebrate
By bringing playfulness and novelty into your routine, you’ll actively reduce senior stress and boost senior mental health. Senior stress can’t exist when you’re smiling, so bring more fun into your life!
8. Use the “Smallest Step” Trick for Overwhelming Tasks
Sometimes, senior stress comes from feeling stuck with too many things to do, and no energy to start. The solution? Start with just one tiny step.
- Need to clean the house? Start by putting away just one item.
- Trying to exercise? Stretch for 30 seconds and see how you feel.
- Want to eat healthier? Swap just one bag of chips for veggies.
Nine times out of ten, once you start, you’ll keep going. And if not? You still made progress – and that’s a win!
9. Make Errands an Adventure, Not a Chore
When errands feel like an experience instead of just a checklist, they become less stressful and more enjoyable. If errands feel stressful, turn them into something enjoyable:
- Take a GoGo ride to the grocery store across town instead of the closest store, so you can take in the scenery and people-watch on the way.
- Treat yourself to your favorite coffee after your doctor’s appointment.
- If your errand is near a park or local attraction, take a few extra minutes to explore before or after.
Psst… if you hate the stress of parking and traffic, call GoGoGrandparent. GoGo Rides takes you door-to-door, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of driving or parking while running your errands.
10. Turn “Waiting Time” into Relaxing Time
Waiting can be one of life’s most annoying stressors –sitting in a doctor’s office, standing in a checkout line, or waiting for the bus. But instead of letting senior stress build up in those moments, turn them into mini relaxation breaks. Use waiting time to practice stress relief tactics, like:
- Deep breathing: Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat until you feel stress relief.
- Five senses game: Quiet your mind by identifying one thing you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. This helps recenter you to the present moment.
- Pocket-sized fun: Keep a crossword puzzle, book, or audiobook handy in your bag to help you unwind in those in-between times.
- Send a smile: Rather than keeping to yourself, use this as a moment to show appreciation for others. Shoot them a smile, compliment their outfit, or ask how their day is going. Connection is one of the best senior stress management tactics.
By transforming waiting time into stress management time, you can improve senior mental health and reduce senior stress – and make use of time that would otherwise feel wasted! So the next time you’re waiting, take a deep breath and turn it into a moment of peace.
11. Reframe “Have to” as “Get to”
A little mental shift can make a big difference. Instead of thinking:
- “I have to exercise,” try: “I get to move my body and stay strong.”
- “I have to do laundry,” think: “I get to wear fresh clothes that make me feel good.”
- “I have to take medications,” think: “I get to take care of my health so I can feel my best.”
- “I have to clean the house,” try: “I get to make a space that feels comfortable and peaceful.”
- “I have to run errands,” becomes: “I get to go outside, move around, and explore along the way.”
- “I have to adjust to new routines,” should be: “I get to create a lifestyle that works better for me at this stage of my life.”
A simple reframe can make all the difference with senior mental health. When you change how you talk about your daily tasks, you change how you feel about them – and senior stress starts to loosen its grip.
Goodbye, Senior Stress!
Senior stress might be part of life, but it doesn’t have to run the show. With a little creativity and a few simple tweaks to how you approach senior mental health, you can make every day lighter, happier, and more enjoyable.
Let GoGo take a few things off your plate, like transportation, meal delivery, and help around the house. By outsourcing what’s causing you stress, you can focus on what really matters to you. Register with GoGoGrandparent here to get started.
