Mindfulness is a term frequently heard in conversations on mental health, but what exactly is it and how can it benefit the senior community? Mindfulness is an umbrella term that includes brain healthy activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, and mood tracking. Stress management is one the most significant benefits of practicing mindfulness, but it can also be incredibly helpful with memory, improving mood and temperament, and increasing attentiveness, alertness, and cognition. It has even been proven to help people with pain relief. Mindfulness practice goes beyond basic meditation to include things such as listening to music, therapeutic coloring, daily habit rituals, and body scanning, which is the conscious act of connecting to each part of your physical self.
A healthy lifestyle that combines moderate exercise, nutrition, and regular mental stimulation can help prevent and slow the progression of many age-related neurological conditions. In addition, reducing stress and anxiety with mindfulness practice plays an important role in improving and protecting brain health.
The staff at McHARRIE LIFE SENIOR COMMUNITY is available 24 hours a day to serve individuals who need assistance with the activities of daily life. To learn more, please call (315) 638-2521 to arrange a tour of our senior community at 7740 Meigs Road, Baldwinsville.
P.S. Mind mapping is a mindfulness activity that can help people with cognitive difficulties organize their thoughts in a manner that lowers stress and frustration.