Having a regular exercise routine is one way to uphold your loved one’s health. However, this does not just affect an individual’s physical condition but also their mental wellness. Psychologists say that exercise stimulates the reward centers of the brain, in which the body releases endorphins, enkephalins, and dopamine, making an individual feel calm, satisfied, and happy.
That said, everyone must develop long-term fitness habits that are right for them. Exercise is a vital routine not only for young individuals but also for older adults. Workouts don’t need to be extensive nor exhausting. Consider starting a routine with the suggestions below:
- Swimming
Make it a routine to book swimming lessons with a local swimming school or clinic. You don’t have to enroll in a one-year class. You can take advantage of summer lessons, which can already bring benefits to the body. For seniors, our home care in Fairfax, Virginia, allows you to take part in swimming courses safely and enjoyably. - Dancing
Turn your living area into a dance floor and dance to the rhythm of Boogie, Salsa, or Rap. Play up music from different eras. For seniors, having a regular dance exercise helps them work not only on their physical health but also on their cognitive skills. Research suggests that dance enables the elderly to maintain and improve their mental abilities. - Gardening
Taking out weeds, sweeping the yard, and picking stones could be great arm-and-leg workouts. By planting flowers and trees, you are not only exercising your body and breathing in the fresh air, but you are also saving the environment.
These exercises are simple ways to stay mentally and physically fit. Using these tips, you can do so much to improve your overall health.
Of course, you need to be careful when you’re doing these activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure to use sanitizers and protective gear when you go outdoors. If you have just gone swimming, get a hot shower with soap to clean yourself of contaminants. Above all, practice social distancing.
However, we must consider that not everyone can go out and about and carry out an exercise routine. As such, this brings the questions, “What if an individual is bed-bound? Does this mean they have no choice but to suffer from both mentally and physically?”
Not exactly. Good mental health practices also affect physical health. According to Dr. Alvon, a healthy mental state can reduce fat storage, get rid of more salt in the body, improve the body’s resistance to diseases, and so much more. As such, taking initiatives to improve your mental health is also as important as improving your physical well-being.
For bed-bound individuals, mood-boosting activities can help maintain positivity and sanity. Thus, if you have a bed-bound loved one, you might encourage them to engage in mental activities. However, if you are too preoccupied to supervise your loved ones, you can seek help from our companion care in Loudoun. Companionship reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, studies and testimonies also show that maintaining having a good mood and a positive outlook speeds up health recovery, which could mean that uplifting one’s mood is as important as giving them apt medical care.
If you’re looking for ways to get started, the following tips might help:
- Give comfort gifts. Books, stuffed toys, satin pillows, and warm socks are perfect for your loved ones. Or you can ask them what they love to receive.
- Play a selection of soothing music. Clinical studies support the use of music for therapy. You might like to try this non-invasive, stress-relieving therapy for your loved ones.
- Hire a home health aide. A personal assistant can cater to your loved ones’ needs. Remember, nothing else is more mood-boosting than the feeling of being taken care of in the comfort of home.
Seniors and bed-bound patients need ways to maintain both their mental and physical health. However, on their own, it may be difficult to do so. They will need all the help they could get. If you need an expert to support you or a loved one at home, our home care professionals at Mint Home Care can help.
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