Young or old, these practices will help maximize quality of life, and as we get older the benefits only become clearer! Here are five ways to stay happy and healthy as you live out your life.
1. Maintain Balance
From the sweaty intensity of 95-degree Hot Yoga (not recommended for those with cardiovascular issues) through gentle Yin Yoga and infinitely accessible Chair Yoga, yoga meets you where you are to help you get steadier, stronger, more flexible and relaxed. Check out the classes offered online and in-studio at West End Yoga in Allentown to get some you time on the mat!
2. Eat Well
The Lehigh Valley is surrounded by farms growing vegetables, mushrooms and even the hemp that makes ache-soothing CBD tinctures. Peruse fresh and nutritious produce at a community venue like the Emmaus Farmers' Market, now in its 20th year, and you'll also find baked goods, condiments, prepared food, meats, cheeses—everything you need for a healthy meal!
3. Stay Curious
Interests and intellect stay more active the more we feed them fresh ideas. It's always a good age to try something new, and you can get a jump start on a new hobby or add to an existing one with classes like the noncredit offerings at community colleges. Lehigh Carbon Community College offers gardening and cooking classes, including Date Night Asian Cuisine—a great way to keep relationships flourishing, too!
4. Keep Laughing
A good sense of humor about the world and ourselves helps it all go down easier. Laughter releases feel-good chemicals in the brain that help us bond with others and even relieve pain. So go after the giggles with whatever tickles your funny bone, like the stand-up, improv and guest stars shown through the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks' vibrant comedy schedule. This month TikTok sensation Pinky Patel takes the stage.
5. Relax
Metta Relaxation Co. in Bethlehem is known for their float tanks, where clients are buoyed in a concentrated Epsom salt solution, along with other therapies like shiatsu massage and reflexology, but the wellness center also hosts a meditation class complete with readings and group discussion. The benefits of giving your thinking mind a break like this include better clarity, flexibility and tolerance of life's ups and downs. A worthy practice at any age!
Published as "5 Things" in the March 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
