Mental Health Session at a Nursing Home – Sharing Simple Ways to Stay Positive
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting a nursing home to deliver a mental health session for residents and their carers. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about mental health in a relatable way, focusing on the ups and downs we all experience, and to share simple, practical tips for staying positive.
Getting to Know Each Other
We kicked things off with introductions and a fun icebreaker - passing a smile around the room! It was a lovely way to get everyone engaged and comfortable with each other.
Understanding Mental Health
I explained that mental health, just like physical health, can have good and challenging moments. Using a metaphor of changing weather, I talked about how life’s ups and downs are normal, and how we all experience them in different ways. We also had a quiz to get everyone thinking about mental health myths and facts, which brought some lightheartedness to the discussion. One key takeaway was the importance of talking to someone when you're feeling down - it really can make a difference
Anna’s Top Tips
I shared some of my favourite tips to help manage mental health and stay positive during difficult times:
Practice Gratitude – A simple daily practice of noting three things you're grateful for can really shift your mindset.
Stay Connected – Whether it’s a chat with family, a friend, or staff, connection helps brighten the day and reduce feelings of isolation.
Take a Deep Breath – Practicing deep breathing can help calm the mind and body, making it a great tool for stress relief.
Talk About How You Feel – It’s OK to talk about feelings, whether you're having a tough day or need a little pick-me-up.
Enjoy the Present Moment (Mindfulness) – Focusing on the present moment, instead of worrying about the past or future, can bring calm and clarity.
A Relaxing Moment
We ended the session with a guided relaxation and breathing exercise, where everyone closed their eyes and imagined a peaceful place - using their senses to visualise a calm environment. It was a soothing experience and one they can use whenever they need a moment of peace.
The session was not only a great way to talk about mental health, but also to remind everyone that we all experience ups and downs, and that there are simple, everyday things we can do to feel better. I’m grateful to have had the chance to share this experience with such a lovely group of people.