There’s a reason that laughter is the best medicine. When you’re having fun and can just let go, it releases hormones called endorphins that make you feel really good.
When you’re truly happy, you can stop sadness, insecurity, and stress in their tracks, which take a major toll on your mind and body. But no matter your age, when you find meaningful activities, it creates purpose and positivity.
For me, the simplest things, like watching a sunset or giving back to others, provide a sense of direction and purpose in my life, and it keeps me feeling young.
What makes you happy?
You need to know that if you find joy in these 7 activities, you’re a young person at heart, and that’s the answer to living a long and rewarding life.
Let’s get started by looking at the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and building lasting connections.
1) You prioritize family and friends.
It’s easy to get lost in the moment and forget about our family and friends. We have so many responsibilities that a quick catch-up over the phone or text message will have to do.
But what you don’t realize is that the relationships we have with our relatives and close friends provide us with the non-judgmental and emotional support that we need when days are dark.
Meeting over lunch or scheduling a monthly get-together with family or friends you don’t see too often is an excellent way to reconnect with them.
The reason that I’m emphasizing spending time with the ones you love is because our friends and family support and motivate us. Being in their company provides a sense of comfort and belonging.
Let’s face it.
Laughing and enjoying your time with people who are important to you are the best natural stress relievers that money certainly can’t buy.
2) You connect with nature.
When you spend a lot of your time at home, don’t you feel like you’re getting cabin fever? It’s like the walls are closing in, and you become isolated.
If you don’t get out and meet new people, it’s nearly impossible to feel joy and meaningfulness in your life.
The simplest way to make a healthy change is to get out there and literally smell the roses! A day spent in the countryside or a walk around the local park eliminates the fast-paced lifestyles of the city and offers a change of scenery.
But why is an outdoor lifestyle so important?
When you’re taking in the fresh air, you’re also giving yourself a break from your daily life. Connecting with nature removes stress and makes you feel happier.
If you have a sense of adventure, you can go mountain biking or fishing. For leisurely and relaxing activities, think about walks on the beach or starting a small garden. It’s up to you to figure out what you feel passionate about.
Once you discover what it is, don’t let it go.
Pursue what brings you joy, and you’ll always feel young at heart.
3) You stay active.
You’ve probably heard this before, but staying active for as long as possible is a sure way to hold onto your youth. When you feel strong and healthy, you’re more confident, and it shows.
You can ride a bike, walk, or exercise. These types of activities can slow the clock on the aging process. Something as simple as a daily stroll can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, and the more you do it, the stronger you feel.
It’s simple yet satisfying.
The trick is to discover the types of activities that you will thoroughly enjoy because this will naturally motivate you to stick to the program.
If you find joy in being active, keep it up!
4) You listen to music.
Music is good for the soul.
There’s just something magical about listening to your favorite tunes and drowning out the craziness of life.
It definitely calms my anxiety, especially when I’m having a challenging day. When you feel tense or upset, listening to music helps relieve those difficult emotions. Music even goes as far as sharpening your focus and keeping you young.
Music has plenty of benefits, and these include improving your mood and alleviating stress. It can get you active by singing and dancing or bring back some nostalgia when a particular song sparks a memory.
From the rhythm to the lyrics, reignite your youthfulness through music and dance.
5) You pursue interesting hobbies.
I’ve got something to tell you.
Hobbies are proven to make you feel younger. Whether you’re outdoors and getting physical or relaxing indoors, hobbies help you to meaningfully engage with your world and the people in it.
If you really think about it, when you do something that makes you feel happy and fulfilled, it’s as if you’ve finally found your purpose.
This is exactly the point of starting a hobby.
It’s an activity that is outside of the mundane routine of work or simply “existing” that not only helps with a change of scenery but is a fun way to get a fresh perspective and strengthen a positive mindset.
The great news is that you can start a hobby at any age or stage in your life.
It’s never too late.
If you’ve always wanted to paint, why not join an art class? Maybe you’ve thought of yourself as an aspiring chef; then consider cooking classes and competitions where you can meet other people.
Finding a new hobby is tough, but don’t overthink it. What do you find interesting? Jot a few ideas down and consider the practicality of each activity.
Once you find an activity that’s a good fit for your personality, pluck up the courage to pursue a new venture.
It is sure to keep you feeling young at heart.
6) You give back.
The stress and pressure that you’re under are overwhelming, and it’s becoming harder to feel truly happy.
Whether you’re struggling with the pressures of your career or the heartache of losing someone, you’re left feeling empty and sad.
If you can’t feel joy or happiness, it ages you.
But if you want to find meaning again, giving back to others is a rewarding venture. Spending your free time volunteering makes you feel like you’re making a difference.
You learn to appreciate more when you give back to others who may be less fortunate. It creates purpose and fulfillment, the keys to a young and free-spirited mindset.
I volunteered at a pet shelter for four years, and I can’t even begin to describe the happiness and meaningfulness that the animals and the staff brought into my life.
The simplest things can have the greatest impact on yourself and others.
7) You try new things.
Are you holding yourself back from experiencing all that life has to offer because you’re afraid?
I’m not talking about drastic change or going far out of your comfort zone. That’s like suggesting you go skydiving despite having a fear of heights!
What I mean is that you’re open-minded and ready to pursue an opportunity or new adventure when presented with the chance.
Feeling young is about feeling good.
The more you can find joy and fulfillment in the things that you do, the less likely you’re going to feel that time is just passing by.
To live the life that makes you feel alive and free-spirited, work on the fear or insecurity that serves no purpose. These limiting beliefs stop you from seeking new opportunities, and the last thing that you want to deal with is regret.
Opening your mind sparks that youthful curiosity and willingness to learn, and these are powerful ways to motivate yourself to get out there and do something different.
Final thoughts
Being young at heart is a feeling. The only way to get this feeling is by creating and pursuing new opportunities.
Discovering a hobby, spending time outdoors, and reconnecting with loved ones are simple yet impactful ways of finding meaning in this rollercoaster ride that we call life.
For instance.
You can learn to appreciate the beauty of nature by doing simple things that you’re passionate about. A hike, watching birds, or starting a garden can ease anxiety and eliminate feeling stuck or lost.
Don’t just take my word for it.
Discover which activities get you excited and motivated. Ask yourself, “Do I find joy in the things that I do?” You’ll soon discover a new zest for life that makes you feel like you’re a young person at heart again.
