Protect your peace
Every October, Emotional Wellness Month serves as a reminder to reduce stress levels and practice habits that support emotional health.
At Ardenwoods, residents have a variety of opportunities to nurture their emotional well-being through fellowship, mindfulness and exercise. Social events like luncheons and holiday celebrations, and classes like Chair Yoga, Fit-n-Flexible, Stretch & Serenity and Tai Chi keep residents connected and healthy.
Sandra Deer, a resident for 10 years, enjoys the self-led meditation class offered at Ardenwoods. Every Saturday afternoon, residents gather in the Bird’s Nest room to participate. For the next 25 minutes, residents sit quietly and meditate.
“Meditation is not about thinking. It’s a way of being,” said Sandra. “The quiet time and peacefulness I experience during this class contribute to my overall emotional wellness.”
Meditation can look different for everyone. Some practice mindfulness meditation, during which participants focus on the present moment, while others practice techniques such as body-scanning, transcendental meditation, mantra meditation and guided meditation.
Sandra has dutifully practiced meditation throughout her adult life and has witnessed the difference it makes in her well-being.
“It makes me happy on a Saturday when I know I am going to go there and sit and be still among other people. The pleasure of being with others in stillness feels healthy,” she said.
“When the session ends, we walk out and chat with one another, and there’s healthy camaraderie that also comes out of that,” said Sandra.
Are you a resident and interested in joining the meditation class? Check out the monthly calendar for location and times, then stop by! Interested in other ways you can support your emotional wellness? Check out these tips.
