Spiritual activities can be incredibly beneficial for seniors who need extra support or a positive influence in their lives. Daily practices such as reading, gratitude, and affirmations can contribute to assisted living enrichment.
According to a study conducted by Michigan State University, more U.S. adults than ever identify as religiously unaffiliated. However, it doesn’t mean they do not believe in spirituality or practicing spiritual activities. In fact, as the definition of spirituality widens, more people consider themselves spiritual rather than overtly religious.
For seniors in Covington, LA, retirement may often feel like losing a sense of purpose. Spiritual exercises and activities can reinvigorate that sense of purpose, along with a host of other advantages.
What Are the Best Examples of Spiritual Exercise?
Spiritual exercises are an important element of personal care. Here are some of the most common spiritual activities you can try to improve your mental and physical well-being.
Reading
Reid Health reports that adults in America report spending too much time on their phones and other devices. While screen time used to involve simply watching TV, it has now evolved into smart, touch-screen devices that are highly addictive.
Rather than spending hours scrolling, switch to an analog activity such as reading. The act of reading can help soothe anxiety and stress while immersing yourself in a subject or story.
Even reading a few pages every night before bed, or when you wake up in the morning, can help regulate your mood and reduce the instant gratification you receive every time you look at a phone screen.
To further improve your spirituality practice, pick up books on spiritual subjects you are interested in. Explore other religions outside of your own, or learn about the history of spirituality to find deeper meaning in your everyday life.
Yoga
Yoga is an especially effective spiritual activity because it has both physical and mental benefits. Yoga increases flexibility and stamina through intentional movement, where participants hold a variety of poses. Breathwork during the workout can help regulate the nervous system as well.
One of the key tenets of yoga is mindfulness, which involves living in the moment. Following an instructor or designing your own yoga practice can aid you in improving your skills.
Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude is a simple but powerful way to change your feelings about a situation or circumstance. It is also easy to practice and does not require a dedicated amount of time or materials to get started.
If you find your mood slipping into negativity or depression, look around and think of a few things you can be thankful for. Whether it is your home, your family, or anything else, focusing on positivity will lift your mood.
You can even take it a step further and invest in a gratitude journal. Gratitude journals contain daily prompts or spaces to write down your thoughts about the day. Start your morning with an entry to set a positive tone, or wind down at night by reflecting on things that brought you joy.
How Do You Practice Spirituality Daily?
To cultivate a spiritual practice, it is crucial to practice it every day. Even a few minutes is better than none, contributing building blocks to a positive lifestyle.
Begin Your Day With Positivity
Find a spiritual activity that motivates you when you get up in the morning. Some of the easiest ways to start your day on the right foot include:
- Prayer
- Meditation
- Gratitude journal
- Spending time in nature
Find Assisted Living Enrichment Activities
Assisted living communities offer a plethora of activities that emphasize spiritual wellness. Consider taking a yoga class with fellow residents or joining a religious group. Walking around your community and taking in the scenery can have a hugely positive effect on your mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spirituality Have Any Health Benefits?
Yes. Practicing spiritual activities can have numerous benefits for your mental and physical wellness. Some of the key advantages include:
- Stress reduction: Spiritual exercises can have a marked effect on anxiety and stress, reducing hormones such as cortisol.
- Increased endorphins: Spirituality can improve your endorphins, which contribute to happiness and mood boosting.
- Improved immune system: Stress can decrease immune system function, while activities that focus on spirituality may have a positive impact on your immune system and prevent you from getting sick.
- Reduced depression: Spirituality can help you cultivate a positive outlook on life, which can potentially reduce symptoms of depression and organically improve your mood.
Do Spiritual Activities Help With Memory Care Engagement?
Yes, spiritual activities can be beneficial for those in memory care due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Many dementia patients experience increased confusion, which can lead to stress and have a spiraling effect.
Routine spiritual exercises such as meditation and mindfulness can improve cognition and focus in seniors with memory issues. They can also give seniors a sense of purpose, especially when they are part of a consistent daily routine.
What Is the Difference Between Faith-Based Support and Spirituality?
While faith-based support is a form of spirituality, not all types of spirituality fall under the umbrella of faith-based support. Spirituality often coincides with religion for many people, but it can also function as a standalone element of support.
For instance, while prayer may work for some seniors, others may find more comfort in simply meditating and practicing mindfulness, while focusing on reforming thought patterns and reshaping negative habits into positive alternatives.
Emotional Wellness for Seniors at The Trace
Spiritual activities can be a significant component of a healthy lifestyle for seniors. With this guide, you can find activities that you enjoy and benefit from, all while building your senior living community.
At The Trace, we proudly hold the title of “Best Assisted Living Community in Covington, LA.” With assisted living and SHINE® Memory Care programs, we offer options for seniors at every age and stage. Our Sensations Dining and Dimensions Health and Wellness focus on whole-body wellness for our residents.
Are you ready to experience the Covington senior living difference at The Trace? Reach out to us today to learn more about our beautiful community, or visit us in Covington, LA, to see it for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
