Prevent age-related diseases with these 5 simple habits that boost your well-being

Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment that often seems harder to achieve as you age. The demands of daily life, health challenges, and shifting relationships can make it easy to overlook the small things that bring joy. However, happiness doesn’t need to be difficult. By adopting a few healthy habits into your routine, you can nurture both your mental and physical well-being, helping you maintain a positive mindset as you grow older.

Here are 5 healthy habits to help you find happiness every day:

• Start with small fitness goals: Exercise is a natural mood booster, and setting small fitness goals can have a big impact on your happiness. Physical activity releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and elevate mood. It also lowers the risk of chronic illness, improves sleep, and boosts energy. Even light activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can improve your outlook. Start with short, manageable sessions and work up from there.

What to do: Begin with a 10- to 15-minute walk after dinner, and slowly increase your pace or distance as it becomes a habit. Even small movement adds up and enhances your overall happiness and well-being.

Also read | 8 anti-ageing exercises to stay youthful and healthy

• Fuel your body with nutritious foods: What you eat plays a significant role in your mood and energy. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats helps improve brain function, keeps your energy levels steady, and reduces inflammation. Avoiding processed foods and excess sugar can also prevent the energy crashes that negatively affect your mood.

What to do: Add more plant-based meals with ingredients like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish. These foods not only boost brain health but also provide steady energy, improving your mood throughout the day.

• Keep connections alive: Staying in touch with friends and family is one of the simplest ways to boost emotional well-being. Regular conversations, whether by phone, video chat, or in person, provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and stimulate the brain. Maintaining social connections as you age helps create a sense of belonging and purpose.

What to do: Make it a habit to check in with a loved one at least once a week. A quick chat with a friend or family member can instantly lift your spirits and help you feel more connected.

Also read | Anti-ageing tips: 6 key strategies to manage molecular shifts at ages 44 and 60

• Find joy in a hobby: Engaging in a hobby gives you something to look forward to and can provide a sense of fulfillment. Hobbies stimulate the brain and help reduce stress, giving you a creative outlet to focus on. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or learning a new skill, hobbies offer endless ways to enjoy yourself while staying mentally sharp.

What to do: Try something you’ve always wanted to learn, whether it’s photography, knitting, or playing a musical instrument. Hobbies help you stay engaged, improve memory, and bring happiness into your day.

• Take a few minutes to meditate: Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind and reducing anxiety. By practicing mindfulness, you can lower stress levels and increase your emotional resilience. Regular meditation is linked to improved mental clarity, better sleep, and a greater sense of peace—important factors for happiness as you age.

What to do: Start by meditating for five minutes each day. Focus on your breath and try to stay in the present moment. Gradually, you can increase your meditation time for greater benefits to your mood and well-being.