If you want to be happy as you get older, say goodbye to these 9 habits

Aging with grace and happiness isn’t just about having good genes or luck. It’s often about the choices we make and the habits we nurture.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a firm believer in mindfulness practices. I’ve come to understand that there are certain habits that can hold us back from embracing the joy that comes with getting older.

Want to age happily? You might want to consider saying goodbye to these 9 habits.

In this article, I’ll share these habits with you, not to chastise, but to inspire change. Because every moment of our life is a chance to grow and become a happier, more fulfilled version of ourselves. Let’s dive in!

1) Holding onto grudges

One of, if not the most, toxic habits that can deprive you of happiness as you age is holding onto grudges.

As a mindfulness enthusiast, I have come to realize that resentment and anger are heavy burdens to carry and they don’t serve us well. They sap our energy, consume our thoughts, and prevent us from experiencing the joy and peace that life has to offer.

When we hold onto grudges, we’re not just hurting the person who wronged us – we’re hurting ourselves. We’re allowing their actions to continue to affect our lives in negative ways.

The key is to practice forgiveness. I’m not saying it’s easy or that it happens overnight. But letting go of anger and resentment is liberating. It allows you to focus on the present moment and the positive aspects of your life.

2) Neglecting self-care

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of self-care. As someone who lives a fast-paced life running Hack Spirit, I’ve learned this the hard way.

There was a time when I was so engrossed in my work that I started neglecting my needs. I wasn’t eating properly, exercise fell by the wayside and my sleep was erratic. Over time, this took a toll on my mental and physical health.

It was a wake-up call. I realized that no matter how passionate I am about my work, I can’t pour from an empty cup. So, I made a conscious decision to prioritize self-care. This included scheduling regular breaks, taking time to enjoy meals, getting regular exercise and ensuring I had a good night’s sleep.

The difference in my mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being was astounding. It was a stark reminder that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t expect to be happy or productive.

So, if you’re neglecting your self-care routines for any reason – be it work commitments, family responsibilities or anything else – it’s time to rethink your priorities. Pledge to say goodbye to neglecting self-care if you want to age happily.

3) Overcommitting

In today’s world, it’s all too easy to overcommit. We’re often encouraged to do more, be more, and achieve more. But the truth is, constantly juggling multiple commitments can lead to stress and burnout.

Did you know that the human brain can only handle so many tasks at once? A study found that when the brain tries to process more than one task at a time, performance drops dramatically.

Overcommitting isn’t just bad for your mental health; it can also rob you of joy and contentment. Instead of fully engaging in each activity or commitment, you’re likely to be distracted, thinking about the next thing on your list.

So, if you want to age happily, consider saying goodbye to overcommitting. 

4) Living in the past or future

A fundamental teaching of Buddhism, which I hold dear, is the concept of living in the present moment. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. All we truly have is the present.

Yet, many of us spend an inordinate amount of time dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about the future. This habit can rob us of our happiness and prevent us from fully experiencing and appreciating what’s happening right now.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deep into this concept. It’s a guide to help you understand why we often get trapped in these patterns and how we can break free to live more mindfully.

By learning to live in the present moment, we can experience life more fully, with less stress and more joy. This doesn’t mean we should ignore our past or not plan for our future – rather, it means we should not let these things consume us to the point where they take away from our present happiness.

Ifyou want to age happily, consider letting go of this habit of dwelling excessively on the past or future. Embrace the present moment – it’s truly where life happens.

5) Comparing yourself to others

There was a time when I found myself constantly comparing my journey with others’. I was running Hack Spirit, helping people find their way towards mindfulness, yet here I was, measuring my success by comparing it to others’ achievements.

This habit did nothing but rob me of my joy and feed into my insecurities. I realized that life isn’t a race, and every individual has their own unique path. What matters is not how we compare to others, but how we grow and evolve as individuals.

By embracing this mindset, I found peace and contentment. The energy I used to spend on comparison is now channeled into personal growth and contributing to the lives of others through my work.

So, if you find yourself constantly measuring your life against others’, it’s time to say goodbye to this habit. Remember, your journey is unique to you, and your growth and happiness should never be measured in relation to someone else’s life.

6) Always playing it safe

While it might seem counterintuitive, always playing it safe can actually deprive you of happiness as you age. Life is about experiences, about taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

When we constantly play it safe, we limit our potential for growth and learning. We miss out on opportunities that could bring us joy, fulfillment, and even a sense of adventure.

Taking calculated risks not only opens us up to new experiences but also allows us to learn more about ourselves and our capabilities. It boosts our self-confidence and teaches us to handle uncertainties, which is a valuable skill as we navigate our way through life.

7) Ignoring your health

Ignoring your health is a habit that can significantly affect your happiness as you age. It’s easy to take our health for granted when we’re young and relatively healthy. But as we age, the effects of neglecting our health can become more apparent and severe.

This isn’t just about physical health – mental and emotional health matter too. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management are all crucial for maintaining overall health.

Moreover, regular check-ups and preventative care can go a long way in detecting any potential issues early on. When we take care of our health, we’re not just investing in our longevity but also our quality of life.

So, if you’ve been neglecting your health, it’s time to say goodbye to this habit. Remember, your body is the only place you have to live in for the rest of your life. Take care of it.

8) Not prioritizing relationships

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to sideline our relationships.

But I learned that relationships – be it with family, friends, or a significant other – are essential for our happiness. They provide us with support, love, and a sense of belonging. They enrich our lives in ways nothing else can.

No one on their deathbed ever wished they spent more time working. Most people regret not spending enough time with their loved ones. They regret not telling people how much they cared.

So, if you’ve been neglecting your relationships, consider saying goodbye to this habit. Make time for your loved ones. Let them know how much they mean to you. In the end, it’s these connections that truly matter.

9) Neglecting personal growth

The most important habit to let go of if you want to age happily is neglecting personal growth. Personal growth isn’t just about acquiring new skills or knowledge. It’s about understanding ourselves better, improving our character, becoming more aware of our thoughts and emotions.

Personal growth allows us to evolve, to become better versions of ourselves. It gives us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It helps us lead more fulfilling lives and contributes significantly to our happiness.

If you’ve been neglecting your personal growth, it’s time to say goodbye to this habit. Invest in yourself. Remember, the only constant in life is change, and personal growth is the positive change that leads us towards happiness as we age.

Final thoughts

Our happiness as we age is largely influenced by the choices we make.

Choosing to let go of these 9 habits is a step towards a happier, more fulfilling life. It’s about choosing self-care over self-neglect, growth over stagnation, the present moment over past regrets or future worries.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of mindful choices and how they impact our life and happiness. It’s a guide to making choices that serve us, that lead to personal growth and contentment.

Whether it’s choosing to forgive, prioritizing our health, or nurturing our relationships, these are choices that can lead to a happier life as we age.

Remember, aging is not just about adding years to our life. It’s about adding life to our years. So make the choice today, say goodbye to these habits and embrace the journey towards a happier older you.