Seasons change, but the essential things necessary to live a good life stay the same. Having an active social life and spending time with the people you love. Finding purpose in your job or hobbies. Spending time in nature and traveling to new and exciting places. Taking care of your body and mind with the help of exercise, good food, and meditation. Slowing down to enjoy the world around you. Being grateful for what you have. Reading books. Sleeping in. Making art. Writing bad stories. Laughing—loudly and often! And just plain having fun.

These are but a few ways to fill your days with joy and meaning. No matter what age you are, having the courage to connect with others and taking care of your body is what will help you make the most of new opportunities that come your way.

As we grow older and our bodies change, it becomes more and more important to watch what we eat and how much we move and sleep. We can’t binge on fast food like we used to, nor can we party until the break of dawn every single weekend. Taking care of our bodies becomes more and more important as time goes by.

So it makes sense to build good habits while we’re still young (though it’s never too late to start!). Regular exercise and nutritious food are key. In short, no matter who you are or what you do, prioritize your health. 

US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warns that loneliness is as dangerous to one’s health as smoking a whopping 15 cigarettes a day. Social isolation is a problem that is affecting as many as half of all Americans.

"I had neglected my family and my friends during that time, thinking that it was too hard to focus on work, and focus on family and friends. I was really suffering from the consequences of that, which were a profound sense of loneliness that followed me for weeks, which stretched into months,” Murthy told the BBC.

Loneliness is a devastating force. It increases the risk of premature death by almost 30% via conditions like diabetes, heart attacks, insomnia, and dementia. The BBC also reports that people who lack social connections also perform worse at work and academically. The consequences of social isolation are very far-reaching indeed.

According to Murthy, “pro-connection public policies” can help tackle the issue on a societal level. Meanwhile, everyone has the power to help fight against social isolation on an individual level, too. For instance, you can spend 15 minutes with your loved ones each day, without the distractions of modern life—like constantly checking your phone.

Being grateful for what you have now can help you stay focused on the present and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. You could, for instance, make a gratitude list where you note everything in your life that you’re thankful for: a roof above your head, good relations with your family, a loving partner, loyal friends, a happy pet, a stable job, etc. It doesn’t matter how small you think something is, it’s still worth mentioning it.

Being grateful helps us get through tough times because we recognize how fortunate we’ve been, despite the challenges we’ve had to face.