Elderly care – Maintaining a positive mood!

Mood Boosting Tips for the Elderly

Staying in high spirits can be a challenge when we’re in our later years, especially if we’re living alone and faced with limited mobility, but maintaining a healthy sense of well-being is an essential part of looking after ourselves. Here is our quick guide on how you can try to remain upbeat and in a positive frame of mind throughout the day.

Laugh Out Loud

They say that ‘Laughter is the best medicine’, and while that isn’t always true, it’s certainly the case that having a good laugh is an excellent way to feel good about ourselves. Whether it’s sharing a joke with friends and family, watching or listening to comedy shows on TV or on the radio or watching a funny movie, laughter really does make you feel much better!

Talk to People

It’s easy to fall into the trap of mistaking loneliness for enjoying our own company. It’s important that you allow yourself moments of solitude from time to time, but interacting with others is vital if you want to maintain a good mood. Whether it’s just to catch up and gossip, or if you have something you need to get off your chest, talking to a friend or relative will certainly help.

Remember Your Manners

When we’re feeling down in the dumps, one of the first things we forget is to be polite when dealing with other people. Sadly, this often affects the way those other people then treat us. Remember to be as polite as possible, especially when dealing with strangers. Show gratitude where it’s been earned. Remember to always thank those who have helped you. You’ll be surprised just how much better it makes you feel.

Sleep Well

When small children throw tantrums, we tend to say, “They’re tired” by way of an excuse, but for some reason as we get older we forget how much our moods are affected by how much or how little sleep we have. A good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to keep yourself feeling chipper the next day.

Keep Thinking!

In our later years, it’s all too easy to slip into a sedentary, laid-back lifestyle that’s far from challenging, but just like the rest of the human body, the brain is at its fittest when it’s kept busy. You don’t have to read War & Peace or learn a foreign language (though we’re sure both would be very rewarding). Crosswords, puzzles and Sudoku are all a great way to keep the mind agile, and an agile mind is a happy mind!

Keep Active

How much or how little exercise you get will depend largely on your individual lifestyle. Those with mobility issues can find it very difficult to get much exercise, but do try and keep as active as you can. Take part in group activities, do as much of the housework as possible, and go out and get as much fresh air as you can. Exercise can boost so-called “feel good” chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin, while exposure to sunlight can help increase levels of vitamin D.

If you are looking for elderly care services in Bristol or the surrounding area please call us today on 01179 586 235.