Cutting Down on Stress and Boredom
No matter what your age, during these times we’re all feeling a bit anxious – and probably a little bored, too. As everyone adheres to physical distancing from each other and follows pandemic safety guidelines, the new restrictions placed upon you can leave you feeling more socially isolated.
In the United States, nearly half of the respondents to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll felt the pandemic was harming their mental health. Loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone regardless of age, but seniors are particularly vulnerable. The National Council on Aging reports both isolation and loneliness have been linked to higher risk for heart disease and dementia. It’s also the most common cause of depression in older adults.
When it is not addressed, feeling isolated or bored can actually do a lot of damage to your short-term wellbeing and long-term health. With that in mind, we’re offering an online seminar to boost your emotional state, help you fight off boredom and depression and stay grounded.
FIND YOUR BALANCE WITH HELP FROM OUR ONLINE INSTRUCTOR
Now, you can watch our free online seminar, hosted by Director of Life Enrichment Ashlea Smalley, to discover natural remedies to manage your moods. Tune in to find out how you can cut down on pandemic-related stress and boredom. Our expert instructor will share grounding techniques, yoga poses and other exercises to help you relax. She’ll also demonstrate fun activities you can easily do yourself from home.
We’re offering valuable virtual seminars such as this as a special service to seniors. It’s just part of our philosophy of being committed to, and inspired by, our residents.
OTHER WAYS TO COMBAT BOREDOM AND DEPRESSION
When people have chronic boredom or social isolation, they sometimes tend to struggle with substance abuse, health challenges and mental health issues. According to a Psycom report on CDC data, depression affects up to 5% of the senior population, and being by your lonesome makes it worse – 13.5% of seniors who require home health aides report feeling depressed.
Fighting boredom, isolation and the negative feelings they cause isn’t a simple task, but it starts with getting social, active and engaged. That’s why our community offers innovative services, energizing amenities and engaging activities to motivate the residents who live here. You can stay as busy or as relaxed as you want to be – giving you more control over your happiness.
EIGHT QUICK MENTAL HEALTH TIPS
When you feel sad, lonely or bored, here are some mental health tips to help change your mood:
- Make a change in scenery. Get up and move to a different room or environment. Go outside and breathe the fresh air.
- Put yourself in charge. Take action to do what you can to make yourself feel better.
- Switch on some music. Let nostalgia take over and journey back to your favorite music era.
- Enjoy the simple things. Brew up coffee or tea, or hydrate with a refreshing glass of iced water.
- Meditate. Use instrumental music in the background or check the Internet for a variety of soothing soundtracks.
- Create. Pick up a colorful marker and let your fingers aimlessly take you on a new adventure. Or open up your journal and write something new.
- Talk. Strike up a conversation with someone you’ve never met. Or call a friend or family member.
- Check with a mental health professional. If negative thoughts are prevalent in your life on a continual basis, consult with a therapist like a psychologist, a professional counselor, or a clinical social worker. A good therapist can change your outlook.
DISCOVER CARNEGIE VILLAGE
Within our friendly, upbeat community, you can set off on your next adventure with unmatched confidence. You’ll be supported by impeccable services and a gracious, caring staff who are always thinking of how best to inspire you.
Visit www.carnegievillageliving.com/stressrelief to sign up to receive a link to our online class.