Living in the world of “now” is a very good thing. The past is behind us and the future is yet to come. As women currently living in a very busy world, we seldom have time to consider our lives, say ten years from now. Granted we do consider the future in terms of our security and that of our family’s, but we seldom think of what we are doing now and how it will reflect on our health in ten, twelve or even fifteen years down the road.
It is not the date that is on your birth certificate that really counts, it is what you are doing now, that will determine how you will feel and look in the future.
Our bodies are constantly changing, as we approach the menopause age more things will change, our memory will need lists to get through the day and health problems will arise.
There is a lot at stake as we head into our midlife years. But, we can do great many things to make ourselves become the best we can ever be in the future, by starting now.
In 44BC, Cicero advised his fellow Romans “to adopt a regimen of health, to exercise moderately and to eat and drink just enough food to restore their strength and not to overburden it.” A simple formula and great advice that is worth following today. Everything in moderation, how simple and yet so difficult at times.
How do you begin? The first step is deciding what you want your life to be like physically in ten years. Do you want to sacrifice some time now to begin preparing for those years? Are you will be bend a little and make an effort to be a little selfish? If the answer is yes, the routine is simple and easy to follow, you just have to be willing.
Getting up a little earlier in the morning is a good beginning, take time for yourself before the family wakes up. In the quiet of the morning find a comfortable corner and sit for fifteen to twenty minutes in quiet contemplation of the coming day, meditate, allow your mind to be free from any pressing thoughts. If possible secure a meditation tape and listen to it following the instructions, if not just sit and listen to the quiet that is in the house. This is the time of peace, not the time for planning your day; it is a time of empty thoughts and you. The quiet time is a healthful start to a good day.
Exercise – so vital in our lives. I know you have heard this a zillion times and you probably will hear it a zillion more – 30 minutes a day five times a week will do wonders for you. It really does not matter what your weight is – it is the activity that adds longevity to our life. By being active you actually slow down the aging process.
It is also suggested that you weigh yourself regularly (not obsessively) every few weeks, this way you can keep track of those sneaky five pounds and start getting rid of them before they turn into 10 or 15 pounds.
Speaking of weight and food, eating a good breakfast is really the key to good health. Eating whole grains is not only good for you, but for your skin, too. Your skin, your blood vessels and even your intestines are making new cells every day out of the food you eat.
Eating two fish dishes each week is a great aid for helping to lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, arthritis, possible autoimmune conditions and improve brain function, along with helping to prevent depression.
If eating fish does not have any appeal for you try taking Omega-3 fish oil capsules each day. Add some calcium, vitamin D and a good multi vitamin and you are off to a good start.
A glass of wine before dinner is a great way to relax and to help you avoid heart disease, red wine is said to be better for you, but I drink white and I seen to be dong pretty well for a 76 years young great grandmother. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, alcohol is said to increase the risk, but if you have a mammogram regularly and like a bit of wine, enjoy it.
Friends and activities are also a great asset to a long and happy life. Remember in order to have friends, you have to be one. Call your friends, take classes, socialize and take time to enjoy life.
We were all put here on earth to fill a certain amount of time and space; it is our job to make the most of it. Think happy thoughts, surround yourself with things you love, keep a healthy attitude, enjoy your friends and family, eat a healthy diet and chances are you will live a long and beautiful life.
Audrey is a lively 76 year young great grandmother who believes that you should live your life to its fullest, eat well and take time to smell the roses. Being active in mind and body is one way to assure yourself, you will not miss a trick in this ever changing world.