7 Ways To Stay Young At Heart – Part 1

When did you last try something new? Something you’ve never done before? Recently, like last week or last month? Last year? Or was it so long ago you can hardly remember? Maybe it was somewhere in between.

People who stay young at heart continuously try new things. Trying new things benefits you both psychologically and physically. You feel good, expand your horizons, and you remind yourself that you’re alive. Plus, the endorphins you receive for trying something new make you happy.

Don’t think this suggests that you should run out and try skydiving or bungee jumping. Of course, if you want to try things like that and are healthy enough for them, go for it.

Most people prefer more sedate (and safer) hobbies. Even quieter activities help keep you young at heart. Something as simple as trying a new restaurant every couple of months can work toward keeping you young at heart. Trying a new type of food is another step up on the scale.

Are there things you want to learn? The kinds of new things you can try are endless. Look into taking classes at your local lifetime learning center or senior center. They often offer a variety of low-cost and even free classes for older adults.

What about creative hobbies and artistic pursuits? Have you ever wanted to learn to paint? Make jewelry? Build model rockets and launch them? Go out and do it. These activities all count. Want to write a novel? That counts as well.

Traveling counts. So does learning a musical instrument. Other ideas are: taking a cruise, hiking, dancing, starting a garden, tutoring children, or learning to bake. Doing anything you have never attempted before counts as trying something new and will keep you young at heart.

What if you can’t decide? That’s a wonderful problem to have! Get a sheet of paper and list all the things you’re interested in trying. You now have a lifetime learning or bucket list. Mark any items off the list that aren’t realistic or out of reach right now. This could be for different reasons, such as your schedule or budget.

Then prioritize what’s left and start trying everything on your list. Mark things off your list as you try them. If you get through the whole list, make another list and start again. You’ll be trying new things and staying young at heart for a long time.