If you really want to be more joyful as you age, say goodbye to these 6 little habits

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to become more joyful with each passing year, while others feel weighed down by the stresses of life?

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on this, and it’s clear that joy isn’t something that just happens to us—it’s something we cultivate.

And as we age, the habits we form play an even bigger role in shaping how we feel day to day.

While there are plenty of things we can add to our lives to boost our happiness, it’s equally important to recognize the little habits that quietly steal our joy.

These habits may seem harmless on the surface, but over time, they can hold us back from feeling more at ease, content, and fulfilled.

Today, we’re uncovering six such habits.

Letting go of them has made a noticeable difference in my life, and I have a feeling they could do the same for you.

Let’s dive in!

1) Neglecting physical health

Here’s a personal confession – I used to be quite the couch potato. I’d spend hours in front of the TV or my laptop, with little regard for my physical health.

But as I got older, I realized this habit was taking a toll on my happiness.

Physical health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, especially as we age.

Research backs this up. A 2019 review found that just 10-30 minutes of exercise can improve your mood. 

I can attest to this. When I started incorporating regular exercise into my routine, I noticed a noticeable difference in my energy levels and overall joy.

It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout at the gym; even a brisk walk around the block or some light yoga at home can do wonders.

If you’re like me and have been neglecting your physical health, it’s time to say goodbye to this habit.

Trust me, your future self will thank you!

2) Isolating yourself

As humans, we’re social creatures. We thrive on connection and interaction.

Yet, as we age, it can be tempting to spend more time alone.

Perhaps it’s due to retirement, loss of loved ones or physical challenges.

But did you know that loneliness can have serious health impacts equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day?

It’s true. Not only that, as noted by the CDC, it can increase a person’s risk of depression and anxiety. 

Maintaining social connections not only enhances our mental health but also contributes to our physical well-being.

Forming new relationships, keeping up with old ones, or even just engaging in social activities can significantly boost our happiness.

Resist the urge to isolate yourself. Reach out, connect, and interact. It’s never too late to forge new friendships or rekindle old ones. 

3) Resisting change

Change is a constant part of life, and it’s something that becomes even more pronounced as we age.

Our bodies change, our circumstances change, and our environments change.

Adapting to these changes can be challenging, but resisting them can be even more detrimental to our happiness.

Resistance often leads to stress and worry, two major joy-killers.

Instead of fighting against the tide, why not learn to swim with it?

Embracing change can open up new opportunities for joy and growth that we never imagined.

Every change, no matter how big or small, carries the potential for something positive.

4) Neglecting self-care

Do you ever find yourself so busy that taking care of your own needs falls to the bottom of your to-do list?

If so, you’re not alone. I used to do the same, constantly juggling work, family, and social commitments while my own well-being took a backseat.

I’d tell myself I’d get to self-care “later,” but later never seemed to come.

However, as noted by the folks at Psych Central, neglecting self-care can lead to feelings of hopelessness, a lack of motivation, and less interest in social activities.

I definitely noticed these creeping into my life, and they quickly became a serious drain on my joy.

Once I made self-care a priority, though, everything started to shift.

I felt happier, more confident, and more energized to connect with others.

And the best part?

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate.

For me, it started with small things—taking a few moments to read a good book, meditate, or spend time in nature. These little acts made a world of difference.

Consider giving yourself permission to put your needs first.

It’s a simple, yet powerful way to boost your joy and well-being.

5) Comparing yourself to others

It’s easy to slip into the habit of comparing our lives to others, especially in today’s world where we’re constantly bombarded with carefully curated images of everyone’s “perfect” moments.

However, as wisely put by Theodore Roosevelt, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

When we focus too much on how we stack up against others—whether it’s their careers, families, health, or achievements—it makes it hard to appreciate our own journey..

Try shifting the focus inward—celebrate your progress, embrace your unique path, and take pride in what makes you who you are.

Everyone has their own set of challenges, and what you see on the surface is rarely the full story.

By letting go of comparison, you’ll find more peace, contentment, and joy in the life you’re living.

6) Ruminating on regrets

We all experience moments of regret, but constantly ruminating on them can take a serious toll on our joy.

When we get caught up in those thoughts—replaying past mistakes or imagining how things could have been different—it keeps us stuck in a cycle of negativity.

The folks at Psychology Today note that this habit of ruminating can fuel anxiety and depression, draining your energy and keeping you from moving forward.

It’s one thing to reflect on the past and learn from it, but it’s another to allow regrets to hold you hostage.

To break free, try to practice mindfulness or journaling—acknowledge the regret, understand what it taught you, and then let it go.

This mental shift can help you reclaim your peace and focus on the present moment, opening up space for more joy and growth as you age.

Embracing the journey

Letting go of these small but powerful habits can make a world of difference in how much joy you experience as you age.

While it’s not always easy to break old patterns, each step you take toward releasing regrets, caring for your health, connecting with others, embracing change, and prioritizing self-care will bring you closer to a more joyful, fulfilling life.

Remember, it’s never too late to make these changes.

Little by little, you can build habits that support a more vibrant, joyful you—one day at a time.

Here’s to a happier, more joyful you!