14 Things You Can Do Every Day To Protect Your Mental Health As You Age
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uk canada goose outlet Aging brings you Canada Goose Outlet face to face with the loss of loved ones, children leaving the nest and physical changes such as reduced canada goose coats energy levels. These types of events can “give rise to canada goose store negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, loneliness and lowered self esteem,” according to the American Psychological Association. Growing older can also come with a slew of positive changes like the opportunity to travel, more canada goose time to spend with grandchildren and the chance to take on a new hobby. uk canada goose outlet
canadian goose jacket “But any kind of change, even joyful changes, can bring up a variety of emotions, including anxiety, overwhelm, loneliness and depression,” said Connie Habash, a licensed marriage and family therapist in cheap Canada Goose Menlo Park, California. Therefore, it’s essential to make your mental health a priority, especially throughout your later years. “Not only does it train your brain to focus and improve your attention, it also decreases anxiety and increases your ability to enjoy the everyday moments of your life.” canadian goose jacket
canada goose factory sale Baretz added that meditation can also increase your tolerance of the uncomfortable and help you become canada goose black friday sale less reactive, which decreases stress and emotional overwhelm. And studies show that it may go a long way in preventing age related cognitive decline. canada goose factory sale
2. Stay connected
As people get older, there can be a tendency to withdraw from others. Retirement, friends passing, kids moving away all contribute to this social isolation. But it’s important to trade a night in with Netflix for an occasional dinner out with friends.
“The most important thing you can do is stay in communication with others,” said Colleen Mullen, a licensed marriage and family therapist at San Diego’s Coaching Through Chaos. “Find a new social group, swim, play Bingo, join a walking group or book club.” Mullen also noted that staying socially connected keeps your mind in a healthier place, which can in turn positively boost your overall well being.
canada goose clearance sale 3. Adopt an attitude of gratitude canada goose clearance sale
buy canada goose jacket Studies suggest that taking a moment to count your blessings can boost your happiness. “Practicing gratitude has been demonstrated to help people manage stress, decrease depression, increase empathy and decrease aggression,” Mullen said. buy canada goose jacket
Canada Goose Outlet Steven M. Sultanoff, a clinical psychologist in Costa Mesa, California, suggested ending your day by recalling three things that you are grateful for at the moment. Canada Goose Outlet
4. Check in with your body
Between smartphones, television and a 24/7 news cycle, our minds are always busy. But canada goose coats on sale mindfulness has been linked to Canada Goose online reduced anxiety and the reduction of mental stress. However, a “mindful body scan” may help whenever canadian goose jacket you are feeling overwhelmed, according to Karinn Glover, an assistant professor of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
The process is simple: Spend five to 15 minutes breathing deeply and Canada Goose sale focusing your thoughts on your body, sensations, areas of discomfort or tension, starting at your feet and moving upward progressively until you get to the top of your head, Glover said.
Canada Goose Online “It’s a wonderful way to practice canada goose clearance sale getting in touch with your body so stress and tension don’t become overwhelming,” Glover added. Canada Goose Online
canada goose clearance “Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which brings oxygen, which helps prevent the dreaded ‘brain fog’ that so many women complain about once they reach a certain estrogen deprived age,” said Maria Shriver, founder of The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement and Move for Minds the organization’s annual fundraising initiative. For the best results, the organization recommends a combination of aerobic exercise and weight or resistance training. canada goose clearance
canada goose coats 6. Try something new canada goose coats
canada goose uk black friday “Keep an open mind,” said Susan London, director of social work at Shore View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She suggested taking any opportunity possible to step out of your comfort zone. canada goose uk black friday
“You never know the kinds of experiences you might have as a result of this, and it could change the course of your life without you even canada goose clearance realizing it,” London added.
Shriver also advocated for challenging your mind. “Mental activity offers benefits to brain health. Learn something new to create new neural connections,” Shriver said. Try studying an unfamiliar language or taking up an instrument.
Canada Goose Jackets 7. Pop a probiotic Canada Goose Jackets
cheap canada goose uk Approximately 90 percent of serotonin (the neurotransmitter in the brain that releases feel good chemicals) is made in the belly, along with other buy canada goose jacket cheap important mood regulating neurotransmitters, said Sarah Morgan, a functional nutritionist and founder of Buddies In My Belly. cheap canada goose uk
“The neurotransmitters made in the belly directly impact brain functions like mood, memory, focus, sense of canada goose deals well being and more,” she explained.
canada goose coats on sale Research suggests that taking a daily canada goose outlet probiotic may help ward off depression. Morgan also recommended eating a diet high in plant foods that are rich https://www.canadagooseisverige.com in prebiotic fibers to keep your gut bacteria “healthy and happy.” This includes vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruit, beans and whole grains. canada goose coats on sale
8. Form a new routine
Many Americans strive to retire by the age of 65. But sitting at home all day with nothing to do can take a toll on you emotionally. According to Ramani Durvasula, a professor of psychology at California State University, “having a routine can provide meaning and purpose, which many view as two of the most essential ingredients for health.” Sign up to volunteer, take on a part time job buy canada goose jacket in an industry that has always fascinated you, try a new hobby, become a mentor or get involved in local civic activities.
Canada Goose sale 9. Get your Zs Canada Goose sale
canada goose uk shop “As you age, unfortunately, insomnia becomes an issue for many Americans, afflicting almost half of adults over the age of 60,” said Bill Fish, a certified sleep science coach and co founder of Tuck canada goose uk shop.