Tuesday, May 14, 2013

My Top 5 List Of Things To Do To Stay Young (When You're Not)



I think the thing about getting older for me is that I'm surprised how fast it got here. All those hundreds and thousands of days came and went, and left me where I am today, yes, a little wiser, and definitely older.

Whenever I hear someone complain about aging, I like to say that it beats the alternative, which is not being here at all. Life is absolutely a gift and I would like to remember that each morning when I wake up to see a brand new day.
I have made a list of 5 things that you can do for yourself at really any age, but this list gets more important as each year passes.

1. Do Yoga
You have to be physically active as you get older in order to stay healthy, that is a fact. One of the kindest things I ever did for myself was to enroll in a yoga class. Yoga helps me to stay stretched and balanced both mentally and physically. It helps me to stay in the present moment and listen to my body and what it is feeling. I try to practice yoga at home five days a week, and on the days I don't, I am just not as happy as the days that I do practice. And one of the coolest things about yoga is that you can start at any age and have it benefit you in so many wonderful ways.

2. Drink Lots Of Water
I know we've all heard this forever, but it's true. Water is so great for so many reasons, including the fact that if you are drinking it, you aren't drinking things that are bad for you, like soda. Water is good for your skin, your kidneys, and can help you to feel full and not have the urge to snack. I love water, and that it is so good for me, and helps me to keep my weight down.

3. Call The People You Care About
So many of us keep in touch with friends and family with Facebook, texting and email. We get information, yes, but there is nothing that can replace hearing the voice or laughter of someone you love. I always feel so much better after I have talked to someone I care about on the phone. Talking to family and friends keeps us healthy by not being socially isolated, and this is a problem for so many seniors.

4. Buy Good Underwear
I am guilty of buying bras and underwear that really don't fit me very well, and certainly don't flatter my shape at all. It is definitely wise to invest in undergarments that are going to hold you up and hold you in comfortably. This gets more important with each passing year, trust me.

5. Have That Chocolate, Or Glass Of Wine, Or Whatever
What I mean is, don't deny yourself life's little pleasures. But the key to this is of course, all things in moderation. Don't over indulge in anything. Have one glass of wine, not three. Have two chocolates, not the whole box. I know this is easier said than done, but just consider it character building, which is good for us at any age.

This is by no means a complete list, and I could easily add hundreds of more ways to try to stay younger. Getting older is hard, that is very true in so many ways.
But I do believe in counting my blessings, and going forward each day with a positive attitude. If anything, I know that what you expect, usually comes, so I try to expect the best and sometimes I actually get it.

2 comments:

  1. Okay, I've been debating about if I should give yoga a try. I'm sold. I'll let you know how it goes.

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