Gratitude Journaling for Seniors: What's the Science?
Cultivating an appreciation attitude positively influences people's quality of life, especially senior citizens. Gratitude journaling is highly recommended for self-improvement and has several health benefits, the major being reducing stress and one's chances of developing heart attacks. This article helps seniors understand why expressing gratitude through journaling is important.
Mental Health Benefits of Gratitude Journaling to Seniors
If you're faced with a math problem, would you rather solve it on paper or in your head? It is easier to see a solution after writing it down. So why would thoughts and feelings be any different? The exact mechanism by which expressive writing works is still unknown.
It is perceived the cathartic effect associated with gratitude journaling is beneficial. However, many psychologists agree that catharsis is not enough. Other mechanisms considered useful include:
- Emotional confrontation – Facing suppressed feelings relieves stress and tension.
- Cognitive processing - Writing about events and feelings helps senior citizens develop a cohesive narrative, enhancing adaptability and pluralism.
- Repeated sessions - Daily writing helps older persons overcome negative emotional responses as they become increasingly capable of reflecting on their life from various angles.
Keeping a journal enhances their emotional intelligence. This entails identifying, elaborating on, managing, controlling their emotions, and empathizing with others. As a result, their thinking style becomes considerably lucid, their decisions become more productive, and they feel less anxious and agitated. This makes them healthy individuals. The benefits of writing have been demonstrated in numerous mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and body image distortions, as well as in certain transient states, such as melancholy after a breakup, being a victim of a natural disaster, or grieving.
How to Help a Senior Embrace Gratitude
If you are looking for ways to help a loved one embrace gratitude journaling, the following activities might help:
- Memory is a Crucial and Powerful Thing
The act of reminiscing is an integral component of senior life. It is a terrific approach to remind them of all the incredible adventures. It also reminds them of the fascinating individuals they have encountered.
- Old Photographs and Home Movies Serve As An Influential Reminder
Looking at old photos or home movies restores color and clarity and reminds seniors of their fantastic experiences and, more importantly, how they made them feel.
- Take The Time To Express Your Emotions To A Senior
Appreciating seniors verbally or sending them cards or letters reminds them of their positive impact on society. It makes them develop a sense of belonging and renews their purpose in life. Additionally, consulting seniors for guidance or advice, especially when you are feeling low, makes them feel important and valued.
Summing Up
Gratitude journaling is invaluable for seniors, especially those having a rough time in Salem, Dallas, Keizer, Albany, and Corvallis. Gratitude journaling is not limited to free-form expressive writing; it also includes list-making, planning, expressing appreciation, and filling out a planner.
It is scientifically proven to positively affect your mental and physical health, memory, relationships, and productivity. The good thing is that it is free. You only require a notebook, pen, journaling software, and motivation. Contact us for more information on gratitude journaling.