Mindful Aging: Exploring Meditation and Relaxation Techniques for Seniors
You may have heard of meditation in movies or online, but it might seem like a foreign concept. After all, it can be hard to just sit with your thoughts and feelings. However, meditation and mindfulness could be the key to healthy aging for seniors.
Meditation doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating. Explore some of the most accessible mindfulness techniques to better enjoy your journey through senior living in Denver.
What Is Mindfulness Meditation Practice?
Mindfulness is a state of being. It refers to being fully aware of and locked into the present moment without worrying about the past or future. Over time, as you train your brain and body, you can watch your stress and worries dissolve as you meditate.
Anything that brings awareness to your body in the present moment counts as mindfulness. This could include taking a few deep breaths, stretching, or sitting in silence for a few minutes.
Group Meditation
Meditation doesn’t have to look like an intense, solitary practice. In fact, many communities based around senior living in Denver offer group meditation classes. Being around other people while you quietly meditate can strengthen your sense of well-being and peace.
Deep Belly Breathing
One of the easiest mindfulness techniques you can perform in senior living in Denver is to practice deep belly breathing. This type of breathing gets you out of shallow breathing patterns.
During deep belly breathing, you can picture your stomach as a balloon that expands and deflates as you breathe. The goal is to fully inflate the “balloon” when you breathe in, encouraging much deeper breathing than normal.
As you take these deep breaths, your mind will become more aware of your body sensations. This is a good thing! It can help take you out of a stressful mindset and into the present moment with ease.
Drifting Thoughts: Observing Your Inner World
Many people think that their thoughts are all-important. This can interfere with mindfulness and meditation. Instead, think of your thoughts as clouds that simply drift by and pass after some time. During meditation practice, you observe the thoughts that come up and allow them to drift by as if they were clouds in the sky.
This technique makes meditation easy for beginners and anxious people. If you find yourself ruminating on certain thoughts, try this “drifting thoughts” technique from time to time.
Stretching to Release Tension
Relaxation can apply to your body, your mind, or both at once. If you find yourself tense and stressed out often, try stretching within safe limits. Yoga practice is a form of stretching and mindfulness that allows you to see what your body can do. As a bonus, you can become more flexible over time!
Calming Your Mind and Body as a Stressed-Out Senior
Aging doesn’t have to be worrisome or tough on your mind and body. With these mindfulness meditation techniques, you’ll be on the road to relaxation in no time.