By Peggy Sullivan

I am the first to proudly tell people that I am in my 60s. I have an abundance of energy, am happy most of the time, and thrive on spreading joy to others. The world definitely needs more joy, especially amid all the current chaos. Here are ten strategies I like to share that keep me feeling young, healthy, and happy.

  1. Let your inner child out to play. I walk my cat in a stroller and have been known to dance and sing on my evening walks.
  2. Drink plenty of water. I drink 100 ounces a day. I pee all the time, but I don’t care because drinking water gives me energy and makes my skin glow.
  3. Make sleep a priority. It is not unusual for me to be in bed at 8pm. There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep.
  4. Have SheTIME on a regular basis. I take 15-minute SheTIME breaks a few times a day. It helps my reset button. I will do weird things like a handstand, or sit on the porch brushing my cat while he purrs.
  5. Eat a nutrient-rich breakfast. Don’t skip breakfast. I look forward to a monster breakfast with plenty of carbs every morning. I love my carbs!
  6. Find a community. It’s easy to be a hermit. Spending time with people I enjoy invigorates me.
  7. Reduce unhealthy food intake. I eat healthy foods 90 percent of the time, and splurge about 10 percent of the time. I’ve gotten so used to eating for energy and fuel, that even boring food tastes good.
  8. Become alcohol conscious. Limit your consumption and see the difference. I went curiously sober last year, and it’s a hoot being the one who doesn’t drink. It’s almost like being in a live Seinfeld episode.
  9. Engage in physical activity. I am a beast and work out six times a week, with thoughtful attention to each body part, and incorporating cardio. Getting my endorphins going daily is a game changer and always puts me in a positive mindset.
  10. Laugh often. A good belly laugh is contagious. Ever start laughing really loud for no reason? Someone inevitably joins in, especially if you add a snort or two. When I laugh really hard, I snort.

I know age is just a number, but the older I get the more I strive for a consciously healthy and fun lifestyle. I also work on cultivating habits that promote my physical and mental health, vitality, nourishment, and longevity. Despite the many anti-aging therapies available these days, I’ve found that investing in positive changes and attitudes goes a long way toward recapturing youth.

Peggy Sullivan is President and Founder of SheCAN!, a non-profit member-based organization that welcomes women who want to learn and grow with other supportive and inspiring women. Peggy is author of Happiness is Your Responsibility. Learn more at www.theshecannetwork.com. Come to Peggy’s book launch on Thursday, October 14 from 6-8 pm at the Innovation Center in Buffalo. See Healthy Happenings on page 46 to register.