1-Stay fit by physical exercise --
What’s it about?
Find exercise that excites you
Physical fitness can be just as consequential as social fitness, according to Schulz, who says the Harvard Study of Adult Development found connections between exercise and long-term health — which, in turn, impacts happiness. “Health and happiness are absolutely connected,” asserts Schulz, who says healthy individuals are more mentally and physically able to do the activities that bring them joy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also notes that physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning and judgment skills sharp as you age; reduce your risk of depression and anxiety; and increase your ability to do everyday activities like climbing stairs, grocery shopping and playing with grandchildren. To get the full benefits of exercise, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, which could include fast walking, water aerobics, bike riding, tennis, ballroom dancing or pushing a lawn mower — anything that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat
.Do a self-assessment
When making healthy lifestyle changes, you need a plan before you begin — and that requires some serious self-reflection. “Take some time to do a self-assessment and evaluate where you are now and where you ultimately want to be when it comes to your wellness goals,” says Reena Vokoun, a fitness instructor and Tedx speaker who helps individuals and companies incorporate fitness, nutrition, mindfulness and professional strengths into everyday life. “Then develop a specific plan to get there.”