The start of a new year is an opportunity to implement new programs and practices that benefit seniors. To encourage residents to look to the future and see the positives in their lives, consider adding a daily Gratitude Practice to your community’s wellness routine. Numerous studies show that practicing mindful gratitude rewires our brain to be happier.
According to Robert Emmons, psychologist and the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology, gratitude allows us to feel better both physically & mentally. Participants report that intentionally practicing gratitude improved sleep, reduced fatigue, and increased feelings of optimism and compassion.
A great way to introduce Daily Gratitude is to practice it yourself by simply thanking participants for attending scheduled events. Offering new and fresh activities that engage and encourage learning and doing new things is key to maintaining brain health, and intentionally exercising gratitude can easily be a part of the spectrum of wellness that many communities follow.
At ALLE Learning™, we believe in keeping it simple, enlightening, and entertaining when introducing a new idea. Here are three things you can do today to encourage residents to get started.
- Invite participants to start a daily Gratitude Journal by writing down things they are grateful for every day for 21 days in a row. Provide a copy of a blank monthly calendar or visit the dollar store for small notebooks.
- Encourage participants to practice gratitude every day; make it a point to tell people in your life what you appreciate about them.
- When you look in the mirror, give yourself a moment to think about a quality you like about yourself or something you have recently accomplished – be grateful for yourself!
Through the power of gratitude, we can rewire our brain to be more optimistic and compassionate, making us and those around us feel happier!
Learn more about the curriculum options by visiting Phoenix-based ALLE Learning™ at www.alle-learning.com, emailing us info@alle-learning.com, or calling us at (800) 990-9806. Learn about our related companies that focus on community-based curriculums, EngAGE EnCOURAGE,™ or our home-based activities for care partners to share with loved ones, Engaging at Home.