Eliza Hartley
Staying mentally sharp and perceptive well into your 80s isn’t just about luck, it’s about lifestyle.
There’s a clear difference between merely aging and aging gracefully. Aging is inevitable, but maintaining your mental sharpness and perception? That’s a choice.
It all starts with how you kick off the day. Morning habits, believe it or not, have a profound impact on our cognitive abilities.
In this article, I’ll share the 7 morning habits of those who’ve mastered the art of staying mentally agile and clear-headed after 80.
These practices aren’t just for the elderly; they’re for anyone who aspires to improve their mental clarity and perception.
Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start investing in your mental health. So, let’s dive into these transformative morning rituals that can help you stay sharp and perceptive at any age.
1) Rise and shine early
Waking up early isn’t just about getting more done. It’s about setting the right tone for your day.
Many people who maintain their mental sharpness and perception well into their 80s are early risers.
Why is that? Well, mornings are often the quietest times of the day. This peaceful window can be an opportune time for mindfulness, reflection, and mental stimulation.
Consider it like this. When you rise before the rest of the world, you’re setting aside uninterrupted time for yourself.
This can be a golden opportunity to engage in activities that nourish your mind and soul.
Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or solving a crossword puzzle, starting your day with a mindful activity can boost your mental sharpness.
Remember though, it’s not about following the crowd. It’s about finding what works for you.
If you’re not a natural early bird, try waking up just 15 minutes earlier than usual and see how it affects your mindset.
But be honest with yourself if you want to see genuine improvement in your mental health.
2) Embrace a healthy breakfast
I can’t stress enough the importance of breaking your fast with a nutritious meal.
There’s an old saying that goes, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” and I’ve found this to be true in my own life.
Personally, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my cognitive abilities when I start my day with a healthy breakfast.
It fuels my body and mind, helping me stay focused and sharp throughout the day.
And it’s not just me. Many of the mentally sharp and perceptive individuals I’ve met who are well into their 80s swear by a hearty, nutrient-dense breakfast.
The key here is balance. A mixture of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can provide sustained energy and keep your brain functioning at its best.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try it for yourself, and see how a nourishing breakfast affects your mental sharpness.
3) Practice mindfulness meditation
Taking a few moments each morning to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment can work wonders for your cognitive abilities.
Mindfulness meditation, in particular, has been shown to improve attention, focus, and mental clarity.
It’s a practice that many mentally sharp individuals over 80 incorporate into their daily routine.
In fact, in my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I detail how this simple practice can transform your mental health and overall well-being.
Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind or achieving a state of eternal calm. Rather, it’s about paying attention to the present moment without judgement.
It’s about acknowledging your feelings, thoughts, and sensations as they arise and letting them pass without getting caught up in them.
Starting your day with a mindfulness session can set a positive tone for the rest of your day, helping you stay focused, calm, and mentally sharp.
Mindfulness is a skill that takes time to cultivate. So be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey of becoming more present and aware in your everyday life.
4) Stay socially connected
Loneliness can be a silent killer, not just to your emotional health, but to your mental sharpness as well.
Engaging with others, be it friends, family, or community members, stimulates our brain in ways that solitary activities simply can’t.
I’ve always been somewhat of an introvert, often preferring the company of a good book over a social gathering.
However, as I’ve aged, I’ve noticed that my most mentally agile days are those when I’ve had meaningful interactions with others.
Whether it’s a stimulating discussion with a friend over coffee or a simple phone call to a family member, these social connections play an integral role in keeping our minds sharp and active.
Make it a point to connect with someone every day. It could be as simple as sharing a meal with a loved one or calling an old friend.
These connections not only enrich our lives but also keep our minds mentally agile and engaged.
5) Embrace routine… and break it
Here’s something that might surprise you.
While establishing a routine can provide structure and ease stress, breaking that routine from time to time can actually stimulate your brain and keep you mentally sharp.
Think of it this way. When we stick to a routine, our brain operates on autopilot. We don’t have to think about what we’re doing, we just do it.
But when we disrupt that routine, it forces our brain to adapt, to think differently, and to learn.
This doesn’t mean you need to throw your entire schedule out the window.
It could be as simple as trying a new breakfast recipe, taking a different route on your morning walk, or even rearranging your furniture.
These small changes can help to keep your brain flexible and adaptable, supporting mental sharpness and perception well into your 80s and beyond.
6) Stay physically active
Physical activity is not just about maintaining a healthy body; it’s also about maintaining a healthy mind.
Regular exercise, especially in the morning, can do wonders for your mental sharpness and perception.
Whether it’s a brisk walk around the neighborhood, a few stretches at home, or a full-blown workout at the gym, any form of physical activity gets your blood flowing and oxygenates your brain, promoting better cognitive function.
And it’s not just about aerobic exercise. Strength training and balance exercises can also help improve cognitive abilities by enhancing coordination and mental focus.
Make it a point to incorporate some form of physical activity into your morning routine. It’s a habit that can keep both your body and mind in top shape as you age.
7) Keep learning
Never stop learning. This is perhaps the most crucial habit of individuals who remain mentally sharp and perceptive after 80.
Lifelong learning keeps your mind active, challenged, and engaged, which is essential for cognitive health.
Whether it’s picking up a new language, mastering a new recipe, or exploring a new genre of books, every new thing you learn strengthens your brain.
Embrace the joy of learning something new every day. It’s the best workout for your mind.
The essence: It’s a lifestyle
Staying mentally sharp and perceptive after 80 isn’t just about ticking off a checklist of habits.
It’s about embracing a lifestyle that values and nurtures mental health, just as much as physical health.
These morning habits we’ve discussed are not one-size-fits-all solutions.
They are potential tools that can help you carve out a lifestyle that supports your cognitive abilities.
Remember, it’s not about radically changing your life overnight.
It’s about making small, consistent changes that over time can have a significant impact on your mental sharpness and perception.
For instance, mindfulness, one of the habits we discussed, is something I delve deeper into in my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”.
It’s not just about meditating each morning; it’s about bringing mindfulness into every aspect of your life.
At the end of the day, your journey to mental sharpness should be unique to you, tailored to your needs, interests, and lifestyle.
Take these habits not as strict rules, but as guiding principles to help you forge your own path towards maintaining mental agility and perception well into your 80s and beyond.
