5 Activities That Promote Emotional Well-Being

Your emotional well-being is as important as your physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with positive emotional well-being have better social connections and stronger feelings of purpose and meaning in their lives.

With more than 34 million Americans ages 65 and older experiencing some form of depression, it’s more important now than ever to make emotional wellness a priority.

Activities That Support Emotional Health & Happiness

1. Stay Social

Many seniors can succumb to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is particularly true for those who live far away from their friends and families. Maintaining an active social life can mitigate these negative emotions, making older adults feel more connected.

Want to make new friends in your community? Visit LIFE's Senior Center at Roma Berry, sign up for a fitness program or educational workshop, or consider volunteering. All of these activities can help you meet like-minded people.

2. Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the act of being completely aware of the present moment. It helps ground us to our bodies and get out of our heads. Studies have shown that mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety while improving self-control, concentration, peace, and mental clarity.

There are several ways seniors can incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives. Practice yoga or mindful breathing exercises in the morning or at bedtime. While eating, focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your meal. Or, spend an afternoon in the great outdoors, listening to the birds and appreciating the beauty of the natural world.

3. Learn a New Skill

You are never too old to learn new tricks! Lifelong learning can give older adults a renewed sense of purpose and pride. It also supports their cognition and problem-solving skills.

Sign up for a class or workshop online or at your local community college. Some fun activities seniors may want to try include:

Learning how to play a musical instrument
Taking an art or woodworking class
Learning a new language

4. Gratitude

Much like mindfulness, practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and shift your thinking to a more positive mindset. The act of practicing gratitude encourages us to focus on all of the blessings in our daily lives, no matter how large or small they might be. Jotting down the things you are grateful for is an excellent way to reaffirm them. Consider keeping a special journal just for this purpose, and practice journaling in it daily or weekly.

5. Get Some Shut-Eye

Never underestimate the benefits of a good night’s sleep! Getting enough shut-eye can help us feel more alert and energetic during the day. It also supports learning, boosts memory, and promotes emotional well-being.

Visiting Angels of Tulsa, OK, Helps Seniors Feel Their Best

Visiting Angels of Tulsa, OK, helps seniors feel their best, both emotionally and physically. Our compassionate caregivers are happy to help around the house, assisting with light housekeeping and meal preparation.

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