If you want to laugh more and worry less as you get older, say goodbye to these behaviors

As we age, life’s responsibilities and challenges can sometimes overshadow our ability to laugh freely and enjoy the moment.

However, maintaining a sense of humor and a worry-free mindset is key to living a fulfilling and joyful life.

Often, the secret to laughing more and worrying less lies not in what we add to our lives, but in what we let go of.

In this article, I’ve outlined seven behaviors you need to say goodbye to if you want to embrace more laughter and less stress as you grow older.

If you’re ready to trade worry for laughter as you age, keep reading—it’s time we bid farewell to these behaviors!

1) Holding onto grudges

As we age, we accumulate experiences, and unfortunately, not all of them are pleasant.

We might have been wronged or hurt by others, and these incidents can create grudges that we hold onto.

But here’s the thing about grudges: They’re like a poison we drink, hoping the other person will get sick—the only person a grudge harms is us.

Holding onto resentment and anger only increases stress and worry. It’s an emotional baggage that can rob us of our peace of mind and laughter.

So, how about we start letting go? Forgiveness simply means releasing the burden of resentment.

As you get older, letting go of grudges can pave the way for more laughter and joy in your life.

So why not give it a try?

2) Allowing fear to dictate decisions

I’ve found that fear is a sneaky little thing.

It quietly slips in and starts steering the wheel of our lives if we let it—and I speak from personal experience.

A few years ago, I was presented with an opportunity to travel abroad for a year.

It was a dream come true, but it also meant stepping out of my comfort zone.

Fear started creeping in, filling my mind with ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios.

For a while, I let the fear of the unknown hold me back—I was on the verge of declining the opportunity—but then I realized that, by giving into fear, I was not only losing out on exciting experiences but also inviting worry and regret into my life.

I chose to say goodbye to that fear, took the plunge, and embarked on what turned out to be one of the best years of my life, filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories!

Take it from me: Confront your fears, take calculated risks, and open yourself up to new experiences.

3) Living in the past or future, instead of the present

Human beings have a peculiar habit: We tend to dwell in the past or worry about the future, often forgetting to live in the present—this habit is a prime source of unnecessary worry and stress.

Mindfulness is a powerful antidote to this as it’s about living fully in the present moment, acknowledging and accepting our thoughts and feelings without judgement.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into various techniques and practical exercises that can help you cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life.

Practicing mindfulness not only helps in reducing worry, but it also allows us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures—it opens up space for laughter, joy and gratitude.

4) Ignoring your health and well-being

There was a time when my focus was entirely on my career, social life, and checking off the next big accomplishment.

The concept of self-care seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford as skipping meals, irregular sleep patterns, and zero physical activity became the norm.

Over time, this took a toll on my health. I found myself constantly fatigued, stressed, and devoid of any real joy or laughter.

It was a wake-up call that I needed to prioritize my well-being.

I started incorporating small changes like regular exercise, healthier eating habits, and ensuring adequate sleep—and what a difference it made!

Not only did my health improve, but I also noticed a significant decrease in stress levels and an increase in moments of laughter and happiness.

Health and well-being are foundational to leading a joyful life as we age.

Start prioritizing your well-being today for a happier tomorrow.

5) Chasing after happiness

This one might sound counter-intuitive, but hear me out.

Often, we get so caught up in the pursuit of happiness that we forget to be happy.

We set these high expectations for what happiness should look like, and when reality doesn’t meet those expectations, we end up feeling disappointed and worried.

But here’s the thing about happiness: It’s not a destination, it’s a journey.

It’s found in the little moments of joy, the hearty laughter shared with loved ones, the peace of a calm morning, or the satisfaction of a job well done.

Instead of constantly chasing after happiness, let’s learn to recognize and appreciate these little moments of joy.

Let go of the idea that happiness is something to be pursued and start embracing it in its various forms in the here and now.

This shift in perspective might just lead to more laughter and less worry in your life.

6) Neglecting relationships

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to take our relationships for granted.

We often forget to nurture them, leaving them to survive on the leftovers of our time and energy.

But relationships, especially with loved ones, are a crucial source of laughter, comfort, and support as we age.

They can act as our safety net during hard times and a source of celebration during the good times.

If you’ve been neglecting your relationships, it’s time to say goodbye to that behavior—start investing time and energy in your loved ones.

Prioritize those family dinners, catch up with old friends, or simply spend quality time with your partner.

Remember, strong relationships don’t just happen overnight as they require effort and commitment but the joy, laughter, and support they bring are worth every bit of it.

7) Failing to embrace change

Change is the only constant in life.

As we age, we face numerous changes—changes in our bodies, our circumstances, our roles, and our relationships.

Many of us resist change because it’s unfamiliar and uncomfortable, leading to stress and worry.

On the other hand, embracing change can open up new possibilities, experiences, and avenues for laughter and joy.

It’s not the change itself that causes stress and worry, but our reaction to it.

Choose to react with openness and curiosity instead of fear or resistance as it might just be the key to laughing more and worrying less as you get older.

Final thoughts: The power lies within you

When it comes to leading a life filled with more laughter and less worry as we age, the power truly lies within us.

The behaviors we discussed aren’t set in stone—we have the capability to let go of them and embrace new, healthier habits.

Each decision to let go of a worry-inducing behavior and replace it with a joy-inviting one is a step towards a more joyful, fulfilling life.

It’s about building a life that you can look back on with satisfaction, rather than regret—and, remember, this journey is about progress, growth, and learning.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I share more insights on embracing the present moment and cultivating mindfulness, which can be a powerful ally in this journey.

So as you move forward, remember this: It’s never too late to change for the better, and it’s never too late to choose laughter over worry—to create the life you truly desire.

The power lies within you!