Just Breathe: Everyone can learn to do simple breathing exercises that have benefits for the entire body and mind. Belly breathing is one of the most popular exercises because it is easy to teach, is very relaxing, and can help your mind focus.
Laughter: It really is the best medicine and available in diverse methods to get yourself feeling holistically better. This should not be complicated. Learn where your funny bone is and don’t be shy to share it. Laughter is one of the most enjoyed, contagious infections when you are with the right people.
Exercise: This is a major stress reducer that must be scaled to each individual’s abilities and needs but is essential to ensuring optimal quality of life. Whether you enjoy daily walks, stretching classes, or being a part of the local bowling or curling team, being physically active every day will keep your body mobile.
Change Your Perspective to Optimism and Gratitude: Take time to reflect on all the good things in your life. Be thankful for the blessings you have received and the good people around you. This can be a great way to improve your emotional and mental wellness, especially when you are going through tough times. When you can reflect on past trials and tribulations you can have faith in yourself that you will get through this one as well and earn more wisdom in the process.
Hobbies, Crafts, Art, Cooking, Tinkering and Baking: Find something you enjoy; perhaps it’s an old hobby you learned when you were younger or maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn or take up. These projects keep the mind and body active and are a great way to interact with others as well.
Cut Out Major Stressors: Or as they say, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” If you have negative people in your circle sometimes the best you can do for yourself and them is to let go. Also, don’t worry about things that are beyond your control. It is important to be aware of your own limits, sensitivities, and preferences and choose situations that are most suitable for you
Eat Well: Having a balanced diet that is nutritionally dense and incorporates your preferred textures and flavours is integral to having a good quality of life. Proper nutrition will keep your mind and body happy and healthy.
Social Interactions: Our social connections with people and/or pets can add joy and security to our daily lives. Our closest connections like our parents, children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and best friends are the relationships that keep us motivated to be our best for them. Sometimes they can be challenging, but the blessings they contribute make them truly special to us. However, don’t count out everyone else; short interactions with people that you interact with daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or maybe someone you just met can really make your day with just a smile or nice compliment.
Pet ownership has many benefits such as staying active, giving a sense of purpose, and companionship. Even if you cannot own a pet, there are many different options available such as pet therapy, volunteering at a shelter, pet sitting, or playing with a family or friend’s pet.
Set short-term, achievable goals: Many of the other suggestions already listed above can attribute to this short-term goal setting. This is a skill that can be scaled to match the needs of every individual. Short-term goals are like stepping stones to a larger long-time goal. Taking the time to plan out smaller goals will increase the chance of success in completing a long-time or lifetime goal.
Generosity: However you choose to practice this, be prepared for the many rewards you get from contributing either your time, coin, or efforts. We all feel good when we contribute to the greater good. As we age in our experience and expertise, we enjoy the opportunities to pass on our knowledge to our youth. There are plenty and a variety of opportunities to give back to the community.