One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. If a single thought infuses your day with optimism, imagine what a dedicated morning routine can do!
According to the World Health Organization, lifestyle and behavioral choices have a far more influential impact on how we age than genetics, a truism we see proven every day in Overture senior living communities. A healthy, consistent morning routine for retirees is often the cornerstone of a productive, well-rounded day. Positive morning routines for seniors lower stress, keep the mind sharp, and provide the energy needed for the day’s adventures.
Try the following suggestions to help you wake up with enthusiasm and embrace the five most important aspects of wellness.
Start with a Stretch
Morning stretches get the blood flowing and release the neurotransmitters that make us feel awake, alert, and energized. A short stretch routine that targets the back and both upper and lower body sends the message to your body and mind that it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. As you gently and safely nudge those muscles into action, the cobwebs of sleep quickly give way to clarity and purpose.
Morning Meditations
Combine your stretching regimen with meditative breathing and intentional thought. Even a few minutes of mindfulness reduces stress and improves memory while decreasing pain, anxiety, and depression. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, mindfulness meditations also combat insomnia. Best of all, any action can be meditative when approached with intention — practicing mindfulness while making your morning coffee and preparing breakfast works as well as sitting for a morning meditation.
Put Your Thoughts on Paper
Organize your intentions for the day ahead by writing in a daily journal. Putting your thoughts on paper helps you set both long-term goals and short-term aspirations for the day. Writing down positive affirmations and listing out daily goals also helps you begin thinking intentionally, problem-solve, and prioritize activities.
Daily Wake Up Call
Waking up at the same time every day can give the day a sense of purpose and is an integral part of any morning routine for seniors. After all, we spend most of our lives on a predictable schedule for school, then for work, and losing that schedule when we retire can mess with sleep cycles. A regular wake-up time can also have a positive impact on mood and sleep patterns.
Get Moving
It’s not a matter of if you need to incorporate movement into your morning routine—it’s a matter of when you choose to get started. Some people enjoy light stretching or gentle activity to begin the day, while others prefer to ease into movement later in the morning.
Active adult communities make it easy to engage in whatever level of physical activity feels right for you. Whether it’s a group class with loved ones, a gentle movement session, a few minutes of activity at home, or simply finding time to move at your own pace, Overture senior living apartments offer opportunities that can be adapted to your comfort level. Choose a rhythm that works for you, stay consistent, and your body and spirit will thank you.
Find Out What’s Happening in the World
Stay part of the conversation by staying up to date on current events. Tune into your favorite news station every morning to feel connected to the larger world. Staying informed helps keep the mind sharp and active.
Become a member of one of Overture’s premier active adult communities and choose from a wide variety of morning activities for seniors. You’ll rise with enthusiasm each morning, and shine all day and night in a community dedicated to making your life all it was meant to be.