SENIOR CARE
With Julie Akroyd
Home Instead, a company providing care for the elderly in their own homes, provides moodboosting tips... IT is very important, especially with winter lurking, to keep an upbeat state of mind in order to lead a positive lifestyle.
Eating healthy foods and exercising are obvious ways to remain fit and healthy, but there are also many other adjustments we can make to improve our mental health and state of mind. ●● LAUGH: As adults we often forget to just enjoy ourselves and laugh more.
Laughing releases endorphins into our body which increase serotonin levels in our brain, causing us to instantly feel happier. Life doesn’t need to always be taken too seriously! ●● PRACTICE gratitude: It’s important to recognise what we’re grateful for, acknowledge it, and appreciate it.
When you wake up in the morning, try to think of a few things that you are grateful for and notice the difference it makes to your mood. ●● TALK to someone: Whether it’s a friend, relative or even a neighbour, knowing you have someone you can turn to can help to put your mind at ease.
Don’t forget to be there for someone else too, as this can brighten your mood just as much as you have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped someone else. ●● SURROUND yourself with positive scents and sounds: Sometimes when we feel our mood dipping it is good surround yourself with scents which can uplift your mood.
Lavender can be seen as relaxing, whereas peppermint can help to soothe your overactive mind.
This can work just as well with your favourite perfume. ●● TAKE deep breaths: We don’t often concentrate on our breathing because it’s a natural function, but consciously focusing on your breathing and taking deep breaths can relieve stress and increase relaxation.
Place one hand on the abdomen and one on the lower ribs and take a breath that starts in your abdomen and works its way up your body.
Breathe in for three to five seconds, hold for the same amount of time and exhale the air out through your mouth slowly. Do this for three minutes.
To make a suggestion for a future topic contact Julie Akroyd (owner) 2 Roadside Court, Alderley Road, Chelford, Cheshire, SK11 9AP. Call: 01625 860992 Email: julie.akroyd@ homeinstead.co.uk.