7 morning habits of people who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

If you’ve ever wondered what the secret is to aging with grace and happiness, you’re not alone.

Many of us are curious about how some individuals seem to remain joyful well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. It turns out, there may be more psychology involved than you think.

The trick lies in how these folks start their day. Yes, indeed, their morning habits.

In this article, I’ll share with you 7 morning habits that happy older individuals swear by, according to psychological studies. And who knows, maybe we’ll crack the code to everlasting joy together.

1) Embrace the early bird lifestyle

Ever heard the saying, “the early bird gets the worm”? It turns out there’s more truth to it than you might think.

According to psychology, one common habit among joyful elderly people is waking up early. It seems simple, but it’s a habit that can have profound effects on mood and happiness levels.

So, why the early rise? Well, it’s all about making the most of your day. Waking up early allows these individuals to enjoy a quiet, peaceful morning before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

It’s a time for them to relax, meditate, plan their day or simply enjoy a cup of tea in peace. This peaceful start sets a positive tone for the rest of the day, helping them maintain their joy and positivity.

If you’re aiming for lifelong happiness, maybe it’s time to set that alarm clock a bit earlier. But remember, consistency is key. Make it a daily habit and watch how your life transforms.

2) Physical activity for a positive start

Now, I’m no marathon runner, but I do understand the power of movement.

One thing I’ve observed from my own grandparents, who are still all smiles in their late 80s, is their commitment to morning exercise. It could be as simple as a brisk walk in the park, a few stretches, or even some gardening.

Just like my grandparents, many elderly people who maintain their joy into their later years start their day with some form of physical activity. Psychology backs this up too – exercise releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals in our brains, which promote feelings of happiness and euphoria.

I remember once when I went to visit my grandparents and found my grandmother doing yoga in the backyard just as the sun was rising. She told me that this routine helps her feel more connected to herself and nature. It’s her form of meditation that brings her peace.

Trust me when I say this, incorporating some form of physical activity into your morning routine can really get your day off to a joyful start. It’s worked for my grandparents, and it might just work for you too!

3) Nourishing the body with a healthy breakfast

You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, it’s not just a cliché. There’s a genuine connection between starting your day with a nutritious breakfast and maintaining a joyful mood.

Elderly individuals who exhibit consistent happiness often kick off their day with a balanced breakfast. This could include whole grains, fruits, proteins, and a healthy dose of vitamins.

Here’s something to chew on: According to a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, nutrients found in certain types of food can have a significant effect on our mood. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and walnuts, and folic acid, like leafy greens and citrus fruits, have been found to reduce depression symptoms.

When you’re planning your breakfast, remember that what you eat doesn’t just impact your physical health but also your emotional well-being. A healthy breakfast sets the tone for a day of good choices and sustained happiness.

4) Cultivating gratitude

One beautiful habit I’ve noticed among people who remain joyful in their later years is their practice of gratitude. They consistently take time every morning to acknowledge and appreciate the good in their lives.

The power of gratitude shouldn’t be underestimated. According to numerous psychological studies, practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, reduced depression, and improved overall well-being.

Gratitude can be as simple as thinking about something you’re thankful for or writing it down in a journal. It’s about focusing on what’s going well and appreciating the simple things in life.

If you want to maintain joy throughout your life, cultivating a habit of morning gratitude could be a great place to start. Remember, it’s not about having what you want, but wanting what you have.

5) Embracing stillness and mindfulness

In the hustle of our modern world, it’s easy to forget the value of stillness. But when I hit a tough patch in my life, I learned first-hand how powerful it can be.

During that time, I was inspired by a close family friend in her late 70s who seemed to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and joy. Her secret? She started every day with a mindfulness practice.

She’d sit quietly for a few minutes each morning, focusing on her breathing and letting go of any distracting thoughts. This simple act of mindfulness seemed to keep her centered and happy, no matter what life threw at her.

Psychology supports this too. Studies suggest that mindfulness can reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase happiness levels.

If you’re seeking a more joyful life, consider embracing stillness and mindfulness as part of your morning routine. It’s not always easy amid the noise and chaos, but the benefits are truly worth it.

6) Staying connected

Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a heartfelt conversation with a loved one? Well, it turns out there’s a reason for that.

People who maintain their joy into their 70s and beyond often make it a habit to connect with someone they care about in the Social connections are key to our well-being and happiness. They not only provide emotional support but also give us a sense of belonging and purpose.

Starting your day by strengthening your social bonds could be an effective way to boost your joy and maintain it throughout your life. After all, we’re social creatures at heart.

7) Prioritizing personal passions

Here’s something that can make a world of difference: People who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond make time for what they love every single morning.

Whether it’s reading a book, playing a musical instrument, painting, or simply watching birds in the garden, they spend time on activities that make them feel alive and happy.

According to psychology, engaging in activities that we are passionate about can significantly boost our happiness levels. It stimulates our brains, provides a sense of accomplishment, and adds joy to our lives.

Make it a point to indulge in your passion every morning. It’s not just about passing time; it’s about feeding your soul. And that could be your key to a lifetime of joy.

Final thought: Happiness is a habit

Reflecting on the lives of those who maintain joy into their 70s and beyond, a common thread surfaces. It’s not about chasing grandiose moments of happiness, but about cultivating small, daily habits that add up to a joyful life.

Research in positive psychology suggests that as much as 40% of our happiness is within our control, shaped by our thoughts and actions. The power to cultivate joy lies in our hands, or rather, in our daily habits.

So, whether it’s waking up early, exercising, nourishing your body with a healthy breakfast, practicing gratitude, mindfulness, staying connected with loved ones, or indulging in personal passions – these seemingly small practices could be the stepping stones to lifelong joy.

Remember, happiness isn’t something that happens to us; it’s something we make happen. Just like those who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond, we too can create our own sunshine by cultivating habits that nurture joy every single morning.

It’s never too late to start. After all, as ancient philosopher Lao Tzu once said: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

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