Happiness and positivity are essential to every aspect of getting the most from life after 60. This is why we are always searching for ways to be happier. When we feel happy, we are more likely to get out and engage with the world – and the more we do, the happier we become. Do you agree?

Unfortunately, many of the things that can make us happier require a long-term commitment. Getting in shape takes time. Learning to meditate, while valuable, requires patience and self-control. Following someone’s advice to “just get out there and make friends” sounds easy, but, it really isn’t. So, if you feel like you’re not reaching your happiness potential, it’s hard to know where to start.

Are there Really Simple Ways to Be Happier After 60?

Yes! In fact, there are several simple ways to boost your positivity in under a minute. None of these suggestions will change your life. But, in combination, they may be enough to get you started on the road to happiness.

Open Your Blinds

You’ve probably heard about SAD (seasonal affective disorder), in which a lack of sunlight can lead to sadness, or even depression. But, even if you don’t suffer from this condition, opening up your blinds and letter a little sunshine into your home can give you a happiness boost. Even better, why not go for a quick walk in your garden?

The extra sun will get your brain buzzing, while the walk gets your heart pumping.

Put a Genuine Smile on Your Face

It’s true that smiling can give you a happiness boost, but, this is only part of the story. Have you ever noticed that genuine smiles look different than forced smiles? Your brain knows the difference too!
So, instead of forcing yourself to put a smile on your face, think about what it feels like when you are happy. Conjure up a happy memory and watch your smile grow. You will feel the difference.

Eat a Piece of Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is not just a sinful little treat – it can also make you happier! Chocolate contains chemicals called polyphenols, which have been shown to have happiness boosting properties. Just make sure that you choose dark chocolate (over 70% cacao) to get the benefits of chocolate without the downsides.

Breathe Consciously

One of the most effective ways to boost your happiness is also one of the simplest – breathing. In a world filled with buzzing phones and blinking instant message screens, sometimes we need to return to the basics.
Controlled breathing can lower your blood pressure and put your body and mind in a state of calm and relaxation. Find out more about the connection between breathing and happiness.

Practice Gratitude

For most people, negative thinking comes naturally. Positivity, on the other hand, requires conscious effort. One of the simplest ways that you can train your mind to focus on the positive is to write down what you are grateful for. So, take a minute right now and write down 3 things that make you happy.

Get Up and Move Regularly

According to Dr. James Levine, “Sitting is the new smoking.” In a recent interview with the LA Times, he also said that low activity lifestyles have been linked with weight gain, diabetes and other health problems.

In a perfect world, everyone would go to the gym 5 times a week and eat perfectly balanced diets. But, even getting up once an hour, stretching and walking around the house is a great start.

If you’re serious about your health and happiness, why not set an alarm to remind yourself to get moving every hour?

Do Something Good for Others

Doing good for other people is a simple way to increase your happiness. You don’t even need to donate money to charity or join a cause that you care about (although you probably should!) Even giving a genuine compliment to a friend or helping an elderly neighbor to collect her shopping is enough to make you feel more positive.

What other activities have you found give you an instant happiness boost? Do you watch funny movies, listen to your favorite song or call a friend? I’d love to hear what works for you. Please join the discussion.

Dolores Catania’s Red Cutout Swimsuit at the Jersey Shore

Season 10 Episode 15 Real Housewives of New Jersey Fashion

Dolores Catania’s red swimsuit (which fyi also comes in a black version) on this week’s episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey makes for a super sexy beach lewk with it’s adjustable front zipper and tiny cutouts. And in our opinion, was totally the perfect choice for her to wear during a couples trip down to the Shore with her boyfriend ex-husband.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Gigi C Swimsuit

Click Here to Shop it in Black

Click Here to Shop Her Gucci Sunglasses

Originally posted at: Dolores Catania’s Red Cutout Swimsuit

Melissa Gorga’s Red Tropical Print Swimsuit at the Jersey Shore

Season 10 Episode 15 Real Housewives of New Jersey Fashion

Between her red tropical print swimsuit (which Joe wore in the matching men’s version), gold shield sunglasses and Gucci belt bag, Melissa Gorga looked ready to party it up in style during a beach day at the Jersey Shore on this week’s episode of RHONJ. And thanks to a matching a headband, she even had a little hair poof that we think Snooki would totally approve of.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to See Her Sold Out Red Carter Swimsuit

Click Here to Shop Her Red Carter Headband

Click Here to Shop Her Gucci Belt Bag

Click Here to Shop Her Quay Sunglasses on Sale

Photo #2: @MelissaGorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Red Tropical Print Swimsuit

Staying healthy and staying in shape does get harder as we age.

