Building a contented life begins by practicing a few key principles at any age. When understanding these at a younger age, the ability to feel contented and satisfied increases the odds of living a longer life.
Mindset
Living is coping and finding resilience. This is especially important when life falls apart—as it will over time. Acknowledging the ups and downs, finding healthy coping mechanisms, and learning to manage feelings all set the framework for a stronger mindset. Hope and faith carry us through, instilling the idea that every tomorrow is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
Vitality
Feeling alive or vital is important. Whether it’s a vigorous bike ride, chasing a new idea or dream, or meeting a new friend, vitality encourages confidence and energy.
Health
Age reveals the critical importance of feeling good and knowing we can still accomplish goals and remain independent. Finding a primary care doctor who can help you establish healthy goals can be a first step to aging better.
Needs
Filtering through the necessary and the excessive is a lifelong challenge. We’re driven to want more, often confusing what’s necessary with what’s not. Practicing gratitude can go a long way towards shifting expectations and easing the pressure to chase more things, rather than relationships.
Relationships
The Harvard study shows that cultivating warm, meaningful relationships is a key driver to finding contentment. If a lifelong partner isn’t in the picture, close friendships, new and old, are another path to building a healthy personal community.
