<\/p>\n
ARE YOU GETTING OLDER OR BETTER?<\/p>\n
Have you had that birthday
\n yet which made you suddenly realize that you really are getting older? I
\n don’t mean older in a decrepit, breaking down way. I mean older in a
\nwiser, stronger, and more mature way.<\/p>\n
I discovered that I had
\nreached that phase during my recent 6oth birthday “initiation by storm.”
\n I was unexpectedly caught in a Class 3 hurricane, followed by a
\nweek-long power outage in our home in the Bahamas. As a result of a
\nlife-long practice of maintaining a healthy mind and body balance, I was
\n able to remain calm, peaceful, and resourceful throughout this entirely
\n new experience.<\/p>\n
What it takes to be balanced:<\/p>\n
Be Present –
\nlearn and practice living in the here and now, don’t worry about the
\npast or future. No matter what life is offering, take time to do a
\nmorning quieting practice. Good options are yoga, Tai Chi, meditation,
\nor anything that includes a level of mindfulness.<\/p>\n
Be Healthy –
\nhave regular medial check-ups, and use a preventative approach to
\nhealth. A good place to start is by eliminating the four poisons from
\nyour diet: hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, processed foods,
\n and sugar. Develop and maintain a routine of ample rest, and follow a
\nMediterranean diet (high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and
\ncereals, nuts and seeds, oily fish, and olive or avocado oil, keeping
\nred meat and diary to a minimum.) Try some new grains like farro and
\nquinoa. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and, of course enjoy a daily
\n treat of dark chocolate.<\/p>\n
Simplify – let go of what you don’t
\nneed. Clear that which creates clutter and\/or complicates your life.
\nThis includes identifying and spending less time with ‘maintenance
\nfriends’ who rely upon you, but don’t offer reciprocity in your
\nfriendship. Decrease or eliminate activities that drain your energy, as
\nopposed to replenishing your reserves. Remember balance.<\/p>\n
Get
\nMoving – of course there’s the physical benefits of exercise (increased
\nbone density, muscular strength, endurance, energy, and better posture),
\n but exercise also provides stress relief and improves mood. I have
\nlearned as I age -if I want to move, I’ve got to keep moving! It’s fun
\nto mix up your routine and keep learning. Try Zumba, Nia, Barre, go to a
\n dance class, or water aerobics. Keep exercise fun and playful, and do
\nit every day.<\/p>\n