The Ten Steps to Happiness After 40

Step 1: Engage in self-reflectionI know -- easier said than done. This includes accepting and loving who you are. This includes accepting and loving the nervous habits that only you know about, those annoying addictions, and that little pot belly or slight jiggle.


All your life perhaps, you have been reminded by a parental voice that you are not quite good enough or smart enough. Or maybe it's a loving spouse who, with all good intentions, is quick to remind you of your faults. It may be just society -- and all the pressures to look and act young while buying lots of stuff and having perfect children and lots of money. All this can make self-reflection a scary proposition, but this is the first and most important step towards happiness.

Step 2: Spend time on what makes you most happySounds logical, doesn't it? Make sure each day contains at least some of these important elements. This will make you happy.

Step 3: Find someone to take of and who can take care of you.Humans need humans. We also need a few -- or even just one -- person we can think about all the time: planning activities with or just daydreaming about. Ideally, this will be the same person who spends their day planning for you, dreaming about you, perhaps making your special cup of tea when you come home at night. With someone to care for in a equal relationship, you will be happy. So many relationships end up lopsided, with one person more dependent on the other. Two people who place each other's needs in high priority in a loving way enables happiness.


Step 4: Be physical.You can run, lift weights, swim, do yoga, walk, make love--you get the idea. Motion changes emotion. Stuck in a depression? Get out and move!

Step 5: Take afternoon naps.A twenty-minute nap lying down will recharge your batteries. Add eight hours of sleep each night, and you will feel rested. When we are rested, our creativity soars, our spirits are lifted, and we look at the bright side of our lives.

Step 6: Eat small meals throughout the day.The typical American diet is little to no breakfast, a decent lunch, and a huge dinner. Break this pattern. Start to eat smaller meals throughout the day. I recommend five meals throughout the day, small and healthy meals, of course.What we eat has a huge influence on our attitude, and ultimately our happiness. Fight the urge for unheathy foods. Healthy eating habits can help make you happy.