Positive Lifestyle Changes to Make as You Get Older

Aging is inevitable. With time, the years will catch up and you’ll notice you’re no longer as limber as you used to be. Breath and remember, it’s okay. Keep reading to learn about five positive lifestyle changes you should make as you get older. 

Positive Lifestyle Change 1: Prioritize Mental Health

As we get older, putting ourselves second becomes normal. Busy schedules and maintaining a healthy balance between work and life can be difficult, making it easy to fall into a dark hole you can’t get out of alone. It’s important to make time to take care of yourself and your mental health. Stress has negative effects on your body that are detrimental to your wellbeing. For instance, it can increase your blood pressure and blood sugar, putting you in the perfect position for a heart attack. Here are a few ways you can help yourself relax and decompress: 

• Meditation: Meditation allows you to focus on the breathing and movement of your body. It’s a good time to reflect on your day. If you’re having a hard time focusing, guided meditation apps can help you get started. Aim for at least 15 minutes of daily meditation sessions.
• Therapy: Although it sounds scary to vent to a stranger about your struggles, a licensed professional can help you with the specific problems you’re facing. There’s no shame in seeking help.
• Unplug: Nowadays, almost every second of our day revolves around technology. From the moment we wake up, to the moment we fall asleep. Although it’s a great tool to connect with loved ones and learn about the world, it has its flaws. Take a step back to admire nature, read a book, or pick up a new hobby.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take care of it and your body will reward you. 

Positive Lifestyle Change 2: Learn to Manage Your Finances 

Getting older means learning how to manage your finances. Trust me, I want that new gaming console too, but sometimes your money is better spent elsewhere. Learning to budget is an important part of growing up. With age comes freedom, but also a lot of responsibility. Educating yourself about money, such as purchasing bonds, securing a reverse mortgage, or filing your taxes, is extremely beneficial to your overall financial health. 

Although budgeting or researching about finance isn’t fun, it’s a crucial skill to obtain financial wellness. Take a few free online courses or watch videos to teach you everything you need to know about saving and growing your money. You want to be able to live comfortably and have money for a rainy day. 

Positive Lifestyle Change 3: Exercise Regularly 

Incorporating more exercise into your life will help your body remain flexible in the long run. It’s easy to leave exercise until tomorrow (or next year for that matter) when you’ve arrived home after a tiring day at work. Not getting enough exercise and living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a variety of consequences, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and even cancer. Get your blood pumping and promote a healthier lifestyle just by adding movement to your daily routine.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you’re active for at least 60 minutes daily. If you don’t know where to begin, get out there and walk! That’s right, walk, don’t run. No one expects you to start running marathons the first day you decide to begin an exercise routine. Athletes take time to build up their endurance and strength. Walking is a great way to get your body moving and doesn't require a gym membership or special equipment. Plus, it’ll allow you to spend more time outdoors. Sometimes, all we need is a little bit of fresh air to brighten up our day. Whether you go hiking or take a stroll at the park, your body will be sure to thank you.

Positive Lifestyle Change 4: Get More Sleep

If you don’t have a set sleeping schedule already, it’s time to create a nightly alarm. Don’t underestimate the power of getting a good night’s rest. Sleep is crucial to ensuring your body can function normally so your brain remains alert throughout the day. When you don’t get enough sleep, your mental and physical health can suffer immensely. For instance, psychological issues can manifest or worsen due to lack of sleep. Your body also weakens, causing you to experience health problems, such as heart disease, decreased immunity, and hypertension. 

Ideally, you should be getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to ensure your body is well-rested and ready for the morning. A sleep cycle app can help you know if you’re getting enough z’s. However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The quality of sleep you receive is also important. Invest in a good mattress, therapeutic pillows, and blackout curtains. Feeling your best starts with proper sleep hygiene. Additionally, avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol before bedtime. Otherwise, your brain is not going to let you rest. 

Positive Lifestyle Change 5: Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

How many times have you heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well, it’s for a good reason. Fueling your body with nutritious food that is rich in vitamins and minerals is essential to the longevity of your health. 

When you’re young, you almost can’t see the effects of eating junk food. This is especially true if you have a fast metabolism. However, your body begins to slow down with age and those pounds will start adding up. It’s easy to overindulge yourself with your favorite snacks and meals, but now is the time to measure what’s on your plate. However, this doesn’t mean throwing away all the chips and cookies in your pantry! Instead, begin to develop a healthy relationship with food and eat your favorites in moderation.

Whether or not you’re ready for it, you will age. Don’t delay important positive lifestyle changes. Before you know it, it’ll be too late. Remember to have patience with yourself because change is gradual. Now, what are you waiting for? 

If you liked this article, you might also like these articles on the best protein powders for seniors, empowering older adults through personal training, and personal training for seniors. 

Gladis Gomez

Gladis Gomez holds a B.A. in Creative Writing with an emphasis in fiction and poetry. She proudly received her education at the University of California, Riverside. Shortly after graduating, she entered the world of marketing and fell in love with copywriting. She has been happily doing it ever since, currently writing for 365 Business Tips. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling with her dog, reading a good book, and traveling.