If a woman wants to be happy in her 60s, say goodbye to these 7 evening habits

My grandma had another gem of a saying, “Happiness is a choice.”

As we get older, this choice can seem a little more complex. Especially when it comes to our lifestyle habits.

Here’s the kicker.

Some of those things you do every evening? They might be the very things that are keeping you from feeling your best in your golden years.

Now, I can hear you asking, “What’s wrong with my evening habits? I’ve been doing them for years!” Trust me, I get it. But humor me for just a moment.

Let’s say, you’re a woman who’s reached her wonderful 60s, and you’re wondering how to make this decade the happiest yet.

Well, it might be time to wave goodbye to certain evening routines.

We’re about to dive into seven evening habits you may need to break if you want to embrace a happier and more fulfilling life in your 60s. After all, it’s never too late to tweak your routine for the better.

And remember, happiness is always a choice – and perhaps it’s time we made some smarter ones.

1) Staring at screens before bed

Now, we all love a good Netflix binge, but here’s the deal.

Exposure to screens, be it your TV, smartphone or even your e-reader, right before bed can drastically affect your sleep quality.

The blue light emitted can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder to drift off when you finally hit the pillow.

Sleep, as we know, is vital for overall well-being and happiness. Inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, fatigue and even impact cognitive functions.

By simply switching off your screens an hour before bedtime, you could help improve your sleep quality.

Try swapping out screen time with a good old-fashioned book or an engaging crossword puzzle.

Remember, quality sleep equals a happier you. So, let’s make it a priority.

2) Skipping out on self-care

I’ll admit, for the longest time, I was guilty of this one.

After a long day, it’s easy to push self-care to the back burner. You eat dinner, maybe watch some TV, and before you know it, you’re too tired for anything else.

But here’s what I’ve learned.

Ignoring self-care can leave you feeling depleted and stressed.

A few years ago, amidst managing my business and family commitments, I realized I was often neglecting my own needs. And guess what? It took a toll on my happiness.

So, I decided to change things up. I started incorporating small acts of self-care into my evening routine – a warm bath, a few minutes of meditation, or simply sipping chamomile tea while listening to my favorite podcast.

And the results? A noticeable uptick in my mood and energy levels.

If you’re in your 60s and want to boost your happiness, don’t overlook the power of self-care. Even small acts can make a big difference.

After all, you deserve to pamper yourself every day!

3) Overloading on late-night snacks

Okay, let’s get real here.

There’s a certain comfort in late-night snacking. A sneaky chocolate bar.

A bag of salty chips while watching your favorite show. But, as satisfying as it might seem in the moment, it’s a habit that doesn’t do any favors to your body or your happiness.

Here’s why. Eating late at night can cause digestive issues, weight gain, and poor sleep quality.

Not to mention, the guilt that often follows the indulgence can lead to feelings of regret and unhappiness.

Now, I’m not suggesting you starve if you’re genuinely hungry.

But consider healthier alternatives like a handful of nuts or a cup of warm milk. Or better yet, try adjusting your dinner time or portion sizes to avoid late-night hunger pangs.

It’s not just about looking good in your 60s, it’s about feeling good too. And saying goodbye to heavy late-night snacking can be a step in the right direction.

Because let’s face it, there’s no joy in waking up with a food hangover!

4) Neglecting hydration

This one seems simple, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to overlook.

Water is a crucial aspect of our health. It aids digestion, keeps our skin glowing, and even helps regulate our mood.

Yet, many of us forget to drink enough water throughout the day.

And by the time evening rolls around, we often try to compensate by downing a lot of water right before bed.

But this can lead to disruptive midnight bathroom trips, affecting your sleep.

The solution? Aim to spread your hydration evenly throughout the day.

Keep a reusable water bottle at hand and set reminders if needed.

By maintaining adequate hydration, you’re not just taking care of your physical health but also paving the way for better sleep and overall happiness in your 60s.

Because let’s face it, no one enjoys those midnight trips to the bathroom!

5) Skipping physical activity

Did you know that regular physical activity can boost your mood and help you sleep better?

I understand, after a long day, the last thing you want to do is a high-intensity workout. And that’s perfectly okay.

Physical activity doesn’t always mean hitting the gym or running marathons.

It can be as simple as a gentle yoga session, a brisk walk around your neighborhood, or even some light stretching in your living room.

Incorporating some form of movement into your evening routine can help to release the day’s stress and prepare your body for restful sleep.

If you’re looking to add more happiness to your 60s, don’t underestimate the power of a little evening stretch or stroll. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

6) Internalizing the day’s stress

Let’s face it, life can be stressful. And as we age, we often find ourselves grappling with different kinds of stressors – health issues, family concerns, financial worries, you name it.

But here’s the thing. Holding onto these stresses into the evening can take a toll on your happiness and overall well-being.

Now, I’m not saying you should ignore your worries.

They’re valid. However, consider finding healthier ways to deal with them. It could be confiding in a loved one, journaling your thoughts, or practicing mindfulness meditation.

Remember, it’s okay to have bad days. But don’t let the weight of the day rob you of your peace at night.

You deserve restful evenings and happier days in your 60s and beyond.

7) Forgetting to plan for tomorrow

Here’s a game-changer.

Taking a few minutes each evening to plan for the next day can significantly reduce stress and increase your happiness.

This can involve jotting down your to-do list, preparing your outfit, or even prepping for breakfast.

By doing this, you reduce the morning rush and start your day on a positive, organized note.

This simple habit can set the tone for a productive and stress-free day, contributing greatly to your overall happiness in your 60s.

Give it a shot and see the difference it makes.

In conclusion

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these habits, don’t worry. It’s never too late to make changes for a happier life in your 60s.

Remember, lasting change takes time and patience. It’s about making small adjustments, one day at a time.

Start by consciously observing your evening habits. Notice where you might be compromising your happiness.

Is it the late-night screen time? The skipped self-care routine? Or perhaps the neglected hydration?

Once you spot these tendencies, take small steps towards change. You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine in one go.

Maybe start by switching off your screens an hour earlier, or dedicating a few minutes for self-care before bed.

Every positive change, no matter how small, is a step towards a happier, healthier you in your 60s.

Take a moment to reflect on these habits and consider the changes you’re willing to make.

Because happiness in your 60s isn’t just about saying goodbye to certain habits. It’s about embracing new ones that serve you better.

Change might be challenging, but the rewards it brings are well worth it. After all, you deserve to enjoy your golden years with joy and fulfillment. So why not start now?