Outdoor Activities that are Good for Your Health

Outdoor Activities that are Good for Your Health

It’s no secret that being outdoors in the fresh air is good for your health and overall well-being. Outdoor activities also serve as a great and healthy resource to escape from the day-to-day stresses that consume many individual’s thoughts. 

Many activities that occur outside can require a lot of physical activity that we may no longer be able to achieve as we recover and/or age. Even though hobbies such as surfing or mountain biking may be out of the picture for some of us, there are still plenty of other activities that are a great way for individuals to take advantage of nature and the outdoors. 

Go for a walk

Going for a walk at some point in the day is a great way to get some outdoor exercise. Whether it’s an early morning sunrise walk, a relaxing mid-afternoon stroll, or nice walk through the neighborhood in the evening, it will be very beneficial to your health. Try going for a walk with a friend or two to not only improve your health, but to boost your social life as well. 

Pick up gardening

Gardening is such a rewarding way to spend time in the outdoors. This is especially true if you want to find an activity where you can spend a great amount of your day outside soaking up some Vitamin D. But don’t forget to wear your sunscreen! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your hard work and devotion blossom into something beautiful and/or delicious. 

Go fish

Fishing is one of the best outside activities for people with physical limitations. Not only do you get to spend time outdoors, but you also get to be near the water. Many people like to use this activity as a way to bond with younger generations in their family and share stories with their children and grandchildren. Not only is the hobby enjoyable, but you may also leave with a delicious meal afterwards.

Organize a picnic

You have to eat right? Why not do it outdoors? Invite some of your friends or family to a local park for a tasty lunch in the sun. Get everyone involved by assigning different courses to different individuals. Changing up the scenery from your usual lunch spot will be an exciting way to get together with the people you care about. 

Paint a picture

Painting is a great way for people to relax and enjoy their surroundings while spending some time outdoors. Like walking, painting can also be used as a therapeutic method for dealing with the stresses that come into our lives. Find a peaceful place to set up your easel and enjoy the many benefits of both painting and the outdoors. 

Spend some time outdoors with us

Here at Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of spending time in the beautiful outdoors. That’s why we provide numerous opportunities each and every day for our guests to enjoy the San Diego air. Along with our multiple organized activities every day, our guest’s are free to enjoy their day soaking up the sun in our recently remodeled courtyard as well. 

Want more information about our 5-star skilled nursing facility? Call us today at (619) 644-1000. 

How Socialization Affects Your Overall Mental Health

How Socialization Affects Your Overall Mental Health

For many people, socialization is something that effortlessly occurs in their lives every single day. They have gotten so used to the habit of planning gatherings with their best friends or joining a few coworkers for happy hour after work. What they don’t realize is how beneficial these social encounters are for their overall mental health. Staying connected to family, friends and activities plays a very important role in every individual’s life. 

Here are some ways that socialization is beneficial to your overall mental health:

Socialization reduces the risk of mental health issues such as depression

Isolation is one of the main signs of depression with people of all ages. Many studies prove that surrounding yourself with other people can help ease the feeling of depression. Belonging to some sort of social group, whether it’s a gardening club or a group of friends who meet once a week for lunch, will put those individuals at a lower risk for depression. The stronger the connection that the person has, the less likely they are to develop this mental health issue. 

Socialization wards off diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s

For a long time, socialization has been considered an important factor for preventing Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In a study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, older women who had larger social networks were less likely to get Alzheimer’s or Dementia by 26% than women with a small social network. The more connected an individual is, the better they are with memory and cognition. It’s not the number of social acquaintances you have, it’s about the quality of the connection. 

Socialization keeps stress levels at bay

Socializing with others and having a friendly support system not only has a huge impact on defeating psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, but it also plays a key factor in reducing stress as well. Stress leads to serious problems such as heart disease, asthma, obesity, accelerated aging, premature death and more. Social networks that include family, friends and even pets can help foster relaxation in individuals and keep their stress levels at bay. 

Socialization improves mental function

Many studies have come to the conclusion that socializing, even something as simple as talking to another person, can provide mental benefits such as improved memory, improved self-monitoring, and an improved ability to limit internal and external distractions. Socialization provides a short-term brain boost that is comparable to playing games that exercise the brain such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles. 

We’ve got your social life covered!

Here at Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we understand the importance of social interaction when it comes to better overall mental health and an improved quality of life. We have multiple organized social activities that are mindfully planned for our guests every single day. 

Come see for yourself! Call (619) 644-1000 to schedule a visit of our 5-star skilled nursing facility.