There are so many things going against us. We are bombarded with skinny young women on the front of magazines that sit right at the supermarket counters so there is no escaping the media glare.

Being skinny is not what you should be aiming for if you are overweight, but you most certainly should be aiming at staying healthy and keeping your body in reasonable shape. Basically, if you look after your body, it will look after you well into your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

By following a few simple rules, you will be in the best shape for you! Not what society dictates, but what you want for yourself.

Don’t Diet

I see the word diet as when we intentionally restrict our food intake simply for the sake of weight loss. This is a wrong mentality because it does not work for a long-term solution for weight loss. We are incapable of forcing ourselves to suffer indefinitely (and hence, generally go off the bandwagon about Day 4 of a diet). When the “diet” inevitably fails it usually leads to more weight gain.

You can turn this around with a much better approach of finding healthy habits you enjoy and turning them into regular habits. This allows them to be more sustainable and you more successful in maintaining them.

Yes, you need to eat less and change your diet to lose weight! You did not get overweight for other reasons. If you find yourself considering your change to eating habits as a sacrifice or deprivation then you are on the road to disaster.

One simple tip would be to enjoy mindful eating. When you eat mindfully this helps food to be more satisfying so you tend to eat less with deliberate intention or sacrifice.

One of the reasons I created the Weight Loss Summit is because I had finally solved my own weight gain misery and struggles. The approach I used was different from everything that the dieting industry had made me believe to be true. I knew it was my duty to gather like-minded women and make the right information available.

Changing Habits

Most of our eating habits stem from our unconscious mind. A huge step in changing your habits requires knowledge about what they are, what triggers them and what our brain’s goal is when we do them.

The first step in creating healthy habits it to keep a food or habit journal. Knowing you will need to write something down is a great way to trick yourself into paying attention to what you do throughout the day.

Don’t Worry About Exercise – Just Enjoy It!

I was the best couch potato you could imagine. I watched my husband come in from a run and laugh, telling him it was time to admit defeat and that he was getting old. In truth, I was looking for all the excuses as to why I was not out there with him and doing some form of exercise.

One day I decided to take up running and joined a running club for women 35+. I came home that evening unable to walk or talk. During that first run I did not know what was going to kill me first, my heart or my lungs giving out. But I stayed with it. And I am so glad I did.

Now you might be reading this and don’t do any exercise and do worry about it. First of all ,you need to forget the notion that there is a prescribed amount of exercise that you should be doing; otherwise it is futile.

If you are doing nothing, doing one small change is an improvement.

Exercise is additive, so adding small steps every now and again will be significant and will lead to better things for you. One tip is to be more active in the things you are already doing. I like to walk my dog every morning and when I found myself unable to run for a couple of weeks, I walked him twice a day instead.

Truth is, the more physically active you are, the easier it becomes to enjoy it more and seek it out. This is where I love the session from Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon. Here is a quote from her from the Weight Loss Summit:

“Women in particular are taking care of other people. Especially women 55+ – the sandwich generation concept. They may be combining work with children as well as ageing parents. There is so much pressure on you and to say you need to take care of your health and fitness can be seen as one more chore on your huge To Do List!”

Be Kind to Yourself

This is my final point I want to make. We sometimes are so busy comparing ourselves to others we forget to take care of ourselves. I saw this quote on Facebook from a friend how recently turned 50:

“TBT… was depressed when I reached the big “40”… lol… wish I were 40 now.”

Finally, I will leave you with this quote.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

What is your best quote that gets you through the tough days? Would you say that you are physically active, or do you need to get moving a little more? What little steps can you take today? Please share in the comments.

