RDNZ_10-11_Oct_Nov Issue

6 5 4 time to exercise every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Honestly, I wish I had been doing squats and aerobic exercises all my life instead of leaving it until my later years! Start early, protect your joints, and keep moving. Find an Active Hobby Early Don’t wait until retirement to find out what brings you joy outside of your career. I discovered pickleball late in life, and I absolutely love it— it’s the highlight of my week and keeps me incredibly active. A hobby provides “active recovery.” When you are dealing with a demanding workload, your brain needs a break from constant decision-making. Sitting in front of the TV has its place, but an active hobby like pickleball, gardening, or cooking requires just enough focused presence to completely disconnect you from work stress, giving your mind a genuine, restorative reset. Always Have a Dog If you share your life with a dog, you will never walk alone, and you will always have unconditional love. There is real science to it, too: just 60 seconds of looking into your dog’s eyes triggers a mutual release of oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”) in both of you. It instantly lowers your cortisol levels, naturally slowing down your heart rate and melting away the day’s physical tension. Keep Your Brain Off Autopilot Never stop learning. To keep that fluffy brain active, challenge it constantly. Do crosswords, tackle word puzzles, and read a good book every single week to expand your horizons. (And here’s a tip: if you My Story readersdigest.co.nz 13