The key actions for how to change your mindset to positive are to focus on what you can control, build strong social connections, embrace purposeful activities, practice daily gratitude and mindfulness, and reframe aging as a journey of growth.
A study by Ye et al., published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, found that repetitive negative thinking is associated with cognitive function decline in older adults. Clearly, our emotional state has a significant effect on our mental and physical health, so it's important to have a positive mindset.
Of course, this may be easier said than done, especially if you've had a challenging past. But there are ways to turn things around for seniors in Tampa, FL.
Here's how to change your mindset to positive for better wellness in independent living and beyond.
Focusing on emotional health for seniors can really improve quality of life. These simple steps can put you in a more positive feedback loop.
One huge thing you can do to gain a more positive mindset is to shift attention away from what's no longer within your control. For example, you can't always control your health conditions or daily limitations, but you can choose how you respond to these challenges.
You can therefore focus on manageable actions, such as:
These can all create a sense of empowerment, and you'll feel your stress and anxiety melt away. It's good to place your energy into areas where effort can truly make a difference, as this can help grow emotional resilience.
A study by Scazufca and Seward, published in The Lancet, shows that 25% of older adults experience social isolation, and this increases their risk of anxiety, depression, stroke, dementia, suicide, and early mortality. But you can combat this by building meaningful social bonds.
Doing the following can reduce isolation and create positive thoughts:
When you have reassurance that you're part of a caring community, you'll naturally gain a more positive outlook on life.
Having purpose in your life can be fulfilling, no matter what age you are. Unfortunately, many retirees find themselves drifting, with no goal or aim after they hang up their hats from work.
But this is the perfect time to find purpose, as you're in your golden years and in a nice senior living community. You can do anything from memory care enrichment to gardening or art!
A purposeful routine can eliminate boredom and also prevent negative thoughts from creeping in.
Practicing daily gratitude can do wonders for improving your mindset. If you're stuck on stressors, then this practice can shift attention toward blessings. As a result, major life changes (such as moving to a senior living community) can feel easier to handle.
Mindfulness techniques can also help calm the mind and reduce overthinking. For instance, deep breathing meditation can train your brain to recognize positivity more easily and improve your mood.
Older age often comes with pain and other negative things, so you may see it as a period of loss. But a great way to gain assisted living positivity is to view aging as a chapter filled with wisdom, growth, and new possibilities.
Focus on celebrating accomplishments, whether they're in the past or present. Break the stereotypes about aging!
Using a combination of the above strategies can provide mindset support in aging. For example, mindfulness practices (like deep breathing or guided meditation) can help calm racing thoughts. And staying socially connected can help reduce isolation, which can often fuel negative thinking.
When you use these techniques, over time, they'll build emotional resilience, and you'll get a more peaceful and balanced mindset.
The five Cs of positive thinking can make daily life more uplifting and more meaningful. They are:
The five Cs of positive thinking combine to foster resilience and happiness. This can result in a healthier outlook on aging.
You should avoid the five Cs of negative thinking, as they can significantly impact your emotional well-being. They are:
By knowing the five Cs of negative thinking, you can recognize unhelpful thought patterns.
To change your mindset on aging, turn away from a loss-focused view. Instead, recognize purpose, growth, and opportunity.
For example, you can be proactive about active engagement and practice gratitude. Staying mentally curious and building supportive relationships can make aging more positive too.
The seven mindsets for success are:
Many people view seniors as cranky old people, and it's easy to fall into that stereotype. However, that only harms you and others around you.
By knowing how to change your mindset to positive, you can have a much more pleasant time. As a result, you'll see much better health too.
Contact us today to learn more about senior living in Tampa, FL. Aston Gardens at Tampa Bay has six all-inclusive, exclusive lifestyle programs that raise our residents' expectations for their quality of life during retirement.