Top 10 Ways to Staying Vibrant and Young

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I sit out the couch and look out the window and there in the dead of winter is my 88 year old neighbor raking the leaves from her yard left by the now barren trees.

Over the years I have come to know and care deeply about this neighbor, and although she has been on this planet for almost a century, her spirit is as youthful as small child in a playground.

I quietly say to myself as I see her shape the leaves into a neat pile; “I hope I am like that when I am 88 years old.” And a small voice says, why shouldn’t I be? I am 38 years old and like that now. In fact I don’t feel any age at all. I just feel like me.

Other than being a lot wiser and more secure in myself I don’t feel any different than I did when I was 18. I am still positive, playful, quirky, love to laugh, love surprises and look at the world in awe. Would I want to be 18 again, absolutely not for one minute. But do I want to feel the best that I can both inside and out throughout the rest of my years on the planet? Yes–and here is how I plan to do it.

1. Exercise

Exercise to keep yourself as fit as possible. Join a gym and take classes if it is hard for you to commit to an exercise schedule. You might also try exercising to DVDs or exercise programs on television. There are so many different types of exercises to choose from–everthing from aerobics to pilates to yoga and even some less heard of exercise methods such as zumba. I am sure you will find one that works for you.

2. Eat healthy

You are what you eat from the inside out. You can’t expect to perform or feel your best by consuming a diet that is high in sugar, fat or both. Take care of yourself by eating a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Not only will these super foods help your insides (blood pressure, cholesterol), they will help your outsides – you will have fantastic skin.

3. Volunteer

Giving back to those who are less fortunate than you is a great way to keep yourself feeling young. Volunteer with a local sports team, community center, or other organization. There are no shortage of places in the world for you to spread your good will.

4. Surround yourself with youngsters

Involve yourself in activities with youngsters. Hanging around those who are younger than you will in turn keep you young Delight in their innocence as you remember when that once you. Look for assistant or volunteer coaching or mentoring positions to work with the youth.

5. Laugh

It has been said that laughter is the best medicine. When we laugh we release endorphins which have a chemical effect on our bodies and brains. Laughter reduces stress, calms us down and gives us an overall sense of well being. If you can’t find anything to laugh about, try this; just start laughing for no reason. Even if you don’t “feel” like laughing, do it any way. Keep this up until you are laughing for real.

6. Be positive

Being positive is the key to staying young. And the key to staying positive is being grateful. Be grateful for all that you have in your life. Your breath, your hearing, your sight, your family, your friends, your job, anything that you are happy that you don’t have to do without. Surround yourself with positive people. Their energy will  and think positive thoughts about yourself and your life. The more good thoughts you have, the more good things you will draw to you.

7. Play

Be sure to play some every day. Avoid putting your “fun time” off until later because you have “more important” things to do. There is nothing more important than your sanity. If you have children, spend time playing with them. This will benefit you both.

8. Be present

Avoid thinking about the past and the future. The past has already happened and the future has not happened yet. The only moment that you can affect is the present. So don’t waste your present by worrying about things that you cannot change.

9. Be adventurous

Plan something new to do at least once a month; once a week if you become super adventurous. Take a new route to work. Go to a a restaurant that you haven’t been to before or order something different from what you would normally order at a restaurant that you have already been to. Go to a workshop of interest or enroll in an activity that you have always been curious about but never done.

10. Faith, family and friends.

Practice your faith for spiritual nourishment. Surround yourself with people who love and care deeply for you and with those who you deeply care and love. Ask for help when you need it and offer help when you can give it.

What are you doing to keep yourself young?

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Tagged as: Living Well