How to Stay Young, Vital and Mentally Sharp - And Maybe Even Live Longer and Happier

1. Learn something new this week. Learning keeps our brains young and keeps you vital.

2. Laugh out loud at least 5 times a day. Laughing is like jogging on the inside. Kids laugh over 100 times a day; adults less than 20 on average.

3. Do something nice for someone without them knowing it. According to Ghandi and Mother Teresa, we are most fulfilled when serving others.

4. Do the same thing before going to sleep at night. If you have trouble getting to sleep, a routine prior to bed will help your brain get you ready.

5. Wake up in the morning thinking about your ideal body/life. This will help your behaviors become healthier more easily.

6. Get a pet. People with pets exhibit less stress and live longer. Be sure the pet fits into your lifestyle.

7. If you volunteer for nothing, volunteer for something. Become engaged and give back to your community. Pick something you like to do and it will change your life. Google “volunteer opportunities” for your city.

8. If you volunteer too much, cut back. If you find yourself complaining that you have no time (for yourself), you may be giving too much away to others. If so, the following suggestions are just for you!

9. Balance your life: work some, play some, laugh, sleep, rest, eat, love, talk, move, and participate.

10. Get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage or reflexology session.

11. Plan and take a vacation. Make sure it is a vacation that you want to go on. If you have always gone camping and you work too hard camping or it’s not really fun anymore, do something else!

Many of the above suggestion will require you to do a little thinking and soul-searching. That’s a good thing. Spend a little time on yourself and you will feel better all around!