According to the Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health, mental health can be improved through promoting active and healthy aging. Mental health-specific promotion for older adults involves creating living conditions and environments that support the well-being of all people to lead a healthy life. As we age, the new year often encourages us to reflect on our physical health.
The main elements of overall wellness include:
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Stress management
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Staying mentally alert and aware
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Getting proper sleep
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Physical wellness
The significance of wellness is an important element of aging in a healthy way. Healthcare Solutions carries a wide range of products that can help you optimize your overall wellness this new year.Â
Stress Management
Stress can affect your mind and body in many negative ways. Health Canada states that symptoms of stress can include feelings of irritability, sadness, or guilt. Severe health effects of stress can include heart disease and mental illness. In order to manage your stress, it is important to understand where it comes from and cope accordingly.Â
Stress-decreasing activities should fixate on refocusing your mind and reducing tension. Yoga is a great activity for improving your mood while also burning calories. You can also pamper yourself with at-home wellness products like footbaths and massagers for the ultimate relaxation session. Aromatherapy essential oils or incense can also help boost your mood. It’s important to stay mindful of your limits and know when you are feeling stressed out. Managing your stress can improve your overall health and wellness.Â
Staying Mentally Alert & Aware
A common result of aging is a decrease in brain activity in comparison to our younger selves. It’s important to keep our minds engaged and active in order to stay alert. As some older adults enter retirement or find themselves with more free time, they can find that their previously established routines can change drastically. Having more time on your hands can sometimes lead to being less efficient or lazy.Â
It’s important to find activities that you enjoy in your downtime that are also mentally engaging. Having hobbies can help you stay both mentally and physically active. Activities like gardening, puzzles, or crafting can help you keep your mind and body engaged. Hobbies can also promote social interactions, which are also essential for overall wellness. Staying mentally alert helps promote your independence and purpose. Be sure to find multiple activities in different areas that you enjoy to ensure you don’t get bored or feel burnt out.
Being mentally alert also means being in tune with your emotions and thoughts. Paying attention to how you feel and why can help you address negative feelings more effectively. It can also help you focus on what makes you feel happier or more relaxed. Many resources for mental health services are also available to help with additional support if needed.Â
Getting Proper Sleep
Your sleep quality can easily affect your overall health and wellness. If you have trouble sleeping at night, it’s important to figure out why and address the issue as soon as possible. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 5 adults do not find their sleep refreshing. Lack of sleep can result in chronic stress and poor mental and physical health. If you are not losing sleep due to medical reasons then you can try being more active throughout the day. You can also try investing in a better pillow, mattress, or bed to increase your overall quality of sleep.Â
Physical Wellness
Being physically active can help you stay healthy and independent. Our ability to move around freely plays a very significant part in our overall wellness. It’s important to find a physical activity you can do no matter what your physical capabilities are. Simply going out for a walk with some walking poles or a rollator can help you enjoy the weather while exercising. You can also invest in at-home exercise equipment so that you can exercise during a time that is convenient to you.
Convenient at-home fitness equipment can include:Â Â
The new year often brings on inspiration for change and improvement in all aspects of our lives. Let the professionals at Healthcare Solutions help you bring physical and mental wellness practices into your daily routine so you can stay healthy and make the most out of this new year!
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This information is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Always consult your physician before making any healthcare decisions.