Self-care doesn’t always translate to bubble baths and face masks. By contrast, self-care for seniors means building beneficial routines designed to promote mental and physical health. However, forming healthy habits can be difficult, especially when seniors grow accustomed to their everyday routines.
Are you ready to break a can’t-teach-old-dogs-new-tricks mentality? If so, a caregiver from resources such as these can step in and help seniors struggling to maintain a morning ritual by reminding elderly folks to take vital medications or act as an escort on daily walks. With a bit of help, seniors can thrive by keeping a self-care-centered life. Not sure where to begin? Here are some healthy habits to get you started:
Balanced breakfast
Breakfast is the first meal of your day, so be sure to make it a good one. Nourishing your body with a healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need to go through your day with enthusiasm and greet any challenges you may face with confidence. A heart-healthy cereal or veggie omelet is a great nutritional choice, or spice things up with cinnamon pancakes.
Practice Mediation
Once you’ve fueled your body, it’s time to nurture your mind. Take some time to check in with yourself mentally. You’ll find that continued meditation will help you feel more at peace. Meditation can even help improve memory.
Create a list of to-do’s
Once you’re up for the day, it’s time to decide what you’re going to do. Creating a task list of goals to complete will give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction when you cross items off your list. Breaking your to-do’s into manageable chunks can make your day’s work seem much less intimidating.
Take a walk
Walking can help improve your outlook on the day and get your blood pumping. Light exercise in the fresh air will invigorate and refresh you. Even a brief walk still has the benefits of getting out into the sunshine for a while. If you would prefer more even terrain, consider finding a recreation center with a running track.
Converse with a loved one
Most importantly, be sure to connect every day with someone you love. Call up an old friend, video chat with a family member, or write a letter to someone you haven’t seen in a while. Staying close with your loved ones will give you a sense of community that will improve your mood and brighten up your day.
Read your favorite book
When your day winds down to a close, settle down and relax with a good book. Reading can help stimulate your mind and take you to far-off places. Not up for a novel? Consider poetry or even the news. You can even utilize audiobooks for your daily reading, which frees up your hands and eyes for other projects, like crafting or cleaning.
Wrap Up and Parting Shot
Establishing new self-care routines doesn’t need to be daunting. With just a few simple adjustments, seniors can make self-care a priority and improve both their mental and physical health.
