Florida’s Seniors

Meditate with them for 15 minutes. You will both benefit from it if you set the intention of creating more quiet and encourage your mind to think about something other than what is making you sad.

Plant a patio herb garden or repot a houseplant. The light exercise, connection with nature and completion of a project are a perfect combination to brighten someone’s mood.

Help them clean their home. Tidying our space can help tidy our mind while creating a sense of accomplishment from finishing a task.

Help them create a “gratitude sandwich.” Ask them to sandwich one thing that is going wrong between two things that they are grateful for. Saying it out loud helps them realize that there is always something positive to focus on.

Challenge them to some riddles and crossword puzzles. Our brains love solving problems. Critical thinking also boosts cognitive function and helps remove that hazy feeling that comes with sadness.

Skip the carbs. While it’s tempting to take your loved one out for some good old fashioned comfort food, it will only block serotonin and make them feel more sluggish. Instead, opt for a parfait, salad or fruit basket.

Make them a soundtrack of soothing sounds. A waterfall, ocean waves, rain on a tin roof or wind rustling leaves are all soothing sounds that can help lull even the most restless minds to sleep.

Go barefoot in the grass or on the beach. If you live near a beach or park, there are proven benefits to “grounding,” or reconnecting with the electrons in nature in order to promote better sleep and reduce anxiety.

Make them fresh-squeezed orange juice. The act of hand-squeezing the juice makes them feel loved, while giving them a healthy dose of vitamin B6 and folic acid.

Have dark chocolate delivered to their house. This tasty treat reduces cortisol, releases both endorphins and serotonin and is a good source of antioxidants.