Seniors Health: Think Positively

• Slow it down with deep breathing. Slow breathing can help your body feel more relaxed before sleep or when you feel stressed.
• Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to your favourite food, sit outside, watch your favourite “feel good” movie, call or visit a friend. Activities that bring joy can reduce stress and feelings of anxiety.
• Notice what’s good. No matter our challenges, it helps to remember daily what we feel grateful for. It can be something as small as a song on the radio or an act of kindness received. 
• Improve your eating habits. What you eat can impact mental health and brain function. Foods rich in vegetable oil, nuts, green and colorful vegetables and dark-coloured berries are great for brain health.
• Practice yoga to relax your mind and body. Yoga can take just a few minutes a day or be practiced once or twice per week.
• Mindfulness is a state of focused attention. For example, tuning into your breath to be “in the moment”. Mindfulness can help you to stop worrying about the past and future. 
• Make time for things that give you a sense of purpose. Set a personal goal to walk every day, to help a neighbour, or to connect regularly with loved ones. Setting achievable goals can reduce negative thinking and improve your mental outlook.

Here are some resources to support a positive mental outlook:

• Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn’s Mindful Body Scan Practice (YouTube video) – Try out a deep breathing and relaxation practice
• Yoga with Adriene – A free 20-minute online yoga practice
• Fountain of Health – More information, tips and tricks for Positive Thinking 
• Canada’s Food Guides and Healthy Eating, Brain Health Foods, and Harvard’s Nutrition Source. –Tips on eating healthy and improving brain health
• My Sleep Well – Evidence-based better sleep strategies