Perhaps age is merely a number. If we really want to see it in this light, we will be surprised by how much of our fears and uncertainties in life will vanish.
How many times have we used our age as an excuse to avoid doing anything or achieving those life goals? We can easily justify ourselves by saying, “I don’t belong in this age group,” or “This isn’t acceptable for my age.” “It wasn’t mature behavior or this wasn’t expected out of him at this point of his life,” we might say statements like these that have an effect not only on the other person but also on our own mental and physical health. We stop doing things we like for ourselves because we are afraid of being punished or being judged to do things we enjoy.
Our feeling and how we perceive our age plays an important role in how old we are. Furthermore, doctors will be able to predict who is most at risk for health issues by asking people how old they feel. As a result, scientists are concluding that people who believe and feel younger are healthier than those who believe and feel older. As it will have a significant impact on the way you think.
Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist, has spent more than three decades researching how the mind affects the body. In one classic review, she had old men live in a retreat that had been reconfigured to look like it was built 20 years ago while claiming to be living in that year.“Their thoughts were stuck in the past. Their vision improved, their strength improved, and their overall health improved. The men showed significant progress on the test measures after living for a week and talking and behaving as though they were in their youth. One of the wheelchair users came out with a cane. Another, who couldn’t even put his socks on without assistance at first, hosted the dinner party last night, sailing about with zeal and determination
What if Langer and her colleagues are right, and feeling young is good for your health? It should come as no surprise that a good attitude is associated with a happier and healthier life. This, on the other hand, is true for people of all ages. Combating feelings of depression, alienation, and worthlessness can be daunting for those who feel socially disenfranchised and cast out as a result of their era.
Consider a moment when you felt a sense of belonging and significance in the universe. What does it take to reconnect with those emotions? What’s stopping you from doing something that would make you happier and healthier?
Do you need a mental boost? To get started, consider the following five suggestions:
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Affirmations that are positive are an excellent way to change your outlook.
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To lower your risk of heart disease, lower your blood sugar, and relieve joint pain, start or join a walking club.
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Laugh and smile to improve the immune system and relationships.
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Take a dance class or join any activity you enjoy doing.
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To stay current, learn something new and your mind fresh and active.
“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” ― GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
Conclusion
Offer your numerical age with pride the next time someone asks how old you feel. Isn’t it past time you let go of your internalized ageism, which makes you feel compelled to appearyounger than you are? Because in the end age is just a number we have in our mindset whichshould not be the criteria for deciding how one should be leading life.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
About MindTribe.in.
MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.
About the Author.
Disha Begani is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.