How to Change Your Mindset to Positive During a Move to Senior Living

Adapting to community life is a massive change that should not be taken lightly. Seniors who make the transition to The Forum at Lincoln Heights can combat negative thought patterns with various techniques, such as meeting with a therapist and learning how to cope with triggers. 

StudyFinds reports that the average person has approximately 11 negative thoughts every single day. When you face major life transitions, such as moving to a senior living community, these thoughts can increase exponentially, along with an uptick in anxiety. 

Are you eager to make the transition to senior living in San Antonio, TX, but wondering how to change your mindset to positive? Today, we will explore some of the features of positive thinking, as well as helpful steps you can take to shift your mindset and cultivate positive aging during change.  

How Do I Stop Being So Negative?

Negative thoughts can be addictive. It can sometimes seem easier to dwell on the negative aspects of your life than to focus on things that are going well. Unfortunately, this toxic cycle repeats itself unless you put a stop to it. 

You must find strategies that work for you. If you do not reap tangible benefits from suggested solutions, try something else until you begin to notice a shift to a more positive mindset. 

How to Change Your Mindset to Positive

Changing your mindset does not have to be challenging, but it does require consistent work and motivation. It's important not to give up if you do not notice a difference right away. Here are some key strategies to try. 

Consider Working With a Therapist

If you have a tough time on your own, a therapist may be able to aid you in your life transition. Find a practitioner who specializes in these types of events. 

A therapist will help you identify negative thought patterns and use various techniques to transform how you perceive and react to them. They may also be able to aid you in finding the root cause of your feelings. 

Make New Friends

Even if you do not feel like it, try to connect with other residents in your assisted living or senior community. Make an effort to attend events that interest you. Finding other residents with similar passions can lay a foundation for strong friendships. 

Get Outdoors

Experiencing the outdoors can do wonders for your mental health, especially in beautiful areas such as San Antonio. Meet a group of friends to explore a local hiking trail, or simply walk along the San Antonio Riverwalk and do some shopping. 

The weather in San Antonio is mild to warm year-round, which means that you can participate in outdoor activities without worrying about dipping temperatures or hazardous weather. 

How Long Does It Take to Change Your Brain From Negative to Positive? 

It depends heavily on the person. Some seniors may adapt quickly to their new life in senior living, especially social butterflies. Others might take longer to adjust and slowly begin to experience all that the community offers. 

Do not expect to adjust right away. It is completely normal to experience fear and anxiety after such a life-changing event. Give yourself grace and focus on taking small steps to improve your mental health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Positive Mindset Slow the Progression of Dementia? 

It can. Although there isn't a definitive connection between dementia and maintaining a positive outlook on life, there are certainly correlations. Many patients who stay positive throughout different types of treatment experience better outcomes. 

Overall, positivity may encourage residents to work harder to retain cognitive skills that they are losing due to dementia. A positive attitude can also ease feelings of stress and irritability as a result of the progression of the disease. 

Why Does Moving to Senior Living Cause Increased Anxiety?

Any large transition in life can heighten feelings of anxiety and stress. In fact, Psychology Today identified moving as a top stressor for many people. If you are a senior leaving home to move to senior living, the prospect of a whole new lifestyle can seem terrifying at first. 

You will have to adjust to new living quarters and a potentially smaller space if you aim to downsize. You might be moving away from close friends or family who you will no longer be able to see regularly. 

If you are used to complete independence, moving to an assisted living or memory care program may be frustrating at first. Requiring help with everyday tasks can feel embarrassing at first. Experiencing your memories and skills slipping away due to dementia can be difficult as well.  

At What Point Do I Need Further Intervention for Negative Thoughts? 

Remember that an adjustment period is perfectly normal after making the move to senior living. You will have to get used to an entirely different way of life, as well as learn how to navigate the community. 

However, if you still have issues after several months, you may need additional help. Some seniors can benefit from medication intervention, such as antidepressants or antianxiety drugs, to calm their thoughts and help cultivate a more positive mindset by changing brain chemicals. 

Emotional Support for Seniors at The Forum at Lincoln Heights

Are you still wondering how to change your mindset to positive when thinking about the transition to a senior living community? Worry no more. With this guide to positive mindset and senior transition tips, you can identify the types of thought patterns that affect you and find healthy coping methods to make your move as seamless as possible. 

Maintaining a healthy mindset and senior living go hand in hand at The Forum at Lincoln Heights. We offer exclusive programs that encourage healthy living for our residents, such as chef-prepared dining and senior-oriented fitness classes. Our staff is dedicated to curating an enriching lifestyle for residents to live out their golden years in peace. 

Are you ready to make the move to a senior living community? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit us at our beautiful location in San Antonio, TX, to see our campus in person. Become a resident today!