AGING WITH GRACE AND KINDNESS
I always thought I’d be the exception. I’ve always exercised, eaten clean, and drank my water. I believed doing all the “right things” would keep aging at bay. But here I am at sixty-five, watching myself change…. in real time, and some days it’s so hard!
Indeed, my metabolism has nearly come to a a screeching halt! Energy dips more than ever before. My workouts feel so much tougher than I remember. I get tired much earlier in the evening…. I mean if I sit down to watch a movie with my husband, I’m asleep within in 20 minutes! And don’t get me started on my eyesight, or the strange things popping up on my skin….. I swore this wouldn’t happen to me this fast. I remember my mother talking about this kind of stuff, and now I get it!
It’s a surreal feeling. To feel like you’re doing all the things that should make you feel great, yet still find yourself tired, frustrated, and wondering what more you can do. How do we accept this version of ourselves….. the one evolving, softening, slowing, and still find strength and joy?
Here’s what I’m learning…………
10 WAYS TO FIGHT BACK WITH LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE
ONE – Move daily. Switch it up. Listen to your body. My cardio is so important to me, both physically and mentally. I do 60 minutes, 6 days a week. I’m trying to cut cardio back to 45 minutes on my weight-training days. I’m a bit of a cardio-fanatic over here.
TWO – Prioritize strength training. Despite working out, muscle loss speeds up with age! I’ve learned that 30 minutes three times a week is sufficient, which is what I’m currently doing.
THREE – Stretch and breathe. Without a doubt, flexibility and oxygen are underrated. Breathing has helped me so much with my migraines.
FOUR – Sleep well. Recovery is where magic happens. I’m lucky in this department!
FIVE – Eat clean, but don’t obsess. Food is meant to fuel and enjoy. I’ll never be a natzi again. I was once, and it’s a miserable way to live!
SIX – Stay social. Friends, grandkids, church, community…. they truly matter.
SEVEN – Hydrate! Aim for half your body weight in ounces. I drink 3 8 oz. glasses of water before I even go workout. I promise, you’ll notice a difference in your skin, along with feeling better.
EIGHT – Skin health is vital, and healthy skin will help you look younger more than anything. Consistency is key, as well as your sunscreen.
NINE – Nurture your mental health. I find journaling to be so therapeutic. Also finding time to be still. I’ll admit I’m not so good at this one. But prayer…… every morning for me!
TEN – Practice self-kindness. This is where I miserably fail. I’m so hard on myself. Talking to yourself in the mirror has helped. My granddaughter has reminded me of this one.
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Aging doesn’t mean giving up, and I will NEVER give up! Clearly, it means showing up with kindness towards yourself. No question I can be hard on myself, and I’m striving to be kinder. Aging with grace and kindness has honestly been one of the hardest things I’ve had to accept. How do you ladies deal with all this? What are your best tips? What are your thoughts? Tell me, I’d love to chat! Aging beautifully and with more grace, is what I’ll continue to strive for!
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