Boosting your mental health and well-being
Collins Senior Center offers exercise classes and many other activities
Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging, Ark-Tex Council of Governments
Do you ever wonder how you can boost your mental health and well-being? There are many things that play a role. The food you eat, exercising, and staying connected with people is associated with improving your mental health and well-being.
Eating healthy can help maintain positive mental health. The five major food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Ensure you are eating from these five basic food groups. If you have allergies to any of these products, follow your physician’s guidance.
Exercising is key to staying mobile and is known to improve mood.
Always check with your physician prior to starting an exercise program. If you have physical limitations, utilize a chair for exercises. Exercises such as yoga, Pilates, walking, Tai Ji Quan, gardening, et cetera, may be beneficial. Safety while exercising is important.
Staying connected with people is necessary to keep your mind attentive and active. As more people receive the COVID vaccination, connecting with people will become easier. You may want to go shopping, get your hair styled with friends, have friends over for dinner, volunteer, or take care of a pet. These are examples of activities that will help you stay connected with people. Continue to follow the CDC guidelines for staying safe during this pandemic. www.cdc.gov
The Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging has resources that may help you boost your mental health and well-being. Connecting people in need in our community to available information and resources is one of the services the Agency provides.
If you are looking to begin socializing in-person, or are interested in attending a group class, the Collins Senior Center has recently opened for activities. According to a recent article, the center now has a regular program that began March 15th at 3000 Texas Boulevard in Texarkana. For a calendar of events, contact 903-793-5545.
Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging has partnered with GetSetUp to provide free virtual classes for older adults taught by peers – ask questions, make friends, learn new things, and have fun. Visit www.getsetup.io/ partner/Ark-Tex for more information. GetSetUp will teach software programs that will show you how to communicate with people on Zoom, provide safety tips for using Facebook, and even offers dance classes.
If you choose to take the COVID vaccine and need assistance in setting up an appointment for the vaccine, the Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging will be glad to help. Call tollfree 1-800-372-4464.
Hopefully this pandemic will end soon and our lives will move forward to the “new” normal. Until then, reach out and find safe ways to stay active. Today only happens once – make it amazing.