Always tired? Take a cue from your elders. In a recent study at the London School of Economics and Political Science, seniors felt 28 percent less fatigued than young adults.
And before you scoff, know that the researchers did adjust for sleep, kids, jobs, and general health. (This wasn't a study comparing stressed-out college students to retired millionaires.)
Older adults appear to wield more control over their emotional experiences, the researchers say. Seniors focus on the task at hand, rather than on how they feel about what they're doing or what else they could be doing with their life--a common and draining habit of younger adults, says study coauthor Laura Kudrna, Ph.D.
It's fine to take a step back from time to time to look at the big picture and assess where you're headed, or how you could better use your time. But if you want to stay energized, you're better off putting those big-picture, self-obsessed thoughts aside to focus on the here and now, Kudrna's research indicates.
Want more senior wisdom?
Unplug. Technology drains our "attentional" resources, which leads to fatigue, Kudrna explains. Older adults tend to use smartphones and computers less than the young--especially when it comes to frivolous activities like social media use. If you're feeling constantly drained, try giving Twitter a break for a few days.
Don't dwell on it. Compared to younger adults, seniors are less likely to brood over hardships or personal failings, according to a study from German researchers. As a result, they not only find life more satisfying, but are also more immune to the energy-sapping effects of depression, the study suggests. To combat this, try avoiding mirrors--at least some of them. It may sound silly, but looking at your own reflection actually heightens feelings of distress and the depressing rumination seniors tend to avoid, suggests a study from the Institute of Psychiatry in London.
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