Practicing self-care is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Spending time purposefully doing things that reduce stress and improve your overall well-being isn’t selfish – it’s a necessity.
While there are many benefits to solo self-care, there’s also something to be said about community self-care. Group wellness offers opportunities to take care of yourself in ways you can’t on your own. Multiple studies have shown the benefits of community and spending time with other people. It’s especially important as you get older to surround yourself with positive people. Not only does it help to combat loneliness, but it can enrich your life in ways you never thought possible.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of keeping up with group wellness as you age, as well as a few different ways you can participate in community self-care.
Wellness Retreats
If you have a hard time taking time off for yourself, consider participating in a wellness retreat with other people. You can get a group of friends or family members to go along, or open yourself up to meeting new people and creating new friendships that could last a lifetime!
There are countless benefits to going on a wellness retreat. Some of the most important include:
- Taking a break from your daily routine
- Meeting like-minded people
- Enjoying peaceful surroundings
- Breaking negative habits
- Prioritizing relaxation
Most wellness retreats are somewhere with a heavy focus on nature. You might end up choosing a retreat on the beach or in the middle of the woods.
There’s a reason for that.
Nature is a wonderful healer. It’s been shown to improve physical and mental well-being. Spending time in nature can help with everything from reducing your blood pressure and lowering your stress to boosting your immunity and energy levels.
When you head out on a wellness retreat, you can take advantage of the fact that almost everything will be taken care of for you. While it can cost a bit of money, it’s a small price to pay for the people you’ll meet, the bonds you’ll create, and the experience you’ll share with others. If you can’t find any retreats that interest you, consider putting together a DIY retreat of your own for your family and friends. You’ll learn more about each other, boost your bond, and experience the healing benefits of nature all at once.
Get Active in Your Community
If you don’t want to go out of town or you’re more interested in fostering relationships in your own community, consider getting active.
Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial as you get older if you want to maintain your health. You don’t have to run a marathon every day to experience the benefits of physical activity. However, you can make the most of your exercise efforts by choosing activities you enjoy, working out with other people, and trying to get outside as much as possible.
Try things like walking, hiking, biking, and swimming. They’re easy to do with a friend or two and will boost your health, even more, when you choose to exercise outdoors.
If you really want to share your exercise time with others, consider taking an outdoor yoga class or joining a group of walkers or cyclists. A quick search online, and you’re bound to find several groups in your community that regularly get together to exercise, spend time in nature, and enjoy each other’s company.
Get Involved in Group Hobbies
There are plenty of ways to spend time in nature, stay physically active, and connect with others without having to break too much of a sweat.
You’re more likely to stick with an activity if you really enjoy it, so consider your interests when deciding how to participate more frequently in community self-care.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature, meet new people, and take care of yourself is gardening. Getting your hands in the dirt can help you feel more in tune with nature. Gardening is a fantastic way to reduce stress, it’s good for your physical health, and it offers a sense of accomplishment when you grow your own flowers or produce.
You can also benefit from becoming an “indoor plant parent,” especially if you live in a colder climate. Indoor plants have many benefits, including:
- Air purification
- Increased oxygen levels
- Better health outcomes
- Reduced stress
When you can, however, spend time outside nurturing your plants. If you don’t have the time or space to dedicate to your own garden, consider joining a community garden to meet others with similar interests.
Getting involved in your community while practicing self-care is easier than you might think. Choose activities that allow you to connect with nature as often as possible, and you’ll reap the rewards of the great outdoors and community self-care all at once.
