Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
It seems that aging must have an effect on the way we move, live, and feel. However, does it really have to have such a negative impact on us? I say, “NO!” That said, how do we age gracefully and in good health? Truthfully, you can have more energy in your 40’s, 50’s and beyond. All it takes is some planning and making some changes now. Think of your future health as a pension fund: the more you pay into it now, the more freedom you’ll have when you get older.
Introducing healthy habits to your life today is a great way to slow the aging process and promote your future health. These tips will set you on course to a healthier, more energetic Future You. Who knows, you might feel even better in a decade’s time than you do right now!
Essential Habits #1: Boost Your Self-Esteem
A large body of conclusive research suggests that one of the biggest factors in whether people adhere to healthy regimes in the long-term is self-esteem. In short, you’re much more likely to keep going for that morning jog every weekday for the next twenty years if you feel good about yourself.
The flip-side of that is if your self-esteem is low, you’re unlikely to stick to your healthy habits, and could ‘fall off the wagon’ fairly easily. Seen in this light, self-esteem is not just a pleasant state of mind, but a powerful force for your long-term health plan.
So how do you boost self-esteem? This depends on who you are, and what makes you feel good. For some people, it means finding work that is challenging and rewarding. For others, it means looking after their appearance by getting medical aesthetic services. There is no judgment with this. You just have to do what is right for you.
Essential Habits #2: Stick to a Routine
For some, this one is more difficult than anything. Unless you are happily structured and thrive on schedules and consistency, routines can feel restrictive and dull. The key is to find and execute a plan that works for you and your personality. I do find that morning and bedtime routines are among the most imp0rtant for long-term health. This is due to the opportunity to set up each day in a positive light. And, we all know that sleeping well is congruent with good health in general. I recommend setting some goals in each area that might need a routine attached to it. Do you best to work toward your goals and reward yourself when you reach them.
Essential Habits #3: Vary Your Menu
The best way to give your body all the nutrients and macro-nutrients it needs to repair itself daily is to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The ways that various nutrients interact with our bodies (and with each other) are vastly more complex than many of us could comprehend. Unless you’re studying for a degree in nutrition, it’s challenging to plan the ideal menu.
That said, you can get pretty close by eating the rainbow. As a good rule of thumb, aim to eat as many different colors as you can in a day (red cabbage, broccoli, and tomatoes, for example) and don’t let yourself form food routines, like always eating the same thing for lunch.
These are just a few habits to help you restore and keep good health throughout your life. I recommend seeking out other changes you can make to bring your body and mind to a new place of health no matter what your age. Remember, start early with good habits in order to reap the benefits as you get older.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
