8 Simple Ways to Minimize Midlife Aches and Pains

Are these words/phrases familiar to you: bursitis, arthritis, back pain, menopause, hot flashes, fatigue, knee problems, foot pain, joint pain, no energy? If so, join the millions of men and women in midlife who are suffering from pain ranging from mild to debilitating. Many of us are active, working out several days per week and eating well. Still, we have aches and pains that are annoying and energy depleting.

While age has much to do with what’s happening to our bodies, lifestyle plays a huge role. Our bodies are no different than cars in that the parts wear out over time and the one thing we must do to keep our cars and bodies running is provide ongoing maintenance.

Aside from treating specific issues with drugs, physical therapy and alternative methods, there are some things we can do to minimize our pain and suffering and maximize the building blocks of our bodies.

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Here are 8 things you can do to minimize the effects of natural aging and reduce your aches and pains:

1) Consume a healthy diet of primarily fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Supplement this diet with whole food vitamins and minerals to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need for optimal functioning and immune support.

2) Drink water every hour. I wouldn’t say drink 8 – 8 oz. glasses, but rather, keep a cup or glass of water around you at all times. Drink often until you don’t feel thirsty. When you pass by a water fountain, take a sip. Water keeps your cells hydrated and flushes out unwanted waste.

3) Keep moving! Don’t use sleep or lack of time as an excuse to skip exercising. Exercising in moderation is one of the best things you can do to feel better even if you are experiencing discomfort. Find a form of exercise you enjoy. Walking, yoga and light weight lifting are good choices for people in midlife. This has been very helpful to me not just in keeping weight down, but also diminishing my hot flashes during menopause.

4) Find time to be by yourself and enjoy some solitude. Read something you enjoy even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Reading helps you escape, relax and learn. Enjoy a cup of hot tea. Or, spend some time meditating on a beautiful thought or vision you would like to see happen in your life. Being alone with yourself and enjoying things you like to do fosters creativity which helps bring more satisfaction to life.

5) Enter into restorative postures while awake when possible. Lie down on the floor and place your legs on a chair or up a wall to reverse the flow of blood to your heart. Stay there for 10-20 minutes. This allows your body to rest and rejuvenate. You will regain energy for the rest of your day if you give your body this time. Explore other restorative postures such as lying on your back with a rolled blanket under your knees and one under your neck and head.

6) Seek out natural anti-inflammatory herbs or supplements to support your joints and muscle tissue.

7) Look for deep penetrating ointments that help to ease joint pain – even if it’s temporary relief. Some relief is better than no relief.

8) Invest in a portable ultra sound unit that you can use to massage your affected areas. This can provide temporary relief as well. Taking a break from pain can help you recover from injuries and enjoy life more.

Middle age brings its challenges, but life doesn’t have to be consumed with discomfort. You will need to take some control and make some commitments to yourself if you want to feel well most of the time. It’s just part of growing up and growing older. Accepting it and working with your body to the best of your ability is the best way to grab more of the joy that is waiting for you.