Dr Navodita outlines key lifestyle habits for those in their 40s and 60s to enhance well-being, manage crises effectively, and live a fulfilling life, exclusively for Different Truths.
If you are well in your 40s or your 60s, these are important lifestyle habits you should adopt to be able to better deal with crises or even lead a healthy normal life full of happiness, mindfulness, and well-being.
Embracing the early bird lifestyle
‘The early bird gets the worm’, is quite apt. If you wake up early to take some time off to plan, dream, and decide, it can do wonders for your physical body. Early to bed and early to rise is a mantra that can rejuvenate your brain cells like nothing else can. Waking up early is about savouring the early moments when the world is slowly waking up to action. You feel you have planned and prepared, and there is less anxiety for the rest of the day. It also sets in a level of enthusiasm that waking up later cannot do.
Kickstarting the day with hydration
Always hydrate your body the first thing in the morning. Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up has its medical qualities and facts behind it. During the night, the body is well-rested, but it goes without water for a long period. This can cause fatigue, headaches, and a loss of concentration. Drinking water kickstarts the metabolism.
Mindful movement
Happy individuals in their 70s stay mindful of the importance of staying active. This could be a gentle morning walk, a short yoga session, or even a simple stretch. A little exercise is a must as you age. The key is to get the body moving and the blood flowing. It helps to shake off stiffness in the body and gets you ready for the day.
Mindfulness meditation
Getting your focus right through the day is also important. Mindfulness meditation allows individuals to begin the day calmer and quieter. It involves focusing on the present moment, acknowledging thoughts and feelings without judgement, and letting go.
Nourishing the body
One has to also eat a good breakfast the first thing in the morning. As you wake up, it’s important to nourish the body with a hearty meal. It’s not about dieting or counting calories but about providing the fuel the body needs to get going for the day ahead. If you overlook breakfast, it can lead to energy slumps and mood swings later in the day.
Embracing solitude
Something that we often overlook is the power to embrace solitude. In this age of mobile phones, it seems difficult to say no to somebody or look for those spots where you can not engage in a conversation or a chat over the mobile. However, it is crucial to put aside that mobile and get going with some me-time. Usually carving out a morning with some ‘solitude moments’ can do the trick.
Setting the intention
To get started in your day, it is not important to prepare a long to-do list but simply identifying what you want to achieve or how you want to feel throughout the day- is by setting the intention about your tasks and chores. It also brings a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Expressing gratitude
This is about acknowledging and appreciating the good in life, no matter how small it may seem. It fosters positivity and contentment. It could be appreciating something as small as being thankful for a clear, bright, sunny day or a good night’s sleep.
If you practice some or all of these habits and gradually imbibe them and adapt them into your life, it can do wonders to make you more accepting of yourself and others, being more content with life, and achieving your tasks on time.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
Navodita Pande teaches Mass Media and Communication and English to ICSE/ISC school in Assam. She also trains students in Yoga, gratitude and healing. She loves to paint, write and read as her pastimes. She lives in Assam with her daughter.
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