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How to Improve Your Quality of Life

It doesn’t matter what age you are, how much money you have, or even how mobile you are – it’s never too late to learn how to improve your quality of life. We’re constantly growing and adapting to our surroundings, which is why every so often, we need to stop and evaluate what makes us happy and what’s wasting our time. Once we’ve done that, we can focus on what we truly enjoy and start improving our quality of life.  

How to Improve Your Quality of Life

Make a List of What You Want

If you’re wondering how to improve your quality of life, start by focusing on the positives – not the negatives. This can be easier said than done. If you’re like a lot of people, you tend to focus on things you don’t like: long lines, icy roads, over-paying at restaurants, bad movies, and on and on. What if we spent more time thinking about what we actually love and enjoy?

If you’re having a hard time figuring out what you want more of in your life, start by going through your week and writing down the things that brought you joy. What about visiting with family, coffee with a friend, a good book, cooking dinner, or perhaps taking a long walk? Once you’ve got your list going, keep adding to it. Eventually you’ll have a clearer picture of what brings you joy in life, and it will be easier to focus on those things and stop dedicating time and attention to everything else.

Get Your Heart Pumping

Fitness is a key factor in our physical health, of course, but did you know that it could also boost your mental health and happiness? Not only has regular exercise been linked to improved mood and cardiovascular health, but it can also improve blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep.

Incorporating physical activity into your life, especially as you age, can be tricky. Luckily, research has shown that even small amounts of physical exercise can improve your balance, mood, bone density, and weight. If you’re looking for a new workout that won’t overwhelm you, try chair yoga. This easy-to-practice exercise offers many benefits, and you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

Give Back to Others

Volunteer work has long been touted as a great mood booster, but Stephanie Watson, executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch, found that volunteering can do a lot more than improve your mood. “Studies have shown that volunteering helps people who donate their time feel more socially connected, thus warding off loneliness and depression,” she writes. “But I was surprised to learn that volunteering has positive implications that go beyond mental health. A growing body of evidence suggests that people who give their time to others might also be rewarded with better physical health – including lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.”

If figuring out how to improve your quality of life is as simple as volunteering your time and resources to those in need, then we’re all in luck. The number of organizations looking for volunteers seems to be endless. The trick is finding which organization best fits your personal interests. If you’ve always loved animals, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter or fostering an animal in need of a temporary home. If you love gardening, reach out to a local park, garden, or farmer’s market. Schools and church groups are also great places to find rewarding volunteer opportunities.

Continue Exploring

Don’t let your age keep you inside – you’re never too old to get out and explore new things. Although we encourage you to embrace the things that bring you comfort, avoid getting stuck in a rut. Why not check out the thriving restaurant scene in Greenville? Scheduling weekly or monthly restaurant excursions with friends or family will help you stay socially active as well. Or you could stop by a seasonal festival or go to the theater to see a new show. For help exploring all that Greenville has to offer, check out these past blog posts:

Discovering how to improve your quality of life can start right here at home.

At Waterstone on Augusta, one of our goals is to connect our residents with attractions and events around Greenville. Providing residents with activities and community connections is just one way we help our seniors enjoy their golden years.

If you’re interested in joining a premier assisted living and memory care community in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, check out Waterstone on Augusta. Our welcoming community is relaxing and elegant. We strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour or call us today at 864-605-7236.