Generations

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.

Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.

Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.

Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.

Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.

Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.

Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.

Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health. (National Institute of Mental Health)

LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS TO BEGIN IN VINCENNES IN JUNE

Generations Area 13 Agency on Aging, partnering with the University of Southern Indiana, is offering the six-week program, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” from 10 a.m.-noon every Friday starting June 2 through July 7. The class will be held at the Generations office (Zella Young Building, third floor, room 320), 1019 N. Fourth St. This self-management program is for individuals with chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, arthritis, etc. There is no fee to participate and all materials and resources are provided. Registration is required as seating is limited. For more information, or to register, please contact Cathy Jones at 812-888-5159. This project is supported by the University of Southern Indiana’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Proud partners are the University of Southern Indiana, Deaconess Clinic, Generations and SWIRCA and More.

CONSIDER BECOMING A MATTER OF BALANCE COACH — COACHES TRAINING TO BE OFFERED IN VINCENNES

Generations is seeking volunteers to be trained to facilitate a fall prevention program for older adults in our service area. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a nationally recognized evidence-based fall prevention program. Its purpose? To reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among community-dwelling older adults. Generations will be providing a free Matter of Balance coaches training from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 24 at Generations, 1019 N. Fourth St., room 320. Generations and their partners will provide materials for classes, supervision and program promotion. For those individuals interested in volunteering or for more information, contact Alma Kramer at 812-888-4527 or akramer@vinu.edu. This project is supported by the University of Southern Indiana’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Proud partners are the University of Southern Indiana, Deaconess Clinic, Generations and SWIRCA and More.

BUILD-A-BASKET BY-THE-MONTH

Generations is collecting different items each month that can be used at the end of the year to supplement the Build-A-Basket program. Each month, we will be collecting these items and storing them away for the holiday season to create additional baskets, as needed. May collection items include household cleaning products. If you would like to donate, please contact Alma Kramer at 812-888-4527 or by e-mail at akramer@vinu.edu to schedule your drop off or pick up. Thank you for your help in supporting our Build-A-Basket program!

COFFEE AND CANVAS PAINTING CLASS TO BE HELD IN MONROE CITY

Generations will be hosting an artist led canvas painting class for individuals age 55 and older, caregivers and care recipients on June 7th, 2023 at the Blue Jeans Center, 1242 Main St., Monroe City, IN from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a free activity and all materials will be provided. All are welcome but registration is required. This is a dementia friendly activity! To register, please contact Cathy Jones at 812-888-5159 or by email at Catherine.Jones@vinu.edu.

GENERATIONS MAGAZINE

Our magazine is geared toward adults in pre-retirement and retirement years and promotes active aging and preventive health. It is published three times a year and is free to subscribers. All we need is your name and address. If you would like to receive future copies of the magazine, contact Brenda Hancock at 812-888-5146 or bhancock@vinu.edu.

Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging & Disability, is a program of Vincennes University’s Community Services Division. Our agency connects individuals and caregivers to community resources and options for long-term care and in-home services. For more information, call 1-800-742-9002 or 812-888-5880 or visit our website at www.generationsnetwork.org.