Eliza Hartley
No doubt we all want to age gracefully, but what does that really mean?
And is it even possible in this fast-paced, stress-filled world we live in?
I know it might seem like staying relaxed and easy-going as we age is a difficult task, but trust me, it’s not as hard as you think.
If you’re wondering, “How can I stay calm and composed as the years roll by?” stay tuned.
I’ve got seven subtle ways that can help you maintain that youthful spirit and serene outlook, no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embrace mindfulness
Mindfulness.
You’ve probably heard the term thrown around a lot lately. But what is it really?
In simple terms, mindfulness is being fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing. Not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s happening around us.
Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds great, but how do I actually do it?”
It’s easier than you think.
The key is to start small.
Try to take a few minutes out of your day to simply sit quietly and focus on your breathing. Notice the sensation of air entering and leaving your body, the rhythm of your heartbeat, and the stillness within you.
Over time, this practice of mindfulness can help you stay calm and relaxed, even in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
It’s a small step, but it could make a big difference in your outlook as you age.
2) Stay active
Physical activity is another key to staying relaxed and easy-going as we age.
I remember my grandmother always used to tell me, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” She was talking about our bodies, our muscles, our strength.
And she was right.
A few years back, I found myself feeling stressed and sluggish.
My mind was constantly racing, and my body felt like it was stuck in slow motion. That’s when I decided to take up jogging.
I’m not going to lie, at first, it was a struggle.
My legs ached, my lungs burned, and every step felt like a Herculean task. But I kept going, one step at a time, one day at a time.
Fast forward to today, and jogging has become an integral part of my routine. It not only keeps me physically fit but also helps me clear my mind and stay relaxed.
The feeling of fresh air filling my lungs, the rhythm of my footsteps on the pavement, the gentle wind against my face – it’s a daily reminder that I’m alive and well.
So whether it’s jogging, yoga, swimming, or just a leisurely walk in the park – find some form of physical activity that you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine.
3) Acceptance is key
Here’s a hard truth:
As we age, things change.
Our bodies change, our circumstances change, and even our dearest relationships might change.
And sometimes, these changes can be tough to swallow.
I’ve had my fair share of struggles with acceptance.
When my hair started to grey, when my knees began to creak, when my children moved out and started their own lives – each of these moments stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within me.
But over time, I’ve learned that resisting these changes only leads to stress and discontentment.
Instead, accepting these changes, and embracing them even, can bring about a sense of peace and serenity.
It’s about understanding that change is a natural part of life, and it’s okay to let go of what was and open up to what could be.
Don’t get me wrong – acceptance doesn’t mean giving up or resigning yourself to a life of discontent.
It simply means acknowledging the realities of life and choosing to make the best of them.
In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. So why not choose peace?
Why not choose acceptance?
4) Cultivate a positive mindset
Attitude is everything – especially as we age.
There’s a saying that goes, “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” And I believe that’s true.
I’ve found that maintaining a positive mindset can be an incredibly effective tool in staying relaxed and easy-going as the years pass by.
Now, I’m not suggesting you need to be relentlessly optimistic or ignore the realities of life.
That’s neither practical nor helpful.
Instead, try to focus on the good in every situation.
When faced with difficulties, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can this make me stronger?
It’s all about perspective.
Sure, it’s easier said than done. But with practice, you can train your mind to see the silver lining in every cloud.
And remember, a positive mindset doesn’t just benefit you, it has a ripple effect on those around you too.
5) Stay connected
Human beings are social creatures.
We thrive on interaction, on communication, on connection.
In fact, did you know that strong social connections can increase our longevity?
That’s right. Research has shown that people with strong social ties tend to live longer and healthier lives.
I’ve always believed in the power of connection.
I’ve seen it in my own life. The joy of sharing a meal with family, the comfort of a deep conversation with a friend, the warmth of a simple hug – these moments of connection add color and richness to our lives.
As we get older, it’s important to nurture these social connections.
Reach out to old friends. Make new ones. Engage in community activities. Volunteer for a cause close to your heart.
Remember, it’s never too late to make a new friend or reconnect with an old one. So pick up that phone. Write that email. Plan that coffee date. Make the effort, even when you don’t feel like it.
6) Practice self-care
Through every stage of life, you’ve given your best, shouldered responsibilities, and cared for others.
But in the midst of all this, have you remembered to care for yourself?
Self-care isn’t just about spa days and indulgent treats (although those are nice too). It’s about taking time to nurture your body, mind and soul.
It’s about listening to your body when it needs rest.
It’s about nourishing your mind with positive thoughts and stimulating conversations. It’s about feeding your soul with moments of quiet reflection and heartfelt laughter.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a step back. Breathe deeply. Remember that it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes.
After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Take care of yourself first, so you can continue to care for others in your life. This gentle act of self-love can go a long way in helping you stay relaxed and easy-going as you age.
7) Keep learning
The beauty of life is that it’s a constant journey of learning and growth.
As we age, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ve seen it all, done it all. But the truth is, there’s always something new to learn, something fresh to discover.
Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, diving into a book on a topic you know nothing about, or simply learning a new recipe – keep your mind open and curious.
This continuous process of learning not only keeps our minds sharp but also adds a sense of purpose and excitement to our lives.
It reminds us that no matter our age, we’re still growing, still evolving, still blooming.
And that is the secret to staying easy-going and relaxed as you get older.
Keep learning. Keep growing. And most importantly, keep enjoying the journey.
Final thoughts
As we journey through the different stages of life, it’s natural to yearn for a sense of calm and serenity.
But here’s a comforting thought – staying easy-going and relaxed as we get older isn’t a far-fetched ideal. It’s a subtle art that can be learned and nurtured, one small step at a time.
By embracing mindfulness, staying active, accepting change, cultivating positivity, maintaining social connections, practicing self-care, and keeping an open mind to learning – you’re setting yourself on a path towards a more tranquil and fulfilling life.
So take these subtle ways to heart. Ponder on them. Implement them in your everyday life. And as you do, may you find yourself growing older with grace, ease, and a heart full of peace.
