Holistic Mental Health for Seniors in Community Life
Holistic mental health is a crucial component of maintaining health and wellness as a senior. By incorporating holistic habits into your everyday lifestyle, such as exercise and therapy, you can heal your mind and body while cultivating a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle in your golden years.
ChenMed reports that approximately 14% of seniors live with some sort of mental health disorder. It can be even more difficult to combat emergent health problems in your senior years, so using holistic methods can be an effective solution for seniors in Troy, NY.
In this article, we will explore how using holistic mental health tactics can vastly improve your quality of life through developing habits like regular exercise and meditation.
What Is Holistic Mental Health?
When you think of mental health issues, the first thing that comes to mind is brain health. However, holistic mental health focuses on treating the entire body, analyzing how certain elements work together to create or resolve problems.
Holistic mental health practices also emphasize the importance of the mind-body connection, highlighting how these two work together to have a huge impact on your mental health and well-being.
Rather than traditional pharmaceuticals or Western medical interventions, holistic mental health focuses on healing your entire body to address root issues through lifestyle changes.
How to Naturally Heal Your Mental Health?
If you suffer from many different mental health issues, the thought of addressing them may seem overwhelming. However, adding elements such as the following to your everyday regimen can vastly improve your quality of life and boost your mental health as a result.
Focus on Nutrition
Maintaining a nutritious diet in your senior years is essential for your health. You must consider foods that strengthen your bones and joints, as well as provide healthy energy to keep you moving through the day.
At Diamond Ridge, our chef-prepared dining program ensures that our residents receive delicious, nutritionally dense meals every single day.
Schedule Intentional Movement
Many seniors maintain a sedentary lifestyle, but this can have a negative effect on their health. Rather than sitting on the couch every day, try to move at least a few times a week, aiming for 150 minutes of intentional exercise. Some of the best workouts for seniors include:
- Indoor walking
- Water aerobics
- Chair yoga
- Swimming
- Zumba and dance
- Weight lifting
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep can have a huge effect on your overall well-being. When you do not get enough shut-eye, it can cause irritability and stress during the day, as well as unpleasant symptoms like increased appetite.
Develop a sleep routine that remains consistent every single night. Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day. Although it may seem tempting to sleep in on the weekends, it can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
Create an environment that supports healthy sleep. Avoid screens before bedtime, and switch to analog options like physical magazines or books. If you are sensitive to caffeine, cut out your afternoon coffee or opt for decaf instead.
Journal Your Feelings
Keeping a journal is a fantastic way to document your everyday life, as well as maintain cognitive sharpness. Consider making an entry before you go to bed at night and when you get up in the morning.
Sometimes, journals with prompts make it easier to document your feelings. Gratitude journals are a popular option, as they help you to appreciate the little things in life and how they tie into your everyday routines.
Additionally, keeping a journal will allow your children and grandchildren to read about what your life was like, creating priceless memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Holistic Mental Health Differ From Traditional Mental Health Practices?
While holistic mental health shares many of the same features as traditional mental health practices, there are also some key differences. Traditional mental health solutions often target specific issues with the body and mind, while holistic health considers the entire body in relation to your mental well-being.
Additionally, holistic mental health focuses on the root cause and not just treating the symptoms. While pharmaceutical solutions such as antidepressants may help alleviate some of the uncomfortable feelings associated with mental illness, they simply put a bandage on the issue without identifying the underlying problem.
How Does Holistic Mental Health Benefit Seniors?
Holistic mental health practices can benefit seniors in particular for several reasons. Rather than adding a new medication to your regimen, a holistic mental health practice will allow you to heal your body naturally, avoiding potential side effects and further complications.
Holistic mental health also aids seniors in establishing a routine and a meaningful lifestyle, even in retirement. Many seniors feel as if they lose their sense of purpose as they leave the workforce and their children grow up. Holistic mental health practices motivate seniors to develop a lifestyle centered on health and wellness.
Does Holistic Mental Health Help Combat Cognitive Decline?
Absolutely. Holistic mental health practices can keep your mind sharp, which can combat the symptoms of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. It may even help slow the progression of the disease, giving you more time with your loved ones.
Since holistic mental health focuses on the interconnection of the spirit, mind, and body, it can help seniors identify physical and spiritual practices that improve their mental health. Prioritizing both physical and mental well-being will keep your brain active.
Holistic Mental Health at Diamond Ridge
If you are wondering how to begin working on your holistic mental health, look no further. With this guide, you can begin cultivating a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle, even in your senior years.
At Diamond Ridge, our dedicated staff works hard to prioritize senior emotional wellness, mindfulness for older adults, sleep and mood support, and nutrition for brain health. Our residents use a full roster of activities and wellness programs to find purpose in retirement, making their experience here meaningful and peaceful.
Are you ready to experience all that Diamond Ridge has to offer? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit our stunning campus in Troy, NY, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!