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Wouldn’t it be great if we could have had our grandkids when we were young and had the same energy we had in our 20s and 30s? Alas, part of being a grandma is being older and wiser, which is beautiful. However, if you are looking for just a few more ways to stay young and feel a little more adventurous with your grandbabies, I recommend following these 12 tips:
1. Be young at heart
Good news, folks: Age is only a number! Take a note from Frank Sinatra’s “Young-At-Heart” (“And if you should survive to 105, Look of all you’ll derive, Out of being alive!”), and go into things with a good and positive attitude.
Making huge messes in the kitchen? Messes make memories, so why not?
Riding bikes to the park? I think I can still remember how to ride!
Trampoline park? Okay, let’s not go crazy now…
2. Give into the occasional “Yes Day”
It has been a while since I talked about gifting your grands’ a “Yes Day,” but I highly recommend doing it occasionally! This will build your bond and create lifelong memories, and it may even show you that you can do more physical things than you think!
3. Don’t take things too seriously
I know that this can be easier said than done, but letting things roll off easier and not expecting things always to be perfect can significantly benefit your physical and emotional well-being. Life is too short – learn to laugh at/off things when appropriate.
4. Rest
This one may be obvious (or maybe not), but you NEED to rest. Make sure you get plenty of ZZZs every night (ideally 7 to 9 quality hours!) and take time daily to nap, quietly read, or just put up your feet for an hour. This isn’t selfish – it is vital for your health and will only benefit your time with your grandbabies in the long run.
5. Indulge in play
Never underestimate the power of play! Join your grandkids in their imaginative games, build forts, play dress-up, or have a tea party. (Who says that playing is just for kids?)
6. Get a hobby
It’s great to share a hobby with your grandchild(ren), whether crafting, reading, collecting, or thousands of other potential things you can do together! While having a shared interest is important, having your own hobby is also lovely, especially after the grands have left and the house is quiet.
7. Volunteer together
Volunteering is a wonderful way to stay young and teach your grandkids about compassion and community service. If you have never volunteered, don’t worry – you can start with something as simple as helping at a local animal shelter or organizing a neighborhood clean-up.
8. Try new things together
One of the joys of being a grandma is the chance to try new things with your grandkids, whether learning a new game, exploring a new place, or trying a new hobby. I encourage you, my fellow Devoted Grandma, to embrace these experiences with open arms. You never know – you might even discover a hidden passion or talent you never knew you had!
9. Exercise!
Physical activity is a great way to stay young at heart, so why not involve your grandkids in your exercise routine? Go for walks, have a dance-off in the living room, or even try a gentle yoga session for a fun, healthy, and fantastic way to bond.
10. Keep learning
Just because you are out of school doesn’t mean the lessons have ended. Au contraire! Grandmas should stay curious and open to learning, whether it’s about the latest technology, a new craft, or even what’s trending in the world of your grandkids.
11. Travel and explore
Traveling, no matter how near or far, is one of my favorite things to do, and thankfully, you don’t even have to go far to explore. Plan little adventures with your grandkids – visit a local museum, go to a nearby beach, or explore a new park. Believe me: These mini-adventures may seem mini, but they can still be exciting and rejuvenating.
12. Have a life outside your grandkids
I know, I know – our grandkids are our lives! While these little humans are our world, one of the best things you can do for them is take care of yourself and have outside interests, friends, and hobbies.
Conclusion
You may already practice these tips and if you do, I encourage you to keep doing them! If you haven’t already started, what are you waiting for? Give them a shot, and let me know how they work. Oh, and let’s talk again soon! 😉
