As we age, our main focus tends to be on the health of our bodies and brains, but in order to achieve fully holistic wellness, we also need to prioritize our mental wellness. You may ask yourself how this differs from brain and physical health, as supporting mental health requires some of the same efforts. While the three are related, they do require a little customization. Brain health should be addressed with specific foods and cognitive exercises, while physical health focuses on physical exercise and diet, and mental health focuses primarily on overall emotional wellness.
At Sunshine Retirement Living, we support our residents in a number of ways, including offering classes for physical and mental exercise, supporting bodies with delicious meals, and ensuring access to wonderful health professionals. However, we know sometimes you’d like to make efforts to implement practices for supporting your mental health on your own. We’ve compiled a list of several of our top tips below. Read on to find out more!
One of the simplest ways to support your mental health is through implementing a solid sleep routine. This means sticking to a firm bedtime and wake-up time in the morning to ensure your circadian rhythm is supported and you receive the best amount of sleep for your body. Most people should average 7-9 hours of sleep per night. You should also make sure your bedroom is a sanctuary for sleep. At night, your room should be dark, a comfortable temperature, and free from excess noise or distractions. This might mean clearing your room of clutter each night, investing in blackout shades or a sound machine, or even setting a specific nighttime temperature for optimizing sleep. Solid sleep is important for your mental health as it can alleviate grogginess, help you regulate your emotions, and even balance your hormones. All of these things benefit your emotional wellbeing.
We are big advocates of meditation when it comes to meditation and it has never been as accessible as it is today. The benefits of meditation include reduced anxiety, better focus and concentration, better coping skills, increased compassion, and so much more. Meditation is also an incredibly easy practice to implement. From apps like Headspace and Calm to in person group meditations, or simply sitting for ten minutes and concentrating on your breathing, meditation is something everyone can, and should, do! If you’re a meditation newbie, we suggest starting out with a simple breathing exercise to help your concentration. And if concentrating on your breath is too tough, we also suggest easing into a meditation practice with simply taking in your surroundings and focusing your energy on one thing at a time. Watch a flower bloom, close your eyes and listen to birdsong, transport yourself with the sense of smell and try some aromatherapy to kickstart your meditation practice. You can find further great suggestions in this article by MindWorks.
One incredible way of improving your mental health is through implementing a gratitude practice. Simply the art of noticing things you are grateful for and acknowledging them, gratitude allows you to create a positive mindset which has a wonderful impact on your mental health. There are many ways to start a gratitude practice. From journaling to giving kudos to those around you to even savoring your food as you nourish your body, gratitude is all about finding pleasure and joy in the little moments.
The last one on our list requires getting a little social. Even if you are shy, connecting with others and having some regular social time scheduled is so important for your mental health. However, it is important to know your limits and create a social calendar that is right for you. If you find rejuvenation from going to a big dinner or hosting a party with friends, then maybe a full social calendar is the best thing for your mental health. However, if you find being overly social draining and need solitude to fully rest and rejuvenate your soul, we suggest a slightly tamer schedule. Perhaps a phone call with a loved one once a day, or a lunch date with a friend once a week is enough to keep you feeling connected and bonded with others. Find the right balance for you, but definitely implement social time into your calendar. Humans need community and nurturing from others, so prioritizing social connection is hugely beneficial for your mental health!
If you are interested in learning more about Sunshine Retirement Living, our amazing independent living residences, and how we go above and beyond to support all of our residents with their mental health, please give our friendly team a call today!
Last month, chefs from across Sunshine Retirement Living came together for our annual Chef Conference to cook, learn, and connect with the people who make our culinary teams so special. 💛
From plate presentation and photo-ready dishes to collaboration and leadership, our chefs shared their knowledge and learned from one another. Together, they explored their own “culinary DNA” and reflected on what it means to truly listen to the teams they lead.
Beyond the presentations, there was time to cook side by side, exchange ideas, welcome new chefs, and catch up on life outside the kitchen. Those moments matter. They’re how colleagues across the country become the Sunshine family.
A special thank-you to Spencer Guzman, PhD, MBA,CEC, who leads our Sunshine chefs nationwide, for the hard work, care, and inspiration behind this year’s conference.
And to every chef who attended, presented, cooked, or shared an idea, thank you for making this gathering what it was. Whether you’re new to Sunshine or have been with us for years, your experience, creativity, and dedication make our entire team stronger.
At the heart of it all are our residents. What we learn together comes back to their tables through the meals we prepare and the care we put into every dining experience.
That’s the Sunshine difference.
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🎶🍦 Step back in time at The Verandah Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care! 🍦🎶
Our residents enjoyed a fun-filled 1950s Sock Hop complete with ice cream floats, nostalgic décor, music, and plenty of smiles. 💃🕺✨
It was a sweet trip down memory lane filled with laughter, connection, and wonderful memories! ❤️
#shiningthroughthedecades #1950ssockhop #AssistedLivingWeek
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For Independent Living Communities Only
Move in by May 1st and get your first month’s rent waived
(Rent waived after 90 days of occupancy)
OR
Switch from a competitor and we’ll cover your moving expenses
(Up to $2,500 reimbursement)
