After a chilly New England winter, the warm spring weather feels nothing short of euphoric. However, it can also feel a bit stressful with the pressure to reset and catch up. At Wentworth Senior Living, we’re big believers in the power of mindfulness and meditation. That is why we have added meditation to our senior activity calendar!
The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation for Seniors
Meditation can be uniquely beneficial for seniors. In fact, meditation has been proven to increase the enzyme needed to reduce progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s by 43%. Additionally, researchers found that people who meditate regularly can harness the power or feeling of a subconscious mind, giving your brain the ability to retain more information and become more patient with yourself and those around you.
Tips for Meditation
While it can sound intimidating at first to let go of all your worries and relax your body, there are several techniques to achieve this type of Zen feeling. We’ve gathered a few helpful tips to assist our residents, and seniors alike, find a meditation style that works for them!
- Whether you are most comfortable sitting in a chair, lying in bed, or standing in a sunny spot, the goal is to find a position your body can relax into, rather than force anything that doesn’t feel good. For example, don’t feel pressured to sit crisscross applesauce on the floor if that isn’t relaxing for you!
- It can be helpful to listen to guided meditations, especially if you are just starting out. US News suggests “It will provide a lot of cuing, and you won’t have to rely on your own thoughts to get through the meditation.” This can be done with a recording or a live instructor.
- Focus on your breath! The Center for Elder Independence notes “Deliberate and focused breaths are the fastest and most effective way to gain control over those racing thoughts and anxiety.” Breathing with intention can impact our emotions and is proven to boost positive emotions
Take Care of Your Mind and Body at Wentworth Senior Living!
With spring approaching quickly, we hope you can take some of these March meditation tips and try implementing them into your everyday routine. Giving these mood-boosting exercises a try will ensure a happy and healthy mind and body!