Emotional Wellness Activities for Seniors in Napa Valley

Finding senior enrichment in Napa, CA, is easier than ever before, with a variety of senior programs available throughout the area. When it comes to finding activities that help strengthen mental fortitude, however, you need to look a little harder. 

Our Calligraphy Napa Valley senior community is here to help by showing you the top emotional wellness activities. The best part is that they're all beginner-friendly, so there's no required skill set keeping you from trying each one. 

Keep reading to learn all about these emotionally enriching activities and why they're so beneficial!

Creative Arts

Diving into the creative arts as a way to achieve senior life balance often causes many people to hesitate. Sometimes the reason is due to thinking they're not 'creative' enough or that they 'can't draw'. 

The thing to remember is that creativity comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There is no wrong or right way to create something beautiful and unique. 

By expressing yourself with paint, charcoal, music, or pencil, you're gaining the emotional wellness benefits of: 

• Better emotional understanding and resilience
• Lower stress levels
• Mood improvement
• Improve your empathy
• Self-fulfillment
• Sense of achievement

Crafting

Sometimes the fear of a blank page is too much to overcome. You might neglect your emotional wellness due to the fear of creating something that you don't like. 

This is when you should try crafting, instead. 

It's another way to delve into creativity while still having a guideline to follow. You can change colors or choose a different shape, but you know you're still aiming to create a felt flower in the end. 

Having this guideline can make the entire process easier for seniors.

It's also a good way to dip your toes into the creative arts as a beginner. Once you have a few crafting projects under your belt, you might feel more confident to try painting a flower instead of crafting one. 

Meditation

It's not uncommon to hear about people's positive experiences with meditation, but how often does that lead us to try it ourselves? Meditation should be included in your aging emotional support toolbox. 

It's an easy-to-start activity that can re-center your emotions during a rough day. It can give you a sense of balance and understanding that you can't quite achieve any other way. 

Even a few minutes of mindful meditation can be enough to improve on a turmoil of emotions. Plus, meditation can be a solo experience or shared with other community residents. You can adjust your meditation practices to suit your style and needs. 

VivaLife Enrichment

Sometimes the best choice for bettering your emotional fortitude is by engaging in social wellness programs. Joining a club or a senior community can give you access to new activities and perspectives to help your overall well-being. 

At Calligraphy Napa Valley, one of our signature programs is called VivaLife Enrichment. The entire goal of this program is to help seniors flourish by way of fulfilling activities and expansive experiences.

Each activity teaches something new, engages in emotional awareness, fosters social bonds, or helps relieve stress. These activities also aim to the experience a lot of fun for everyone involved. 

Some activities we host in this program include: 

• Bocce ball
• Community walks
• Chair-based exercises
• Bingo
• Tai Chi
• Music appreciation
• Word games
• Shopping sprees
• Live music gatherings

Journaling

How often do you reflect on your day-to-day activities? Have you ever sat down to consider how you felt during certain conversations? Do you wish you could have said something different? 

These questions are partly why journaling is such a beneficial tool for mental wellness for elders. 

In the comfort of your senior living apartment, you can work through different emotions without fear of being judged. This aids in giving you a better understanding of your feelings and how you can change behaviors in the future.

All you need to get started is a piece of paper and a pen. You can also write on a laptop if you prefer the speed of typing, but writing by hand is often preferred because of its slowness. It gives you more time to think as you write, and it can feel more personal than text on a screen. 

The crucial part is not to overthink anything. Simply start writing whatever comes to your mind.

No one other than you ever has to read these words, so feel free to be honest. 

Water Aerobics

Playing in water is a pastime many of us have enjoyed since we were children. That's partly what water aerobics recreates, while also introducing physical goals in the process. 

Water aerobics assists in strengthening core muscles and balance, but it also helps with emotional and mental wellness. Through the physicality of the exercises, you'll increase endorphins and reduce stress. You'll improve your overall health and feel accomplished at the same time. 

Another benefit is that these aerobics are gentle on your joints due to the buoyancy of the water. You'll no longer need to worry about soreness the day after. 

Volunteering

The act of giving time and energy to benefit other people can make a big difference in the world. It also benefits the people doing the volunteering by: 

• Increasing confidence
• Improving empathy
• Giving a sense of accomplishment
• Reconnect with your local area
• Creating new social networks
• Granting new perspectives
• Feeling helpful

If you're unable to volunteer in person, there are other ways to perform altruistic acts.

Donating money, for instance, can give the same sense of accomplishment and connection. Volunteering through online avenues is also a great way to help others without needing to leave your apartment. 

Find More Emotional Wellness Activities at Calligraphy Napa Valley 

Improving mental wellness requires a senior community that assists you without stealing your autonomy. At Calligraphy Napa Valley, we work hard to ensure there are many emotional wellness activities available at all times. 

Calligraphy Napa Valley can provide the friendly support system you need to achieve better emotional and mental wellness. Our Vivre Health & Wellness team offers personalized support so you can work on your wellness goals whenever it suits you.

Contact us today and see our top-of-the-line amenities, caring services, and welcoming staff for yourself!