How To Stay Happy While Aging

There’s things you can to do stay happy!

Growing older can be good. Remember, you’re wiser and know what’s important!

 

I don’t think grandmothers look as old as they used to.

I remember my grandmother, she must have been about 65 or so, she had the gray hair and the short “old”, short hair style and just seemed old.  Now I see grandmothers that don’t even look like grandmas.  They keep their hair the original color, not gray, and they don’t have as many wrinkles.  They’re bodies are in better shape.  They have better, younger hair styles.  That’s how I want to always look.

When I was younger, I remember thinking that I would “feel” old when I got older.  (Whatever that means)  But I don’t!  I just  feel like me.  Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like that?

We need to keep our minds sharp and not fret over the past.  I’m sure we all have things we regret in our past. Worrying and regretting does absolutely no good for anything.  It just causes anxiety and depression.  In my opinion, we just should live in the moment, literally.  Sometimes, you should reminisce a bit and then just let it go.

I try to integrate the following things into my days:

I try to eat healthy at least most of the time.  Red meat, processed meat and refined carbohydrates and sugar just aren’t good for us.  Instead we should eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, fish and chicken.  It’s good to get about a half hour of moderate exercise every day.  And try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.   Change happens slowly, I do the best I can each day.  When I mess up, I forgive  myself and just do better the next day.

Regular doctor visits are always recommended.  And a having a physical once a year is the best thing to do.  So having insurance, for most of us anyway, is crucial.  When we get older, most have Medicare.  Doing research on all Medicare options is the best way to figure out which is best for you.

Remember your blessings and try to keep them in mind when you’re having a stressful day or in a bad situation. Do what you can to fix things, yes.  But then take a moment and write down or just remember all the things you’re thankful for.  For me, I think about my family, and how lucky I am that all my kids are healthy.  You’ll be surprised how that can improve your mood.

Take time to relax. This can be very helpful for stress and high blood pressure.  I like to go in the bedroom and be alone for a little bit, take some very deep breaths and let my body calm down.  This is a good one, it can be done anywhere and it really helps.  It actually lowers your blood pressure in a stressful situation.   Stress is insidious; it wears you down by stealth, moment by moment without you even realizing it.  It’s really important, in my opinion, to master this one.

 

Laugh.Have you laughed today?  Or even yesterday?  Did you know that studies show that laughter really is great for your health? Spend time with friends and family that make you laugh.  Or watch your favorite comedy movie or tv show.  Personally, I love Modern Family.  That show always makes me laugh.  It’s not wasting time, it’s essential for good health.  And it’s contagious.  It’s fun to make someone else laugh.

Hang out with friends and/or family as much as you can.  It doesn’t have to be some big, expensive outing.  Just have people over for coffee and cookies. Just have some downtime and enjoy yourself. Have fun!

Learning something new is alwys interesting and fun.  Whether it’s a new language or figuring out facebook or blogging.  It keeps your mind fresh and you have something you like to do.  Even if it’s a little nerve-wracking, you’ll then have the feeling of accomplishment and that’s a great feeling!

Showing kindness is one of the best ways to live in the moment.  Tell someone you like their shoes, or you love their haircut.  It will make their day! And yours too!  Especially if it’s a stranger. Try it, you’ll love it!  It’s a great way to live in the moment and make someone else and yourself feel good.

Keep up courage and self esteem. When you’re facing a challenge you’re not sure you can handle, think back.  I’m sure there was a time when you overcame a challenge.  Think about how you did it, but focus mostly on the one at hand.  It’ll give you a renewed sense of your own strength.  The courage you were trying to summon, will come.

When you try to integrate these habits into your day as often as possible, you’ll find yourself aging successfully — because you’ll be too busy doing it to be aware of aging!

 

 

 Do you have any tips about aging? Leave me a comment with anything you’d like. Thanks for stopping by! Watch for more posts and giveaways.