happiness

conversation

21 Helpful Conversation Starters with Your Senior

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Each of us struggle at times to make conversation with others, whether they are family members, co-workers, or strangers.  Most of us rely on default topics such as politics, the weather, or jobs.  Instead, try one of these thoughtful questions to that will help you begin funny, beautiful, or heartfelt conversations:

  1. What book would you recommend to your friends?
  2. What are your top 5 favorite movies of all time?
  3. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
  4. What song or singer do you love to listen to?
  5. If money and/or time were no object, what would you want to do?  Where would you go?  Who would be there?  How would you fill your days?
  6. What do you think the best age to be is?  Why?
  7. When did you know that your spouse was “the one”?
  8. How did you choose your children’s (or pets’) names?
  9. What’s the best advice your parents gave you?  Did you listen to it?
  10. Who do you admire most?  Why?
  11. Who is someone who inspires you?  How so?
  12. At what moment in your life do you remember laughing the hardest?
  13. What’s something in your life that you are really good at?  What’s something that you wish you were really good at?
  14. What’s something you did that was embarrassing at the time, but you now see the humor in?
  15. What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? (What did you save your allowance for?  What did you race home after school to do?  What did you write, talk, and dream about?)
  16. What moment in history do you most vividly remember?  (Where were you?  What were you doing?  How were you affected?)
  17. What are you  the most proud of in your life?
  18. What is the hardest lesson you have ever learned?
  19. What did you learn in your career that you wish you have known earlier?
  20. What’s your number one piece of life advice?
  21. What do you hope people remember about you?

Genuinely listening to someone is an act of kindness.  Ask someone to share their story with you, and the conversation will be a gift to you both.

grandchildren

13 Questions to Ask Your Grandchildren This Holiday Season

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Do you love to spend time with your grandkids, but sometimes struggle with helping them express the broad range of topics and emotions we all experience such as happy, sad, frustrated, confused, or amused?  Let your grandchildren know that you are open to talking about any topic.  This will build their confidence, and their trust in you.

Here are 13 ideas of questions to ask your grandchildren:

  1. What is something that you think you are really good at? Will you show me?
  2. What do you think is the grossest food? What is the most delicious?
  3. What’s something that made you happy today? Did anything make you sad?
  4. What is your favorite part of your day at school?
  5. What is your least favorite thing about school?
  6. What did your mom or dad do today that made you frustrated?
  7. What did your mom or dad do today that made you happy?
  8. If you could have any superpower in the world, what would it be? Why?  What would you do with your superpowers?
  9. What is the best present you have ever received?
  10. What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?
  11. If you could go anywhere or do anything today, what would it be?
  12. What animals do you wish could talk? Why?  What do you think they would say?
  13. What is your favorite thing in your room right now?

 

health

Top 10 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Health

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Feeling good is about more than just your physical health. In fact, there are several factors that may affect your overall mood.  Here are 10 tips to keep you feeling your best:

  1. Go outside.  Spending time outdoors can make you feel better — even if it’s only for a few minutes.  Try to get regular exposure to natural light, as much as you are able to.  Go outside even when it’s cloudy; a small amount of natural light is better than none at all.
  1. Take vitamin supplements.  If your body is running short on nutrients such as magnesium or zinc, your brain might be running short on chemicals that regulate mood and keep you in good spirits.
  1. Watch your diet.  Refined carbohydrates such as table sugar and fruit juice concentrates do nothing for your mental health.  However, protein-rich foods such as chicken, salmon and beans can give your brain a boost.  Vegetables, fruits and whole grains are also part of a balanced, healthy diet.
  1. Exercise.  Staying active can release feel-good chemicals, boost your self-esteem and give you another reason to go outdoors or stay connected with other people.  Even low-impact activities like golf or tai chi are great ways to keep your body moving.
  1. Hit the hay.  Let your body and mind recharge with a good night’s rest.  Establish a regular sleep routine and try to stick to it every night.
  1. Try something new.  Play a new game. Join a new club. Try new foods. Learn a new skill.  Having something new to look forward to and a hobby get excited about can be invigorating.
  1. Volunteer.  Helping others can help you find a new sense of purpose and value in your talents and presence.
  1. Set limits. An overextended schedule saps your energy. Take regular breaks, including vacations (or staycations). If you’re feeling drained, look for things to cut out from your weekly to-dos.
  1. Laugh.  Laughter is good for your immune system and your mood!
  1. Take time to reflect.  Prayer and/or meditation can offer you perspective and provide opportunities for reflection, gratitude and peace.