Guiding Seasons

Meditation is a simple practice that can create a few quiet moments in an otherwise busy day. You don’t need special equipment, a particular belief system, or the ability to sit cross-legged on the floor. You can meditate comfortably in a chair, while lying down, during a slow walk, or even while sitting outside listening to the sounds around you.

That flexibility can make meditation particularly approachable for seniors.

Meditation generally involves intentionally directing your attention toward something, such as your breathing, a sound, a repeated word, or sensations in your body. Mindfulness meditation emphasizes awareness of what’s happening in the present moment without immediately judging or reacting to it.

Research into meditation and mindfulness has explored possible benefits for stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, pain, and blood pressure. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says some findings are encouraging, but it also cautions that research quality varies and some benefits have been interpreted too optimistically. (NCCIH)

In other words, meditation can be a useful wellness practice, but it shouldn’t be treated as a cure or substitute for appropriate medical care.

Here’s how to begin in a comfortable, realistic way.

Rainy days have a way of changing the pace of life.

Plans may be canceled, outdoor walks postponed, and afternoons can suddenly feel much longer than expected. But staying inside doesn’t have to mean spending the entire day watching television or waiting for better weather.

A rainy day can actually be an opportunity to slow down and enjoy activities that are easy to overlook during busier days.

You might finally start the book sitting on your nightstand, work on a jigsaw puzzle, bake something you’ve wanted to try, organize old photographs, care for your houseplants, or learn something completely new.

For older adults in particular, maintaining enjoyable and meaningful activities can be an important part of staying engaged with everyday life. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that activities such as music, creative writing, digital photography, quilting, and other meaningful pursuits have shown promise for supporting quality of life and well-being, although researchers are still studying their long-term cognitive effects.

The important word is enjoyable.

You don’t have to transform every rainy afternoon into a self-improvement project. Sometimes the best hobby is simply one that makes the day pleasant.

Here are some easy indoor hobbies worth trying.