Do you feel overwhelmed during your senior years? Are you concerned about your mental wealth when it comes to aging and change? Do you often wonder what the future will hold and suffer from excessive stress or worry?
While senior resilience is strong, emotional wellness for seniors can be challenging. As a senior in Fort Smith, AR, you might be wondering how to effectively incorporate coping techniques into your daily life to enhance your mental well-being.
In this article, we will explore a list of coping skills that you can refer to whenever you feel overwhelmed or need extra mental health support. Read on!
It's never too late to seek mental health support from a qualified professional. A therapist may be able to help you learn effective coping techniques and apply them to everyday situations.
There are many different types of therapy, depending on your individual needs and budget. Here are just a few:
Individual therapy is one of the most popular forms of mental healthcare. You will meet one-on-one with a therapist, who can identify what you're struggling with and relay methods to help.
The most common type of individual therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves pinpointing problematic behaviors or thought patterns and reshaping how the brain responds to triggers.
Since individual therapy only involves you and the therapist, it can be the most effective tool with the quickest results. However, it may also be more expensive.
Have you ever felt acceptance and belonging when you surround yourself with others in relatable situations? If this is the case for you, then group therapy may be the best solution for mental health support.
There are specific types of group therapy tailored to different life situations. For instance, seniors may benefit from a group therapy practice aimed at older folks. If you've recently experienced a loss, bereavement groups can be a helpful tool as well.
Due to a lack of transportation or mobility issues, it can be difficult for seniors to get the help they need in person. Online therapy is an innovative approach that can ensure privacy and flexibility for older folks.
The main advantage of online therapy is the ability to participate from the comfort of your home. That means you do not have to go to an office to share your problems. You can join sessions from anywhere, including your senior living community.
Online therapy also opens up your options for choosing a provider. For instance, if you seek a therapist with a certain skill or area of expertise, you do not have to limit yourself to local practitioners.
Helping those less fortunate is incredibly gratifying. Volunteering is a fantastic way to:
You can find events or activities on your own, or put together a group of friends and family to participate with you.
Making friends can be challenging after retiring or relocating. However, if you reside in a senior living community, it can present you with ample opportunities to forge new connections.
Regularly check the activity calendar to see if any group activities pique your interest. Finding new friends at these events can have the added benefit of a shared hobby or passion.
The CDC advises that older adults should aim for 150 minutes of physical activity every week. How you split up this time is up to you. A popular method is five days a week with 30-minute sessions, with two rest days in between.
At Morada For Smith, our on-site amenities include a fitness center specifically designed for seniors. We also have a calendar full of wellness activities, such as yoga.
Do you prefer to work out in your own space? Websites like YouTube offer thousands of workout videos that you can follow from the comfort of your home, tailored to various skill levels and interests.
If you've always wanted to try a new hobby, now might be the perfect opportunity. With more free time and the patience to learn, seniors can cultivate hobbies that foster creativity and help cope with difficult feelings.
Some of the most common hobbies and crafts for seniors include:
Gauge interest in your community by seeing if others would like to participate alongside you. Many craft stores offer beginner's classes designed to teach newcomers essential skills for popular crafts.
One of the key factors for emotional wellness among seniors is obtaining adequate sleep. Although it may not seem like a huge deal, sleep hygiene is incredibly important at any age, and it's paramount for maintaining health in your golden years.
Try to maintain the same sleep routine every night. While it may be tempting to sleep in, waking up early and starting your day can benefit your mental health.
Cultivate a bedtime ritual that will help your body prepare for sleep. Include elements such as aromatherapy and reading. Avoid screens, if possible.
If you find yourself having difficulty falling and staying asleep or waking up throughout the night, you should discuss these issues with your doctor.
As a senior, you should not have to worry about your mental health on top of all of the other stressors in your life. Your list of coping skills helps manage emotions and enrich your life.
Are you looking for a change in your living situation that may benefit your mental well-being? Consider Morada Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR - a vibrant community featuring restaurant-style dining, an arts and crafts studio, and a strong emphasis on both mental and physical health.
Ready to make the transition? Reach out to us today to learn more. Or, schedule a tour and see our beautiful campus in person. We can't wait to meet you!