If you find yourself saying, “I feel tired all the time,” it may be due in part to what you are eating and drinking throughout the day. Read on to learn how you can make dietary adjustments to combat fatigue.

You’re Drinking Too Much Caffeine

Coffee and tea provide wonderful health benefits, including reducing risks for certain types of cancers, providing a rich source of antioxidants, and everyone’s favorite, blocking fatigue. However, too much caffeine over a prolonged period of time will actually make you feel more tired.

How does this work? Caffeine blocks brain receptors for adenosine, a molecule that induces fatigue. Over time, your body responds by producing more adenosine receptors, resulting in stronger, longer lasting fatigue.

Try limiting your caffeine consumption to one or two cups prior to noon, and skip any added sweeteners.

You’re Iron Deficient

Not eating enough iron raises risks for anemia. Early signs of iron deficiency include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, unexplained weight gain, and feeling anxious for no reason.

Reduce your risks by incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet, such as lean beef, bison, oysters, lentils and spinach. If you are vegan or vegetarian, pair those iron sources with foods high in vitamin C to increase absorption.

You Eat Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates include pasta, white rice, most breakfast cereals and white bread. Though derived from whole grains, refined grains have undergone processing that removes all protein, fiber and nutrients from the food, leaving behind simple sugars that give your body a quick burst of energy, followed by an energy crash, fatigue, and cravings for more carbs.

Instead, switch to whole grains that provide your body with protein, fiber, iron and B vitamins that give you long-lasting energy. Great choices include quinoa, barley, brown rice and whole-wheat bread.

You Turn to Added Sugars

Similar to refined carbohydrates, added sugars spike the blood sugar, but provide nothing nutritionally to sustain that energy. The result is a sudden plummet in energy and mood. In addition, consuming added sugars interferes with leptin production, a key hormone that helps us to feel full. Wean yourself off this temporary fix and turn to whole fruits when you need something sweet.

Natural sugars, as opposed to added sugars, do not dramatically spike the blood sugar and contain fiber and antioxidants to keep you feeling full and energized longer. You’ll also cut your risks for type 2 diabetes, another condition that leads to chronic fatigue.

You’re Skimping on Magnesium

If you eat like most Americans, you’re probably not getting enough magnesium. Magnesium is responsible for breaking down glucose in the body for energy. One interesting study conducted by the Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center found that those who did not meet daily magnesium requirements in the diet expended more energy and required more oxygen to complete tasks than those who ate enough magnesium.

Great sources of this important mineral include bananas, almonds, spinach, Swiss chard, and pumpkin seeds.

You’re Dehydrated

I recommend drinking 7-11 glasses of water every day, and more if you are active or consume a lot of caffeine. Every single function the body performs relies on hydration to work properly, including your metabolism. When we don’t drink enough water, we’ll feel tired and lethargic.

You’re Low on Melatonin

Our diet influences the body’s ability to produce sufficient levels of melatonin, one of the primary hormones responsible for lulling us to sleep. A low melatonin supply translates into more difficulty falling sleep, less deep sleep, and higher risks of insomnia.

Add to that the fact that our bodies naturally produce less melatonin in middle age, and poor sleep quality sets us up for fatigue. Counteract these changes by adding foods to your diet that encourage melatonin production. These include tart cherry juice, dairy and lean protein sources.

I have helped to develop an all-natural, drug-free sleep aid for my patients to get a sound night’s sleep during (and after) middle age. It combines melatonin-rich tart cherry juice extract with whey protein to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, all with no side effects. You can search around for something similar.

You Need More Protein

Protein is the most satiating of the macronutrients and takes the longest to digest, providing our bodies with a steady stream of energy – and helping us to feel full longer. Due to the natural process of sarcopenia, which begins around age 30 and ramps up around age 40, our muscles naturally degenerate in middle age.

We can experience feelings of weakness and fatigue as a result. Build all of your meals around lean protein sources, and consider taking a supplement if you still frequently feel tired and hungry.

Do you feel tired all the time? Do any of these suggestions sound familiar to you? What are you doing to develop healthy aging habits? Please join the conversation.