Lots of small daily habits can help you look after your mental wellness in LakeHouse Manitowoc, including social connections, exercise, and good sleep hygiene. And research shows that looking after our mental health is as important as our physical health when we are in our senior years.
For example, lifestyle programs that help support the brain can improve cognitive skills in seniors, according to one study.
Read on as we explore how you can put mental wellness first when you retire in Manitowoc, WI, and how to make these small actions a daily habit.
Interacting with other seniors will help you stay mentally well, reduce feelings of isolation, and it also provides the perfect opportunity to give the brain a workout. Try one of these group activities:
The goal of group activities isn't to overstretch the brain or offer something that's too taxing. It's all about having fun in a group setting, but also working out your cognitive and communication skills at the same time.
You don't have to join formal hobby groups to benefit from social interactions or the advantages these connections can offer in terms of brain wellness. You can simply sign up for fun gatherings that offer an opportunity to meet with friends or make new acquaintances.
If you are in a senior living community, find out what evening activities are on offer, such as dinner and dance nights or movie evenings.
You could also sign up for a group outing to a local attraction, like a museum. Cultural attractions are also excellent ways of stimulating the brain, especially when they spark conversations with others.
When you are in your senior years, you don't need to stick to an intense workout every day. However, daily movement is crucial for physical and mental health. That might involve:
These types of movement can help relieve stress and, in turn, boost mental wellness. In addition, getting the heart rate up and coordinating the body can help support mental alertness and help you stay present in the moment.
Don't forget that a healthy daily routine also includes your nighttime habits. Quality sleep will help rest the body and brain, leaving you refreshed and energized for the day ahead.
Poor sleep is also a common symptom of mental health issues like anxiety and depression, so if you find it difficult to get a good night's rest, it's worth examining whether you could be dealing with an underlying mental health condition.
Focus on creating a calming routine before bedtime that helps your brain settle. Avoid screens, lower lights, and choose a restful activity like listening to calming music, meditating, or reading a book. It can also be a good idea to keep a sleep diary to help you spot triggers that cause a bad night's sleep.
What you eat has an important role to play in brain health. A nutritious and balanced diet will keep you alert, give you stable energy through the day, and help you fight the risk of mental health conditions like depression.
Focus on meals that give you lots of nutrients and offer a balance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein. Avoid too many stimulants that can impact the brain, like high sugar foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Making each day meaningful in retirement is an important way to stay mentally well. Purpose provides an anchor to your routine and helps you wind down each night with a sense of achievementabout how you have spent your day.
It's worth considering starting a new hobby or picking up an old forgotten one, like arts, gardening, or writing. Alternatively, get involved in your community by volunteering, such as helping to arrange events.
For some, the purpose will be about staying physically active, like a walk in nature or attending your favorite fitness class.
Any habits that help you feel good will help you with your mental wellness, so the best way to do that is with a combination of activities that support your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Do something each day that allows you to interact with friends or family, and make sure to spend some time on a task or game that helps work your brain cells. In addition, take time out each day to relax your mind, either through a favorite hobby or with an activity like meditation.
Finally, make sure you get some form of physical exercise, even if it's just starting each day with a ten-minute walk.
Heading into your senior years can make many feel worried about cognitive decline. You might assume you need to offset the risks with intensive brain workouts like reading complex textbooks or plotting advanced chess strategies. However, that's not the case.
The best way to keep the brain well is through simple activities, little and often, that get you working your cognitive skills. That could be introducing yourself to a group and practising remembering names, or starting each day with a sudoku puzzle.
Yes, positive lifestyle habits like exercise, good nutrition, and healthy sleep routines all play a part in supporting your cognitive health and slowing age-related decline. However, it's important to note that medical conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's aren't fully preventable with lifestyle changes.
Looking after your mental wellness in your senior years can help you lead a happier and more fulfilling retirement lifestyle. Staying active, social, and keeping your brain busy are all ways to protect you from age-related cognitive decline.
If you want a retirement with a difference, visit LakeHouse Manitowoc. With an on-site wellness program and community excursions to local attractions, assisted living in Manitowoc is the perfect fit for an active and health-focused senior lifestyle.