With Covid-19 hitting the world hard, many seniors have become concerned and protective of their physical health, and for good reasons. This means giving equal attention to mental health. The mind needs exercise like the body if one wants to be in good shape. One effective way to do so is by engaging in mindfulness meditation.
Research has shown that daily meditation comes with a variety of mental, physical, emotional, and health benefits.
Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation for Seniors
1. Reduces the Danger of Alzheimer’s
Meditation stimulates the memory centres within the brain. It works by calming the mind, allowing the release of certain hormones to help those with cognitive impairment. Mindful exercises help to cut chronic stress, which has a substantial bearing on growing one’s chance of getting dementia. For seniors already experiencing dementia, meditation can help slow down the progress and improve its symptoms.
2. Advances Emotional Well-Being
Meditation enables you to embrace your emotions as it is. It trains the mind to move beyond uncontrollable situations and accept that they are beyond reach. This form of acceptance enables the emotions not to be controlled by stray thoughts and unfavorable circumstances. When practicing this, one is able to not get overwhelmed, distraught, or distracted, thus keeping emotions healthy. This leads to several positive benefits like:
- Good energy levels
- Enhanced relationship happiness
- Good Mood
3. Boosts Cognitive Abilities
As we age, our mind also ages, causing it to become less sharp than before. This can occur to all seniors aged 65 and above, which progresses as we let it consume the mind unattended. Fortunately, research has shown that preventive measures such as meditation can slow down or even stop this progress. It can enhance your cognitive skills such as:
- Attention
- Planning and Problem-solving
- Memory
- Controlling emotions
4. Improves Physical Health
Research has shown that meditation helps keep the heart healthy by leading to good blood circulation and blood pressure. Regular meditation also contributes to the significant decrease of fatty substances in the blood. Some physical benefits of meditation for seniors include:
- Decrease Chronic Pain
- Low Heart Diseases Risk
- Better Immune Function
- No unwanted inflammation
5. Enhances Digestion
Digestive functions can be affected by many factors, including age and diet. Luckily, meditation can help improve digestion. Deep breathing that happens naturally during meditation advances circulation and increases oxygen levels in the blood. For seniors, daily meditation can help get relief from digestive issues that are not caused due to other ailments.
Easy Ways to Begin Practicing Meditation for Seniors
Being mindful means being in control of your emotions and thoughts every waking moment. By allowing only the important things into your life, you can enjoy every moment of your life, no matter or big or small. Medication and Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways, we at GMG Homecare have listed some techniques for you:
Breathing Exercises
To practice breathing, begin by finding a comfortable spot to sit and close your eyes. Focus your attention on your breath. Notice how the body feels as you breathe in and out. Do not try to slow down breathing or follow a pattern. Instead, focus on how you breathe naturally. The initial few breathing meditations should be very brief so that you can slowly adjust to the pattern. Five minutes is adequate to start with, but you can gradually increase the length of the meditation as it becomes more comfortable. Mindful breathing can relieve stress, improve blood pressure, lower the heart rate, and handle anxiety symptoms.
Walking
Mindful walking is an ideal choice for seniors who like calm exercises. Find a quiet and peaceful place to take a walk and calm your mind. Focus on the feel while walking, and pay attention to the rhythm of each step. The goal is to be fully aware of your surroundings, your mind, and your body as you walk without letting your mind run away too much.
Journaling
Writing always helps to focus on feelings. Some people like to write whatever comes to mind in the moment, and others like to follow a pattern. Journaling in the morning can be effective for starting out your day with the right mindset. Write out your goals and intentions for the day and describe your mood. Another recommendation would be to write down the things you are thankful for each day.
Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is beneficial for mental and physical health. On practicing this technique, it becomes simple for you to eat slowly and stop when full, ultimately saving you from overeating. When practicing, make a conscious effort to cut distractions during meals, so that you can focus fully on your food.
It takes time to become comfortable with meditation and mindfulness activities. Most people are used to having many thoughts cross their minds at once, so focusing only on the present can be difficult. The aim of meditation isn’t for your mind never to wander. The purpose is to notice when your mind wanders and gently redirect it back to the present.
Everyone has a diverse experience, and expecting something to occur can prevent you from being fully present. As long as you approach the experience with an open mind, there is no incorrect way to respond to meditation. If you are interested in knowing more about stress relief, meditation, mindful Ness, or other wellness practices, connect with GMG Homecare today.