7 morning habits of people who stay positive and optimistic in their 80s, according to psychology

Being in your 80s and still radiating positivity and optimism isn’t about luck. It’s about the choices you make, especially when you kick off your day.

Take a peek into the mornings of these age-defying individuals and you’ll find common habits that keep their spirits high, their minds sharp, and their outlook sunny.

They’re not using magical potions or following complex routines.

Rather, they’re engaging in simple, yet powerful morning rituals that set the tone for the rest of their day.

These habits are backed by psychology and can be adopted by anyone at any age who wishes to cultivate a positive, optimistic outlook on life.

You might find that adding these habits into your own routine could transform not just your mornings, but the entire trajectory of your day.

1) Early risers

There’s something special about the early morning hours that keeps optimists ticking.

Those who stay positive and optimistic into their 80s have a secret weapon – they’re early risers.

It’s not about getting up at the crack of dawn for the sake of it. It’s about having that quiet, uninterrupted time to themselves before the world wakes up.

These individuals value this tranquil time to reflect, plan their day, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude.

This habit aligns with psychological research that suggests morning people tend to be happier and healthier.

As the famous psychologist, Benjamin Franklin once said, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

This age-old saying holds a lot of truth. Rising early sets a positive tone for the day, reduces stress, and enhances productivity.

It’s not about following a strict 4 am wake-up call. It’s more about creating a morning routine that starts your day off on the right foot and sets you up for maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook.

2) Nourishing the body and mind

Growing up, I watched my grandmother start her day with a cup of warm water and lemon, followed by a nutritious breakfast. She lived to be 96, always brimming with positivity and optimism.

She believed that starting her day with a nourishing meal didn’t just fuel her body, but her mind too.

And science backs this up. Eating a healthy breakfast has been linked to better memory, improved mood, and greater creativity.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow said it best: “What a man can be, he must be.”

To be our best selves, we need to nourish our bodies and our minds. And it starts with that first meal of the day.

Next time you’re tempted to skip breakfast or grab something on-the-go, remember my grandmother’s habit. Take the time to sit down and enjoy a well-balanced meal.

It might just become your secret weapon for staying positive and optimistic throughout the day.

3) Embracing gratitude

Have you ever stopped to really think about what you’re thankful for?

Those who stay positive and optimistic into their 80s seem to have mastered the art of gratitude.

They start their day by reflecting on the things they appreciate in their lives, no matter how small.

It’s not always about grand gestures or big wins. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being grateful for the warmth of the sun on their face, a good book, or a kind word from a friend.

Renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The attitude of gratitude brings us closer to others.”

This simple act of acknowledging and appreciating the good in our lives can significantly boost our mood and forge stronger relationships.

Let’s be real – life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It’s full of ups and downs.

But starting your day with a sense of gratitude can help us keep an optimistic perspective, even on the toughest days.

4) Moving the body

Starting the day with some form of physical activity is a common habit among those who remain positive and optimistic in their 80s.

It doesn’t have to be an intense workout at the gym. It could be a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood, a few stretches, or even a gentle yoga session.

The aim is to get the blood flowing and awaken the senses.

People who engaged in regular physical activity had better emotional health and were more capable of handling life’s challenges.

Exercise, even in moderate amounts, releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier and more relaxed.

Whether it’s a brisk jog or a gentle morning stretch, moving your body first thing in the morning can be a game-changer for maintaining positivity and optimism throughout your day. And it’s never too late to start!

5) Mindful meditation

I’ve found that taking a few minutes each morning for mindful meditation can transform the entire day. And I’m not alone.

Many people who are positive and optimistic in their 80s make time for a moment of mindfulness or meditation in the morning.

It could be a formal meditation practice, or simply a few moments of quiet reflection with a cup of tea.

Sylvia Boorstein once said “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience.” This acceptance and presence can cultivate an optimistic outlook, reducing stress and increasing happiness.

Consider taking a few quiet moments each morning to just be. You might be surprised at the impact this small habit can have on your positivity throughout the day.

6) Embracing solitude

In a world that’s always connected, embracing moments of solitude might seem counterintuitive.

But those who stay positive and optimistic into their 80s understand the power of spending time alone.

They start their day with a few moments of solitude, allowing them to connect with themselves, gather their thoughts, and set their intentions for the day.

This isn’t about isolation, but about taking time to listen to your own thoughts and feelings.

The noted psychologist Carl Jung said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people around, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself.”

Spending time alone can foster self-awareness and contribute to a positive outlook on life.

Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in silence or taking a solitary morning walk, consider the benefits of embracing solitude as part of your morning routine.

7) A dose of nature

Starting the day with a dose of nature is a powerful mood booster.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, a moment appreciating the garden, or simply gazing out of a window at the sky.

Famed psychologist Albert Bandura said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy.”

Connecting with nature can bring about this sense of self-efficacy by grounding us and reminding us of our place in the world.

Make it a habit to welcome nature into your mornings. It’s a simple yet effective way to foster positivity and optimism every day.

Wrapping up

At the end of the day, maintaining positivity and optimism well into our 80s isn’t tied to a secret formula.

It’s about cultivating daily habits that nourish our bodies, nurture our minds, and feed our souls.

Whether it’s rising early, embracing solitude, or finding joy in nature, these habits are less about the actions themselves and more about the intention behind them.

They’re about starting each day with a conscious decision to choose positivity.

It’s about recognizing the power within us to shape our days, our moods, and ultimately, our lives. And remember, it’s never too late to start building these habits.

As you reflect on these practices, consider which resonate with you.

Which of these could you incorporate into your own morning routine? How might they transform your outlook, not just for a day, but for a lifetime?

After all, positivity and optimism are not merely states of mind. They’re ways of life.