Happy new year and welcome to 2024! At Sagora Senior Living we are constantly creating new experiences to engage our residents and find exciting ways to showcase our amazing communities and how we truly embrace each moment we create together! As we step into the new year, we are excited to do so with YOU!
There is something magical that happens at the start of a new year. January brings with it new experiences, possibilities, and an opportunity to start fresh and have a sense of renewal. While this is available to us all, the difference between someone that experiences the magic and someone that doesn’t is found in one’s intentionality. Being intentional and seizing the new possibilities that come with a new year is up to you! As we age, it’s sometimes easy to forget the effort needed in order to make this happen. Make that decision now to start the year off right by glowing from the inside out. Embrace the part of life that helps you be the best you that only you can be!
January is an excellent opportunity to set the tone for your entire year to come. Be intentional, be proactive, and be positive. Creating your 2024 glow-up plan will help you be successful in being the best you that you can be glowing from the inside. Change is never easy, but putting in the effort is truly the first step to becoming someone better.
So, what does it mean to glow-up?
A glow-up is a mental, physical, and emotional transformation for the better. Glow-ups can be both natural and/or planned. They can also be gradual and permanent, or fast and temporary. It really depends on you and how you map out your growth plan. It’s a dedication to yourself, to focus on improving your wellness, health, and mental strength so you can be the best you that only you can be!
This can be in the form of small actionable steps that you take now to improve certain areas in your life such as your mental health, physical health, and personal development. The key is small, actionable steps. These are simple, easy techniques that don’t overwhelm your everyday life, but are easy to implement and integrate. Here are some tips to use as a baseline for you to tailor to your goals, dreams, and desires for your year ahead so you can truly show up for your glow-up in 2024.
Glow-Up Your Mind
As you age, it’s important to focus on maintaining your emotional resilience and mental health. Emotional resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a positive outlook on life. Here are some ways to cultivate emotional resilience:
- Find Happiness in Gratitude – finding happiness in old age is all about your mindset. If you are thankful for the life you’ve lived, with all its ups and downs, and you appreciate the people and things around you, you’re likely to be a happy person at any age. Happiness is especially something that the elderly can expertly pass on to the next generations. By enjoying time with your caregivers, visitors, family, and younger friends, you’ll show them what it means to be happy, and you’ll set a great example. Take time to cultivate happiness in your life!
- Coping Mechanisms– one way to build emotional resilience is to develop healthy coping mechanisms. This can include things like exercise, meditation, and journaling. Journaling is one of the best mental activities you can do! Journalling has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, reduce depression, helps you let go of any negative thoughts, enhances self-awareness and overall, improves your mental health drastically.
- Therapy and Spiritual Practices– another way to build emotional resilience is to seek out therapy or spiritual practices. Therapy can help you work through past traumas and develop coping skills to deal with future challenges. Spiritual practices like prayer or meditation can also help you find peace and meaning in difficult times.
- Active Mind– keeping an active mind is also important for emotional resilience. Reading and learning new things can help you stay engaged with the world around you. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook on life. Reading can also help you develop empathy and understanding for others, which can improve your relationships and overall well-being.
Glow-Up Your Body
Maintaining a healthy body is crucial for leading a fulfilling life in old age. A healthy body can help you stay independent, active, and enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Here are some ways to help you be healthier:
- Exercise – regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Movement– staying active throughout the day is essential for maintaining a healthy body. Even if you engage in regular exercise, sitting for long periods can have a negative impact on your health.
- Water – drinking more water can do wonders for your overall health. Not only do you stay hydrated, but it also helps flush out any toxins from your body. It will help you keep a healthier digestive system, healthy urinary tract and will make your skin look healthier and give you more energy overall.
- Eat More Whole Foods– whole foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, milk, yogurt, nuts, and seeds. These foods retain their nutritional content a lot more than processed foods and aid chronic disease management, weight loss, improve gastrointestinal health and overall provide a stronger immune system.
- Get Fresh Air Daily– pure air plays a crucial role to your mind and body. It keeps you energized and relaxed, increases the level of oxygen circulating in your blood and cleans your lungs. It also facilitates the release of serotonin which is a feel-good hormone associated with increased energy levels and happiness.
- Reduce Sugar Intake– this can help keep your blood glucose levels within healthy limits, aid in weight management and improve your oral and heart health.
- Prioritize Sleep and Rest– not having a good night’s sleep can affect so many things in our everyday life from feeling good to being alert and responsive to just feeling overall happier. Having a good eight hours of sleep is important for your mental and physical strength.
Glow-Up Your Soul
As you age, the importance of relationships and community becomes even more critical for your overall happiness and well-being. Having a strong support system can help you navigate life’s challenges and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. People who feel like they have a sense of purpose, or who pursue meaning in life, are generally happier. It’s the idea of knowing that life is bigger than just ourselves, which is a concept that most people understand better in advanced age.
- Family and Friends– maintaining close relationships with family and friends is essential for your mental and physical health. Research has shown that having a support system of loved ones can reduce stress levels, boost your immune system, and improve your overall well-being. Make an effort to stay in touch with family and friends, even if it is just a phone call or video chat. Plan regular visits or outings with those closest to you to maintain a sense of connection and belonging.
- Marriage and Partners– for those who are married or in a committed relationship, having a supportive partner can provide a sense of security and companionship. A healthy relationship can reduce stress levels, improve mental health, and even lead to a longer life.
- Faith and Community– for many, faith and community provide a sense of purpose and belonging. Joining a religious community or participating in social groups can provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement with others who share similar beliefs and values. This can lead to a sense of belonging and increased happiness as you age.
Incorporating at least a few of these tips in your everyday life (or tailoring them to your personal goals or lifestyle) will guarantee you see your glow-up in 2024. This is your year to shine bigger and brighter than you already do, so be intentional, be proactive, and be positive. Make the decision now to start the year off right and show up for your glow-up!
We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 62 communities in 12 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.
To find out more, tour your local Sagora Senior Living community!