What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an ancient practice from Eastern Cultures which has spread rapidly through the entire world. While it was originally used for religious purposes, the benefits of this practice have enabled it to explode beyond its original purpose and expanded in practices. Oftentimes, mindfulness is used as a technique by counselors, leading people to acceptance of emotions and liberating negative thoughts.
Why is mindfulness beneficial?
Mindfulness practice offers a technique for emotional regulation and relaxation. Mindfulness also allows you time to focus on deep, sustained breaths, eliminating excess noise, and lowering stress levels. For seniors specifically, it can help defeat the fatalism that some may feel in regards to changing themselves or their situation. It can also help in the case of feeling plagued by a sense of nostalgia, leading some seniors to be more present in the current moment and lessening the feelings of depression.
How do you practice mindfulness?
There are many resources available begin learning mindfulness. A quick search on the internet can provide some free resources to begin practicing mindfulness, including Youtube videos. Your local library also may have access to mindfulness CDs or books. However, mindfulness is as simple as taking a moment in a quiet room, allowing yourself the time to take deep breaths, and letting your brain process thoughts, mentally filtering those which you allow and those you choose to let go of.
Mindfulness is only one practice with which you can improve your senior living. At Tealridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, our community we may be able to help you improve your senior living even further! We offer exceptional care in a friendly community of adults to meet your needs. Contact us here for more information
