August 2023
Senior Living to the Fullest!
12 tips to live your best life, starting today!
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Tip #8 Is About Smiling & Having Fun!
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget the simplest yet most potent remedy for uplifting our spirits – smiling and having fun. This month, we’re focusing on the incredible connection between these two seemingly basic actions and their profound effects on our mental health! We challenge you to think outside the box on this one… let’s explore the incredible benefits of smiling and share some delightful ideas to infuse more joy and happiness into our lives.
What makes you smile – listening to your favorite music? Spending time with family and friends? Getting outside to smell the fresh cool air and sweet roses? Trying something new or diving into a favorite longtime hobby?
As we age, we encounter more challenges that can set us back and feel as though the good old days are behind us however, remember that happiness is not always grand or extraordinary. It can be found in a warm cup of tea, a friendly chat with a neighbor, or the comforting presence of a loved one. Joy and happiness reside in the little things that surround us every day, waiting for us to notice and appreciate them.
HAVING FUN 101:
- Connect with Others: Socializing is a key ingredient for fun. In general, life is better with friends and family around! Join in on more activities and programs at the Village and build on those connections!
- Get Outside: Nature has a way of bringing us peace and relaxation. Being out in the fresh air and sunlight, even for just a few minutes, can really do us good.
- Treat Yourself: Do things that make you feel good like enjoying your favorite dessert, getting your hair done, and dressing up a little more than usual. Have that extra slice of cake and don’t think twice about it.
- Try Something New: New things can be scary but 9 times out of 10… you come out on the other side feeling great with a big smile to prove it. We have a bunch of activities that you might enjoy and if you have any suggestions, be sure to let us know! Trying something new could also be as simple as wearing a different color or attempting a word search.
- Get Active: Physical activity not only keeps us healthy, but it also has a chain of effects that leads us in the right direction to feel even better. Our bodies and minds will be very thankful the more we use them.
Studies show that smiling (even when we don’t want to) triggers the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, reducing stress and boosting overall well-being. You’ve heard the term ‘fake it till you make it’, or better yet, fake it till you believe it!
As seniors, you have earned the right to enjoy life to the fullest. Smiling and having fun are simple but powerful ways to enhance your overall well-being and create lasting memories. So, don’t hesitate to explore new situations, connect with others, let go a little bit and embrace the joy that comes from a life well-lived with a beaming smile on your face. Remember, it’s never too late to experience the magic of laughter and fun!
