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While the holidays are exciting, fun, and joyful, they can also be hectic and stressful. It can be easy to put aside the things we do to take care of ourselves, the little “me time” we spend to reset and recharge. You may feel like you don’t have time or just can’t be bothered, but it’s important for us, especially during this time of year, to engage with the things that center us mental, physically, and soulfully.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 38% of people feel increased stress levels during the holidays, and only 8% of people say they feel happier. Financial concerns, work pressures, deadlines, loneliness, family dynamics, travel, organizational frustrations, and expectations all mount during the holiday season. These things can put a strain on anyone. This is why it’s so important to take care of ourselves during the holidays.
Mind
If you don’t already practice meditation, it is a great way to reduce stress and practice mindfulness. Meditation can offer you perspective and recognize your negative thoughts and behavior, allowing you to let them go. It helps increase your level of calm and take a break — it also helps you mentally reset and find your center.
The great thing about meditation is that there are several ways to practice it, making it an easy, flexible exercise you can do anywhere. You can do a meditative dance, a walk, yoga, drawing, or just sit quietly with your eyes closed.
Don’t know how to meditate? No problem, there are tons of meditation apps out there that can help you find the practice that works best for you (Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace). If you’re religious, remember that prayer is also a form of meditation. If you already meditate regularly, maintain your practice throughout the holidays, maybe even increase it, if you feel the need.
Body
You probably saw this one coming, but exercise is a deeply important way for us to practice self-care. It allows us a physical release from the stresses of the holidays and it helps increase your energy levels.
This doesn’t mean you have to be hitting the gym every day, it can be as simple as a walk around the park with your friends, maybe park a bit further out from the store while grocery shopping, or take the stairs instead of an elevator. A regular walk can help stave off depression and anxiety, while boosting a sense of wellbeing. Regular exercise will also help you sleep better at night and get better rest.
Again, there are many ways your exercise can look: yoga, dancing, swimming, tai chi, etc. It’s important to find the things that work for you and maintain the practice throughout the holidays.
Soul
We know it’s a bit chillier this time of year, but spending time outdoors does wonders for the soul (as well as your mind and body). Research shows that just two hours in nature a week can have positive effects on your soul.
It allows you to reconnect with nature and the earth, as well as offer a sense of verve and liveliness that can get lost when we spend too much time insulated in our homes and shopping centers. It offers you a moment of mindfulness and can provide us a moment to practice gratitude and release negative thoughts.
So find a park that you like, or your favorite trail to walk along and breathe in that fresh air, listen to the trees and leaves, and feel the breeze on your face.
You may have noticed some similarities and overlap between these three practices, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise either. The mind, body, and soul are all interlinked, and what’s good for one is usually good for the other, and has a ripple effect through your overall wellbeing.
We know that what is actually self care can often look and feel self-indulgent, but it’s not. As stated by the International Self-Care Foundation: “Self-Care is what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with illness. It is a broad concept encompassing hygiene (general and personal), nutrition (type and quality of food eaten), lifestyle (sporting activities, leisure etc), environmental factors (living conditions, social habits, etc.) socio-economic factors (income level, cultural beliefs, etc.).” So find the different ways self care looks for you, and maintain your practices throughout the holidays. You won’t regret it.
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Often the hardest part of doing something new is getting started, and that's especially true about exercise. This article from AARP makes it easy to get started with the most important exercise to help you age healthy: squats. Five or ten squats are easy to do while you wait for the coffee to brew or the microwave to finish heating.Even when we're healthy we sometimes need a little extra help with the house or errands. Visit our website at www.rosehillathome.com to learn more about how Rose Hill Stay-at-Home Services can help you or a loved one stay in independent and at home.
Transitioning into an independent living residence in Palmetto, FL can be an exciting new chapter in your life, especially when it comes to revisiting old pastimes that once brought joy and fulfillment. These communities are not just about comfortable living; they are also about rekindling passions and enjoying the leisure activities that you love. Here are four ways to rediscover and reengage with your old hobbies, making the most of the amenities and the like-minded company your new home offers.Join Community Clubs or GroupsMost independent living residences boast a variety of clubs and groups designed to cater to the diverse interests of their residents. Whether you once had a love for painting, gardening, or chess, there is likely a club within your retirement community where you can reconnect with that interest. These groups are fantastic for socializing and sharing your passion with others who have similar hobbies. You can also learn new techniques, share your knowledge, and perhaps even take on leadership roles within the club, helping to organize events and activities.Take Advantage of On-site AmenitiesYour independent living residence in Palmetto, FL is likely equipped with a range of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle and leisure time. If you used to enjoy swimming, for example, the on-site pool is not just for exercise; it can be a place to get back into the rhythm of swimming laps or even teach others. Libraries, craft rooms, and woodworking shops also offer spaces to reignite your love for reading, crafting, or building. These amenities are included in your living experience, so make the most of them by dedicating time to indulge in your hobbies.Explore Educational OpportunitiesLearning never stops, and as you age, you might find that you have a deeper appreciation for acquiring new knowledge and skills related to your hobbies. Look for educational opportunities offered within your community, such as workshops, lectures, or classes. These can be particularly beneficial if you are looking to brush up on skills or dive deeper into a hobby that you have not pursued in a while. Whether it is a writing workshop to reawaken your love for storytelling or art classes to refine your painting technique, these learning opportunities can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.Create a Hobby Haven in Your ResidenceYour personal space within an independent living community can be transformed into a haven for your hobbies. Carve out a corner of your apartment for a reading nook, set up a small studio for your painting, or organize a space for your knitting or sewing. Having a dedicated space for your hobbies can inspire you to spend more time on them. Decorate this area with items that motivate you, such as inspiring quotes, images, or anything that reminds you of the joy your hobbies bring. This personalization can make your living space feel even more like home.Enhancing Your LifeRediscovering your hobbies in an independent living community in Palmetto, FL is not only about entertainment but also about enhancing your quality of life. Engaging in leisure activities that you are passionate about can boost your mood, keep your mind sharp, and provide a sense of accomplishment. These communities offer the perfect backdrop to reconnect with your interests, meet others who share them, and add a new level of enjoyment to your daily routine. So, take the first step, explore the options available within your community, and relish in the hobbies that make your heart sing.
DISCOVER A WELCOMING SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY - WE KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT HERE. Our community is designed to meet your individual needs and give you the freedom to be yourself. We offer the best in assisted living and memory care from a family-owned company that knows connection is everything. Choose from a variety of floor plans and enjoy scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping. Our dining program keeps up with your schedule, providing fresh and healthy meals prepared by our culinary team. You'll live a full and happy life built around your delights and hobbies.
DISCOVER A WELCOMING SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY - WE KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT HERE. Our community is designed to meet your individual needs and give you the freedom to be yourself. We offer the best in assisted living and memory care from a family-owned company that knows connection is everything. Choose from a variety of floor plans and enjoy scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping. Our dining program keeps up with your schedule, providing fresh and healthy meals prepared by our culinary team. You'll live a full and happy life built around your delights and hobbies.
DISCOVER A WELCOMING SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY - WE KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT HERE. Our community is designed to meet your individual needs and give you the freedom to be yourself. We offer the best in assisted living and memory care from a family-owned company that knows connection is everything. Choose from a variety of floor plans and enjoy scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping. Our dining program keeps up with your schedule, providing fresh and healthy meals prepared by our culinary team. You'll live a full and happy life built around your delights and hobbies.