No matter how old you are, you can stay young at heart for as long as you want to. The biological clock may not stop ticking but you can forget about your age and enjoy life along with the many blessings that come your way.
Here are some things that you can do stay and feel young at heart.
1. Be Active
Children are always full of energy and they do not tire easily. Having an active lifestyle will also make you feel young since your body will stay in good shape and you will not notice the limitation that old age often brings.
2. Be Spontaneous
Live for the moment and stop worrying too much about what will happen in the future. The present offers so many joys for you to grab. If you let them pass, it will become part of the past and you may end up feeling sorry.
3. Spend More Time Around Children
Children find happiness even in the simplest pleasures. You can forget all your worries and cares when you mingle with children and share in the pure joy they bring every time.
4. Smile and Laugh Often
Be a person who is always ready to flash a smile and share a laugh or two with others. Smiles and laughter cost nothing but they will result in a delightful feeling that brings happiness to the heart.
5. Quit Grumbling and Complaining
Those who spend time picking faults often feel weary and old. If you complain about all the flaws in the world, you will not see the beauty despite the imperfections. So enjoy life and avoid dwelling on negative feelings.
6. Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Age
Many people feel bad when asked how old they are. The real number is not something that you should be ashamed about. Be proud of your age and the wisdom that comes along with it!
7. Treat and Pamper Yourself
Buy a new outfit, get a makeover or pamper yourself with a massage. See to your own needs from time to time and the boost in your spirit will cause an inner glow.
8. Find a passion
Finding an activity that you are passionate about gets you out of bed in the morning with enthusiasm. This passion could be anything from meaningful work to an interesting hobby, a new study, volunteer work or a favorite cause.
9. Enjoy Nature and the Outdoors
Sunshine and fresh air are the best ways to rejuvenate the body. Enjoy the beauty of the world around you and notice the boost in your mood.
10. Fall in Love or rekindle your romance
Falling in love can make you feel like you are back to being a teenager once again. Romance can make you feel so young and alive inside. Even if you have been in a relationship for a long time, try to create romance with a special diner, a surprise or a special outing.
How do you keep young at heart? What is your favorite way?
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Dance a lot and laugh a lot — separately, or at the same time!
May I add one? Move to a new place or even a new country! We retired to Spain nearly six years ago and have no regrets. We have the challenge of learning a new language, we have adopted a Spanish dog called Lisa, we have the sunshine and relaxed lifestyle plus (with reference to spending time with children) all the local children try out their English on us!
Can I add a few? Some of these piggy back on what you said above, but some of them are new.
Sing and Dance. Don’t worry if you sing badly or have two left feet. The activity will make you feel good.
Create something. Paint, draw, sculpt, stitch. Again, don’t worry if it’s “good enough” the activity itself brings joy.
Apologize and Forgive. Bad feelings add weight and age. Sometimes this takes a lot of work but find ways to let things go.
Serve those less fortunate than you. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter once or twice a month. Grocery shop with or for an elderly neighbor. Babysit for an overworked single mother. You’ll be amazed how good you feel.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water. You’ll feel amazing.
Turn off the TV, computer, cell phone, etc. If you find yourself saying “I can’t, because…” that’s a pretty good sign that you NEED to.
Look at the world like a child. Really look at flowers, at clouds, and construction vehicles. Allow yourself to be awed.
Spend time with animals. Even if you can’t own a pet yourself, go to the zoo, watch the squirrels in the park, walk a neighbor’s dog. There’s something about critters that puts a spring in our step.
Play. If you have kids or pets in your life this is easy because they love to play. But even if you don’t there are all sorts of activities you can do. Go bowling, blow bubbles, play cards, get sidewalk chalk and make a hopscotch. Sure someone may see you and wonder what you’re doing, but chances are they’ll think it’s great!
Get out of debt if you are in it. Live within your means. Money worries weigh us down and age us.
Rid yourself of clutter. Our “stuff” also weighs us down and ages us. Clean out the closet, go through those papers, give away the books, sell the knick-knacks. Some of this is really hard to let go, but you’ll feel free when you finally do.
Learn something new. Challenge yourself to learn Italian or play the cello. This isn’t just a mood lifter. Studies have shown that people who are life time learners have less forgetfulness in old age.
Great additions Lisa. Thanks!
All of these are wonderful ideas. As a retired college professor I was around young people my entire career. Now my volunteer work is with young people. They keep me young with their ideas, music and humor.
So true about hanging out with young children. I had my son at an older age (36) and I have so much fun and learning so much through his eyes.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I try to do all of these things but the best one is hanging out with my grandchildren. 🙂
By doing most things on your list haha.
Wonderful ideas, thanks Sylvia.