1. Keep movingStaying healthy and robust is one
of the foundation stones for a long and happy life. Studies demonstrate
that a few hours of quality exercise a week make a massive difference to
long-term physical and mental wellbeing. Aerobic exercise maintains all
our key organs – so walk briskly, run if your knees allow it or, best
of all, cycle, which is low-impact and great fun.
2. Say yesYou have so much untapped potential
but you have to be bold and remain open to fresh opportunities. Seek out
new experiences because they will expand you as a person and you will
learn more about yourself as a result. Don’t allow negativity to shape
your world view – positive people are always happier.
3. Feed your headDon’t just be physically
active, be mentally active too. Keep your mind stimulated: acquire a new
skill, pick up an instrument, learn a language, be creative. The brain
is like a blade and you must keep it sharp.
4. Embrace changeYou are growing as a person all
the time. You don’t have to do the same job for the rest of your life,
for example. If you are unhappy in a relationship, bite the bullet and
move on as serenely as possible. There is nothing to be gained from
being miserable for the sake of stability.
5. Eat smart foodYou really are what you eat. A
junk-food diet washed down with fizzy pop or booze will cause long-term
damage to your physical and mental health. A good balance of nutrients –
plenty of vegetables and fruit, good-quality protein and low GI carbs –
supports the body and makes a huge difference to your energy levels.
6. Go awaySee the world, enjoy different
cultures, expand your reference points. If finances won’t take you
somewhere exotic, make a start in this country. There’s staggering
beauty to be found in Britain, from the Shetlands to Scilly, along with
some wonderful people.
7. Do what you loveYour career is a huge part of
your life. You’ll be doing it for a long time, so do something that
stimulates you. Choosing a job for the salary alone won’t provide you
with long-term fulfilment.
8. Get out moreEnjoy the open air and take in as
much sun as you can without getting burned. Exposure to sunlight
creates Vitamin D in the skin, which supports bone strength and
safeguards against serious disease. It also improves mood and raises the
spirits. So when the sun’s out, don’t sit indoors all day, even if it
is a bit nippy.
9. Be generousThis isn’t about giving away your
money, it’s about thoughtfulness to friends, family and, especially,
strangers. A random act of kindness can make someone’s day, but more
importantly you’ll experience a warm glow from it, too. You’ll won’t
just feel a better person if you’re open and generous; you will be a
better person.
10. Go to bedGood sleep – a proper eight hours –
has proven benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. Worrying,
eating late and drinking alcohol all disturb sleep patterns. Go to bed
at a reasonable hour, shut out all light and invest in a good mattress.
