These days, nearly two decades into the third millennium, the average life expectancy for humans is about 80 years old, according to Forbes. Thanks to amazing innovations in healthcare and the non-stop stream of online resources to help us stay fit and agile, we get to make the most of it all while feeling young, energetic and positive.
Looking for new ways to feel young and vibrant? Here are five creative ideas to get your blood flowing.
1. Tap into Your Creative Side
Have you always fantasized about creating something beautiful that others might admire but never quite mastered stick figures or Play-Doh? Then perhaps you could reimagine imagination. It’s simple, really: Choose your medium, jump in and do it for your own enjoyment. However, beyond tapping into your more creative side, those who dabble in the arts realize a number of health benefits, including:
- Reduced stress levels
- Stronger creative thinking skills
- Enhanced self-esteem
- A greater sense of accomplishment
- Increased brain connectivity and plasticity
- Improved quality of life for dementia patients
Each of these benefits provides something that everyone can use to feel more young at heart. With that in mind, pick up your paintbrush, colored pencils, dancing shoes or musical instrument and start creating your personal masterpieces.
2. Take the Cross-Country Adventure of Your Dreams
Ah, yes – there’s nothing quite like the iconic American road trip to enhance your creative skills and make you feel like a teenager again. In particular, this creativity lies in mapping out your ideal route, choosing sights and landmarks you most want to see and landing on your ultimate destination.
[Tweet ” Creativity lies in mapping out your ideal route”]At the same time, remember to leave plenty of room for spontaneity so you can occasionally veer off course.
Whether you opt to take a road trip on Route 66 or decide to drive a couple hours north to see some great scenery, just make sure your vehicle is road-ready. To that end, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic to give it a full maintenance once-over, including the testing of all fluids.
Most importantly, ask your mechanic to thoroughly check your tires to ensure you have the right set for your specific adventure, especially if you plan to do any off-roading.
Additionally, make sure the tire tread isn’t worn and that the tires themselves are properly inflated. With an exciting planned itinerary and a healthy vehicle, you’ll be well on your way to feeling younger than ever with the wind blowing in your face.
3. Spend Some Time in Self-Reflection with Meditation
One of the best things you can do for your mind and body won’t cost you anything and can be done from the comfort of your home. Looking to get into a more pensive state and reflect on life’s journey? Then you should definitely download any number of smartphone apps dedicated to meditation and spirituality to find the right method and approach for you.
Moreover, research has shown that meditation can increase our longevity and decrease our overall aging process. In fact, performing just 12 minutes of daily meditation can help increase brain flow and decrease memory loss. Indeed, improved mental faculties, along with the general sense of well-being, make meditation a perfect tool for feeling younger.
4. Binge on Nostalgia from Time to Time
While you generally want to focus on the future and all the beautiful possibilities that await you, sometimes it’s just fun to reel in the years; after all, feelings of nostalgia can help us feel more socially connected, loved and valued. With that in mind, dig into your collection of vinyl record albums, CDs and/or DVDs. You can probably even stream your favorites from your most beloved period of your youth.
5. Give a Little Bit of Yourself
Time and time again, you’ve likely heard giving back is good for the soul. Want to know something? It’s true. In fact, anytime you have a few hours a week to contribute to the well-being of society, you will reap some amazing rewards, even if those rewards are intangible. However, you may also experience some added health benefits that will help you regain that youthful rush and glow. As the saying goes, “What’s good for the body is good for the soul.”
Get to Work on Your Project to Feel Younger
Has there ever been a more important project than making the most of your health and well-being? Hopefully, these ideas will serve as a launching pad to get you on the road to enhancing all the positives in life that will help you feel more positive and young at heart.
Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement. We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re not talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
Like many people, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to accept who I am, flaws and all, inside and out. With that, I’ve become much happier than all the years before.
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
I appreciate my curiosity, willingness to listen and compassion in myself. In my life, I appreciate the work I’m able to do in freelance writing, which allows me to explore the world in so many ways.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
Graduating from college with my B.A. in English and finding my way into a freelance writing career.
My biggest dream is to buy an acre of land and live closer to nature. I would also like to buy a van and do a conversion so I can take frequent trips.
4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
My not-so-perfect way is that I occasionally drag my feet when I fear failure. I usually end up giving myself a stern pep talk and move forward; but not always.
I’m independent to nearly a fault. I can get lost for long stretches of time watching live eagle cameras from around the country, reading anything from fantasy to historical novels, or going for long runs. However, I love my friends. Thankfully, they are understanding and pretty much just as independent themselves.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to appreciate and express all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! In fact, sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Therefore, Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my acceptance of my idiosyncrasies. Just a few years ago, I constantly second-guessed every choice I made. I didn’t appreciate my ability to get blissfully lost in solitude. I finally learned that it’s fine to be quiet and comfortable in my own skin. Everyone should be! There is room for all of us, whether we are quiet and introverted, or we embrace the world with open arms.
