Four Tips to Nurture More Gratitude in Your Golden Years
Growing older is not always picture-perfect. Many seniors experience a decline in health, loss of family and friends, and financial hardship as they age. According to the American Psychological Association, these and other concerns often give way to negative emotions, such as anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
Although aging is inevitable, negative feelings do not need to be a part of growing older. Numerous studies have shown the correlation between practicing gratitude and experiencing greater happiness. Giving thanks improves sleep, reduces pain, enhances memory, enriches relationships, and promotes better physical health. If you want to improve your health and well-being, here are four tips for nurturing more gratitude.
Write a Note of Gratitude
Do you have a specific friend or family member who’s always going out of their way to bring you joy? Write them a note of gratitude and let them know how you feel. Handwritten letters are sadly becoming a thing of the past, yet almost every recipient feels special when they receive a letter in the mail. Take time today to write a note of appreciation to someone special in your life. Share how they’ve touched your life, and give thanks for their thoughtfulness. Be specific and remind them how much they mean to you. Your letter will be cherished for years to come.
Take a Gratitude Walk
Another way to nurture more gratitude and take care of your physical health is to go for a gratitude walk. Combining the two enhances your physical and mental health while elevating your mood and attitude. A gratitude walk can also help you sleep better at night as you exercise while focusing on cultivating appreciation. Keep a steady pace; you don’t necessarily need to move quickly. As you walk, tie expressions of gratitude with each step. You may fall into a rhythm such as, “I am grateful for…., I am grateful for …”. Go on a gratitude walk around your neighborhood or explore a new trail in the Fond du Lac area.
Practice Morning Moments Gratitude
Alternatively, if you struggle to see the brighter side of things throughout the day, begin your day with gratitude. As you sip your morning coffee or tea, list ten things for which you are grateful. Then, move through some morning meditation. Hold your coffee mug or tea cup while holding feelings of gratitude in your heart. Imagine the steam emanating from your hot drink as blessings swirling around you. Savor the moment and be thankful for the first few quiet moments of the day. When you start your day with gratitude, you can change the entire outlook of the day ahead.
Pass It On
Finally, nurture gratitude by passing it on to others. Lead the way and inspire those around you. You can effect change in your family and be an example to future generations. Look for opportunities to pass gratitude on to others around you, including strangers. For example, purchase the customer’s coffee order behind you in line. Let someone else go in front of you at the grocery store. Donate to a local food bank or shelter. Please leave a positive review for a company on their social media site, such as Visiting Angels Fond du Lac. When you choose to express gratitude through acts of kindness, you are increasing your happiness, as well as the happiness of the recipient.
Check out the University of Wisconsin Integrative Health Program handout for more information and ways to practice gratitude. The handout also provides other resources on gratitude and mindfulness. In addition, older adults interested in life-long learning may consider enrolling in a course on gratitude, such as this online course offered through the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Fond du Lac.
Visiting Angels Fond du Lac would like to take a moment to express gratitude towards our clients and their families. Thank you for choosing us as your elderly care services provider. We work hard to maintain our outstanding reputation as a top-tier provider of elderly care services to families in the Fond du Lac area. If you are a senior who could benefit from professional caregiving services, look no further than Visiting Angels. People love our services because we focus on the individual. We can help in various ways, such as meal preparation assistance, personal care, and other services. To learn more, don't hesitate to contact us today by calling 920-375-5555.