I was sure my best years were behind me. I was wrong—adopting these 5 simple habits has made me feel years younger and better than ever

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | February 4, 2025, 4:55 pm

I was at a point in my life, not so long ago, when I honestly thought my best days were behind me. I’d wrap up in my old sweater, grab a cup of tea, and recall the “glory years.” 

My family was still around me, sure, and I had things to do, but I felt…done.

Maybe you’ve been there—where the journey feels mostly done, and you’re tempted to coast the rest of the way?

Well, here’s a twist I didn’t see coming: I discovered a handful of simple, everyday habits that flipped my perspective on its head and made me feel younger, lighter, and more alive than I had in decades.

It’s funny how the smallest shifts can bring about the biggest transformations. In my case, it wasn’t some grand event that rejuvenated me, but rather a gradual adoption of five simple practices. 

I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out, but I can’t help sharing these bits of my routine that have become a sort of personal fountain of youth. If you’re in a stage where you’re starting to feel as though you’ve left your best behind, I hope these insights nudge you to keep looking forward. 

1) Embracing movement every day

If anyone had told me a few years back that I would one day look forward to moving around more, I would have probably raised an eyebrow and laughed.

I used to think that the aches and creaks that come with age were my cue to slow down as much as possible. But it turns out that daily movement isn’t just about checking off a fitness box— as noted by experts, it can boost energy, relieve stress, and even help brain health!

I keep things incredibly simple. My typical morning now starts with a stroll around the block with my dog, Lottie. Sometimes, I’ll pause at the park while she sniffs the grass. Other times, I’ll challenge myself to pick up the pace ever so slightly. 

It’s not about the particular exercise, though. The secret is consistency. 

Just letting my body move in ways that feel natural has sparked something in me. These small steps—literally—gave me a renewed pep in my step. 

2) Prioritizing genuine connections

I used to be quick with excuses as to why I didn’t want to engage much. “I’ve worked all my life, I deserve a rest now,” or “I’m too old to be meeting new people.” Sound familiar?

Well, the truth is, warm connections now give me a sense of vibrancy I thought was long gone.

I started small—checking in more often with family, sending texts just to say hello, and making a point to actually listen when I talked to people. Then, I got a little bolder. I joined a local book club (even though I worried I wouldn’t fit in), and I made it a habit to strike up short conversations with neighbors.

Engaging with others actively has made me feel more alive. There’s something about genuine human connection—laughing with an old friend, exchanging ideas with someone new, or even just sharing a nod with a stranger—that reminds you you’re still part of something bigger.

3) Learning something new, just for the fun of it

You’d think that by the time you reach your sixties, there wouldn’t be much that can surprise you anymore. However, that mindset is exactly what traps so many of us into believing we’re “past our prime.”

One day, on a whim, I enrolled in a course at my local college—as a mature (very mature) student. At first, I felt completely out of place, surrounded by fresh-faced twenty-somethings who typed at lightning speed and threw around ideas with the confidence of people who had never second-guessed themselves. 

But soon, I realized something: learning isn’t just for the young.

Sitting in that classroom, tackling a subject purely for the joy of it, woke something up in me. It wasn’t about chasing a degree or proving anything to anyone. It was about curiosity, about stretching my mind in ways I hadn’t in years. And you know what? It felt incredible.

The act of learning—whether through a formal class, reading books, or even just watching educational videos—reminds us that growth doesn’t stop just because we’ve hit a certain age. 

In fact, in my experience, embracing new knowledge keeps us sharp, engaged, and, most importantly, excited about what’s next.

4) Prioritizing play 

Yes, play. At some point in adulthood, many of us stop playing. We get so caught up in responsibilities, routines, and the idea that “acting our age” means being serious all the time. 

But here’s what I’ve learned: if you want to feel younger, you have to act younger—at least in spirit.

I made a conscious decision to bring more play and laughter into my life. Sometimes that means playing board games with my grandkids (and actually trying to win), other times it’s just allowing myself to be silly—singing loudly in the car, cracking jokes even if they’re terrible, or dancing around the kitchen for no reason.

The result? I feel lighter and less weighed down by the world. 

5) Choosing gratitude over regret

Last but not least, it’s easy to look back and dwell on the “what ifs.” What if I had taken a different career path? What if I had been bolder in my choices? What if I had started these habits sooner? 

However, I’ve realized something—regret is a thief. It steals joy from the present and keeps you stuck in the past.

So, I made a shift. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t do, I started appreciating what I have. 

Every morning, I take a moment to acknowledge something I’m grateful for—big or small. Some days, it’s as simple as the warmth of my coffee cup in my hands. Other days, it’s the people in my life, the experiences I’ve had, or even the fact that I’m still here, still learning, still growing.

Gratitude changes everything. It doesn’t erase the past, but it reframes it. It reminds me that every chapter—good, bad, or unexpected—has led me to where I am now.

And it’s not just me. As noted by the experts at Harvard Health, “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.”

The best part? You don’t need anything special to start practicing gratitude. Just a shift in focus. And trust me, that small shift can make all the difference.

Final thoughts 

Looking back, I’m almost amused at how certain I was that my best years had come and gone. 

Little did I realize that the key to feeling vibrant wasn’t to chase some dramatic change, but to gently shift my daily habits. Now, I find myself looking forward to what’s around the corner rather than dwelling on what might be in the rearview mirror.

I can’t help but wonder—could these five habits spark the same sense of renewal in you, too? 

You’ll never know until you take those first small steps.