1. Do not act like what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? Picture yourself at that age and be it. It’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself.
2. Be positive in your conversations and actions. When you catch yourself complaining, change the conversation to something positive.
3. Have negative friends who complain all the time and talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too.
4. Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Analyze your gait. Make a conscious effort to walk with your heel first and wear comfortable shoes.
5. Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept telling you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Hold your stomach in, your shoulders back, chin up? Practice it every day, until it is natural. You will look great and feel better.
6. How’s your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gate way to your over all well-being.
7. Lonely? Pick up the phone, and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer time, Take a class, invite some one to meet for brunch, dinner, or coffee. Volunteer at the local public school to stay in touch with younger people and to keep current on trends, take a computer class or a tutorial session to keep up with technology.
8. Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. Volunteer at the local animal shelter and be thrilled by the puppy love!
9. Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. After the appointments, hopefully, you can stop worrying for a while.
10. Find your inner artist. You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped. Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working in wood? Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!
Courtesy Healthy Aging® Magazine (www.healthyaging.net)