5 Secrets to a Long Joyful Life
Everyday choices to enrich your mind, body, and spirit.
A long and happy life is not a matter of chance, but a choice. This is something my parents taught me — our lives can be rich with meaning every day depending on the choices we make.
Like their understated mornings before dawn or the sounds of laughter that filled their evenings, they knew how to live.
These are lessons that I have tried to apply in my own life and they have added a great deal of contentment.
So, here is how you can incorporate some of these practices to live longer and better in your life.
1. Do some light physical activity:
My father did not hit the gym, yet was always active — walking, gardening, or tinkering around the house. I am working being inspired by him, and try to move slow every day.
Even the little things — taking the stairs instead of the elevator — energize my day. Lucid things like these strengthen our muscles, imbalance us, and make us supple as the years crawl on.
2. Build Social Connections
One thing I have learned from my mother is the importance of connecting. She really loved her weekly phone calls and tea time with friends.
It gives a purpose and joy to me; personally speaking, talking with a friend or family member even just for a while makes me feel good and I tend to know that it is all worth it and I am going to have the sense of belongingness every now & then.
Regardless of age, there is renewed joy and energy when we share life with others.
3. Reduce and Manage Stress:
Life is just full of challenges and with so much responsibility at our end we do feel drained many a times. I used to weigh myself down with so much anxiety until I learned how to release the things that are out of my control.
I now focus on things as simple as breathing — when it is too much, I can take 5 deep breaths or listen to some soothing music. I never thought that such a tiny item could lower stress, be so calming and make me even more mindful of life’s simple joys.
4. Exercise Your Brain:
Learning was always encouraged by my parents, regardless of the age. I want to be that smart and so I do my best to stay sharp with reading, puzzles and learning new skills.
An active mind assists us, and gives more strength to endure. No matter what stage in life we are, it also gives us the feeling that every day is an opportunity to develop.
5. Nurture Your Happiness:
Sunset Enjoyment Happiness is not a huge thing. In the little things I can recall my mother cackling over lame jokes or her delight at cooking a family meal.
Those moments reminded me that life becomes beautiful by enjoying what you are fond of and being with the people you cherish. What I have come to understand is that whenever I indulge myself in the things which actually make me happy, there is more energy, hope and strength within me.
Final Thoughts:
We are capable of living joyful, vibrant lives. These are the particular ways we can fill our lives, through small choices movement, connection, mindfulness (you get it!), curiosity and joy.
Use these set of suggestions as a starting point, sprinkle your own magic on them and discover how they can transform your daily life. And within this acceptance we become our best selves, every day is a gift.
Thank you for reading!
Namaste!
