April 18, 2022
During social distancing, it can be hard to maintain a positive outlook. After all, we’ve barely seen friends and family, we may not yet feel comfortable getting close to others or we may still be left reeling from our change in lifestyle and routine. It’s no surprise that this time has been hard on all of us, so it’s important to find ways to improve your mood, stay positive and stay safe as restrictions begin to ease and life reaches a semi-new normal.
“This time has really done a lot to throw everything we know and love off. While we’ve been adapting, following all safety precautions and understanding that this is all for the best, it doesn’t mean that it’s been easy,” says Pamela Klapproth, CEO at Kendal on Hudson, the only true Lifecare Community in Westchester County. “We are fortunate to have had each other to lean on throughout all of this. This ability to remain together, rely on each other and live a more worry-free lifestyle with access to assistance when needed has only helped to ensure everyone within our walls stays healthy, well and more positive. In fact, many of our residents as well as their families couldn’t be happier that they are here during this time. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best ways we are helping residents and others stay positive while facing these challenging times, as well as how they can connect, engage and enjoy time with those they love while staying safely apart and continuing to socially distance.”
Kendal on Hudson: Helping Older Adults Stay Positive During Social Distancing
- Find different ways to connect. Connection is
crucial at any time, however, it’s even more important now! Connect with your
friends and family through video chat, schedule a weekly call, have a game
night over video on Saturday or enjoy a Sunday movie watch party online.
- Get active. Exercise will do so much to boost
your mood, increase positivity and help you feel more active, engaged and
happy. Watch some workout videos on YouTube, take a virtual class, go for a
walk outside or simply have a dance party in your living room!
- Take on a new project. This is the perfect
time to try a new hobby, update the look and feel of your home, finish all the
projects you put on hold and enjoy the free time to do as you please. Get
creative by making a new painting for your wall, pick your old favorite
instrument back up or sharpen up your cooking skills! Any amount of creativity
or variety can help to make you feel more positive and happier.
- Turn off the news or set a limit. The news can
easily put a damper on your day and make you feel pessimistic, sad and
frustrated. Set out to limit your news intake daily by only watching the news
from a certain time on, turning it off when you aren’t paying attention to it
and ensuring you don’t watch before bed, as it can make you less able to fall
asleep. It can also help to seek out positive and happy news to boost your
morale, happiness and joy!
- Make a list of things you’ll do with your friends once this is over. While nothing may be certain at this point, planning your future trips,
outings and more can be a great way to keep your mind occupied. Daydream about
the places you want to see, take a virtual tour of state parks you are
interested in to get a feel of what it will be like to be there and enjoy
creating your own bucket list.
- Get outdoors. Taking a walk outside and
connecting with nature can help to bring you peace and a more positive outlook.
Enjoy the feeling of the sun and breeze, listen to the birds and watch the
sunrise or sunset.
- Make a gratitude list. It can be so easy to get wrapped up in everything that’s wrong in the world right now. Make it a goal to combat these negative feelings with a gratitude list. At the beginning or end of every day, list out what you’re thankful for, things that brought you joy and what you are grateful for. This can help you feel more positive while bringing to light all the things that are good in your life.
To learn more about how to increase positivity in times of uncertainty, contact the team at Kendal on Hudson. We would be happy to share more of our tips and tricks to keep you happy, engaged and connected during this time. Simply contact us today at 914-922-1011.
Together, Transforming the Experience of Aging.®
Founded on Quaker principles and guided by our values and practices, Kendal on Hudson provides a vibrant, active and social senior lifestyle on our 25-acre campus next to the historic Hudson River. As the only Lifecare community in Westchester County, we offer four levels of service for our residents: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services.
Kendal on Hudson is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Kendal on Hudson is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation, a system of communities and services for older people based in Kennett Square, PA. We support diversity, inclusiveness, and independence and support the values and practices of Kendal by remaining focused on healthy aging. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, just 35 miles from New York City, we offer a vibrant lifestyle, cultural programs, continued learning and health care for life.
For more information, please call 914-922-1011.