Let’s get one thing straight—turning 60 is a huge milestone for anyone. For me, it was the perfect time to adjust my daily habits to improve my health & happiness. Here are just 15 of the habits I adopted after hitting the big six-oh—they’ve brought me a new sense of joy that’s totally worth it!
Featured Image Credit: EdZbarzhyvetsky/Depositphotos.com.
Daily Walking
There’s nothing like a good walk to get the blood pumping & clear your head – so I’ve made it a point to take a walk every day, no matter the weather. Beyond the exercise, it’s my time to connect with nature and just enjoy some quiet. Even a thirty minute stroll each day is enough to keep my body healthy—inside and out.
Moderate Exercise
I’ve also made my routine a little more interesting with swimming & yoga classes. They’re some of the most fun classes for people my age because I get to meet people and it keeps my body strong. Of course, not everybody out there will enjoy these classes and that’s okay. Finding exercise you enjoy is the easiest way to stick with it.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Hydration Focus
I used to drink coffee non-stop but now I make sure water is my preferred drink. I aim for eight glasses a day and wow—what a difference it makes! My energy is up and my skin doesn’t feel so dry. Better yet, my focus has improved and it has become a small change that has brought me big benefits. Who knew water could be so beneficial?
Mindful Eating
I started actually paying attention to my food by sitting down for meals without distractions. No TV, no phone—just me, focusing on the taste & texture and eating slowly. It turns out it makes meals more satisfying! Plus, my digestion is better when I take my time. Now, meals are actually enjoyable instead of just a time to refuel.
Limiting Processed Foods
Speaking of food, I used to grab whatever was quickest but now I take the time to choose fresher options. More fruits and veggies—as well as whole grains & fewer snacks from a box—have improved my health quite a bit. I feel lighter and more energetic — and honestly, real food just tastes better.
Regular Stretching
A few stretches in the morning and before bed have done wonders, although they’re not anything too strenuous—just simple moves that anyone can do. This routine helps me stay flexible so I can avoid those annoying little pains. And honestly, it just feels good to give my muscles a good stretch, which is why it’s so important for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting.
Quality Sleep
Getting enough sleep has also become a priority for me and I stick to a bedtime routine that gets me about seven to eight hours of shut-eye. That also involves no screens right before bed and I try to go to sleep & wake up at the same time each day. The difference is honestly incredible—feeling rested versus dragging myself through the afternoon.
Social Connections
I make a point to speak with friends or family every day, even if it’s just a quick call. Why? Because it keeps me feeling connected & valued by my loved ones. It’s relatively easy to become isolated as we age but keeping up those bonds makes all the difference in staying happy.
Learning New Skills
I’ve also come to realize the importance of learning something new, whether that’s from picking up a paintbrush or planting a garden. After all, it keeps my brain active and me engaged. Every new skill or hobby brings its own set of challenges & joys that I love to tackle. Just overcoming them is a thrill in itself!
Volunteering
Helping out in the community brings me so much joy and I’ve done different things like working at the local food bank & organizing charity events. Of course, giving back is important—but it also helps me feel useful. That’s pretty important when you age. If that wasn’t enough, I meet the best people when I’m volunteering!
Practicing Gratitude
Every morning, I write down three things I’m grateful for, even when it’s difficult. Doing so helps me start my day on a positive note & keeps me from taking the good parts of my life for granted. No matter how long it takes me, it’s a habit that keeps my outlook sunny—you can’t put a price on that.
Mindfulness Meditation
After practicing gratitude, I try to take a few minutes for meditation daily to manage my stress and keep a clear head. It’s my moment to just breathe & center myself before the day gets rolling. Without it, it’d be all too easy to fall into the trap of constantly moving without a second to pause.
Regular Check-ups
Staying on top of my health with regular doctor visits has been important because it helps them catch things early. Plus, just getting the all-clear puts my mind at ease. It’s part of taking care of myself and staying ahead of any problems that could arise so that I can tackle them before they become big issues.
Keeping a Journal
Writing down my thoughts & feelings has also been surprisingly helpful. After all, it’s a private way for me to deal with any stress so that I can sort through what’s on my mind. It’s also a lot easier to share my thoughts when I know nobody’s going to judge me for them! Plus, looking back on what I’ve written can be really insightful.
Setting Small Goals
It doesn’t matter if I’m mastering a new recipe or planning a trip because having something to work towards keeps me motivated. The smallest goals mean I always have something exciting on the horizon—that’s the best way to keep life interesting. Once I’m done with the small ones, the larger ones are a lot easier to face.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
