The difference between aging and aging well is really about your mindset, or more specifically, how you think about yourself, your health, your past, and your future.
As a veteran thinking coach, I know first hand the impact our thoughts have on our behavior, and subsequent outcomes.
As we age, it can feel comfortable to complain. Weather, finances, aches and pains, and the phase of aging you happen to be in. If this feels uncomfortably true for you, then today's blog might just help.
The old adage of "Mind over Matter" applies to aging as much as anything. In researching the impact of retirement on health, it was no surprise that there is no clear correlation of data. Some people thrive in retirement, some don't. Some find their health improves, some don't.
Proof that we shouldn't look at medical data studies to know what is common sense - if you take charge of your mindset, you take charge of your life. I've met people who are physically challenged in very real ways, and yet they have a countenance that's joyful and energetic. I've then also met people who are moaning and groaning about life and they come across as miserable - only to find out they're only in their sixties and feel like life is over. Say what now?!
The studies related to mental health in aging adults are prolific, and they do concentrate on the importance of taking care of your mind, as much as your body. Here is one example.Â
When it comes to mindset - the starting point is to have the right approach to the reality of aging. Your body is aging, that's a fact. But how you think about that and how you re-shape your life to find the pleasures in this stage of life will dramatically impact your mind, an dhence your health.
In this blog we often talk about the mind-body connection, because the Haraka team believe in the power of mind over body. As much as my grandfather used to always say that a clean car runs better (I agree - even if there is no science to prove that!) - we should also be saying that a happy person lives a healthier life.
This article gives you some great next steps to age gracefully by changing your mindset.
Here are a few tips from the Haraka team, to help you make changes where you need to:
- Make a conscious, intentional choice to focus on what's good, what's working, and what you love about life - every morning, before you even wake up.
- Look for the good in others. We are naturally wired to find the negative in situations and other people (and ourselves) - so finding the good takes conscious intentionality.
- Move more. I have a wonderful friend past 90 who is still active and she insists on making sure to move more. Whether is a short walk, dancing to your favorite song, or hitting the pool. Make sure every day includes physical movement.
- Laugh more. Nothing heals more than a good laugh - even more so when shared with someone you love.
- Take time to reflect, but don't camp out for too long in the past. What starts as memories can quickly turn to nostalgia, then depression. Your past memories and life story - the good and the bad - are there to learn from, remember with either fondness or chagrin. Once you've looked at them, move back to the present, with gratitude. Then, look forward to what's next with a sense of wonder, curiousity, and excitement.
Life is too short to be miserable Choose the best mindset - body will be grateful!
Till next time, here's to your Limber Life!
p.s. if you're enjoying these blogs, but have not yet taken the step to find a drug free, more limber lime - maybe it's time. Get your first order of Haraka today!
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