7 daily practices to stay happy and energized in your 50s and beyond, according to psychology

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | January 20, 2025, 12:53 pm

If you’re in your 50s or beyond, you might find that keeping a positive mindset and staying energized can sometimes be a challenge.

The daily grind of life, coupled with some natural aging processes, can sometimes leave you feeling a bit sluggish or down.

But, don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, psychology suggests there are several daily practices that can keep you feeling upbeat and refreshed.

And no, these aren’t rigorous workouts or drastic lifestyle changes. They’re simple habits you can incorporate into your everyday routine.

So if you’re ready to embrace your golden years with a smile and a spring in your step, read on. Let’s explore these seven daily practices that can keep you happy and energized in your 50s and beyond.

1. Embrace a positive mindset

A cheerful disposition might sound a bit cliché, but it’s a proven psychological tool to keep you happy and energized, especially as you navigate your 50s and beyond.

We’re not talking about wearing rose-colored glasses or ignoring life’s challenges. It’s about consciously focusing on the good things in life, even when things don’t go as planned.

Psychology suggests that positive thinking can do more than just make us feel good. It can reduce stress, increase resilience, and even boost our overall health.

Understandably, it’s not always easy to maintain a positive outlook, especially when life throws curveballs your way.

But remember, it’s not about ignoring the negative aspects of life. It’s about choosing to focus on the positive ones.

So how do you cultivate a positive mindset? Start by acknowledging your feelings – both good and bad. Then try to find a silver lining in every situation. Practice gratitude regularly and surround yourself with positive influences.

You’ll be surprised at how these simple practices can keep you feeling uplifted and energized. And the best part? You can start today.

2. Make time for mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, we often pride ourselves on multitasking and staying busy.

But ironically, one of the best ways to stay happy and energized in your 50s and beyond is to slow down and practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.

It’s not about emptying your mind or achieving a state of eternal calm. Rather, it’s about tuning into what you’re sensing right now.

Research shows that mindfulness can improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and boost our physical health. It can also make us more resilient and better equipped to deal with life’s challenges.

So how do you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine?

You could start by dedicating a few minutes each day to meditative practices like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

Or simply take a few moments to focus on the taste of your morning coffee, the sensation of a warm shower, or the sound of birds chirping outside your window.

Mindfulness isn’t about achieving a state of zen. It’s about acknowledging the present moment and appreciating the simple joys of life.

3. Foster social connections

Loneliness can creep up on us as we get older. Friends move away, children grow up, and we might find ourselves spending more time alone than we’d like.

However, keeping an active social life is crucial for our mental and physical well-being.

Just as regular exercise keeps our bodies strong, social interactions keep our minds sharp and our spirits high.

In fact, studies show that it’s strong social connections that’s the key to a good life. People who maintain strong social connections are generally happier, healthier, and live longer compared to those who are more isolated.

So make it a point to connect with others. Call up an old friend. Arrange a family gathering. Join a club or group that shares your interests. Volunteer in your community.

And another thing to note — it’s not about the quantity of social interactions but the quality. Genuine connections that bring joy and a sense of belonging can go a long way in keeping you happy and energized in your 50s and beyond.

4. Be gentle with yourself

We often have high expectations of ourselves. We strive to be the best parents, employees, and friends.

But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things don’t work out as planned. And that’s okay.

Each one of us is a work in progress, constantly learning and growing. It’s natural to have ups and downs. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being human.

So take time each day to show yourself some compassion. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

And most importantly, remember to take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough sleep, and make time for activities you enjoy. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

In being kind to yourself, you’re not only boosting your own happiness and energy levels but also creating a positive ripple effect that can touch the lives of those around you.

5. Keep moving

Let’s face it, the couch can be pretty inviting after a long day.

As tempting as it is to settle in for an evening of TV though, it’s important to keep our bodies moving.

Getting regular exercise is not just about maintaining a healthy weight or physique. It’s a critical component of our overall well-being, impacting everything from our mood to our sleep quality.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to start training for a marathon or hitting the gym for hours on end.

It can be as simple as taking a brisk walk around the block, doing some gentle yoga, or even dancing around your living room to your favorite tunes.

The key is to find an activity you enjoy. When you love what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like exercise – it feels like fun. And that’s the best kind of movement there is.

6. Cultivate a habit of learning

Remember when you learned to ride a bike as a kid? Or that time you mastered a new recipe?

There’s a unique sense of accomplishment and joy that comes with learning something new, isn’t there?

As we get older, it can be easy to fall into familiar routines and stop pushing our boundaries. But the joy of learning doesn’t have to end.

In fact, continuously learning and challenging our minds can improve our cognitive function and increase our overall happiness.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to play guitar or speak another language. Perhaps you’re curious about astronomy or want to delve into the world of digital photography. Now is the perfect time to pursue those interests.

I recently took up gardening – something I’d never done before. The thrill of seeing my first tomato plant bear fruit was incredible. Not only did I learn something new, but it also brought me a great sense of peace and satisfaction.

So, consider taking up a new hobby or skill. The process of learning, the excitement of trying something new, and the satisfaction of progress can keep you feeling happy and energized long past your 50s.

7. Prioritize your well-being

It’s time to get real. Your health and happiness should not be an afterthought. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of life – work, family, chores – but none of these should come at the expense of your well-being.

You are not being selfish by prioritizing your health and happiness. In fact, it’s a necessity. You owe it to yourself to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.

So book that medical check-up you’ve been putting off. Start eating healthier meals. Make time for rest and relaxation. Say ‘no’ when you need to.

Remember, this isn’t just about living longer – it’s about living better. So take charge of your well-being today and every day after. The result will be a happier, more energized you in your 50s and beyond.

Wrapping up

At the end of the day, this is your life and your journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness and energy. What works for one person may not work for another.

These practices are suggestions, starting points that can guide you on your path. But ultimately, it’s up to you to find what makes you happy, what keeps you energized.

So explore, experiment, and discover. Be open to new experiences and willing to step out of your comfort zone.

Remember, age is just a number. Happiness and energy are choices we make every day. So choose to embrace your 50s and beyond with positivity, zest, and a thirst for life.

Because you’re not just aging. You’re living, growing, and learning. And that’s something truly worth celebrating.