As you may have noticed we've been more focused on more self care, wellness regimens, every day life and all around making the best of our time together as a family because it seems like everything is just passing us by so much faster now that the kids are grown. And find ourselves with more time to focus on ourselves as individuals. Something my husband and I are still adjusting to.
As I've continued to update you here and on Instagram, since having healed from my surgery back in July, I've kicked things up a notch in my physical fitness regimen.
This is quite the year for me turning 40, ahhhh forty, so surreal you guys, but I see it as a new beginning for me with all that I've been through in the last year. Not gonna lie though, I'll truly miss my thirties, they were mostly good to me.
I not only want to feel good and healthy as I continue to get older but now I'm focusing on not only feeling good, but looking good too and in being so much more positive than I've ever been. Having a new outlook on life has really brought me so much peace. I want to like what I see in the mirror every day both inside and out because a healthy body is also a healthy mind!
As I've continued to update you here and on Instagram, since having healed from my surgery back in July, I've kicked things up a notch in my physical fitness regimen.
This is quite the year for me turning 40, ahhhh forty, so surreal you guys, but I see it as a new beginning for me with all that I've been through in the last year. Not gonna lie though, I'll truly miss my thirties, they were mostly good to me.
I not only want to feel good and healthy as I continue to get older but now I'm focusing on not only feeling good, but looking good too and in being so much more positive than I've ever been. Having a new outlook on life has really brought me so much peace. I want to like what I see in the mirror every day both inside and out because a healthy body is also a healthy mind!
Having HIM alongside to help me through these transitions doesn't hurt either. HE's never managed to let me down no matter how mad or angry I get when things are not yet where I'd like them to be or can see where I'm headed. HE understands and forgives all, you see.
I'm striving to self-actualize (realize one's full potential) as an individual, and my hard-earned wholeness is coming across now more than ever.
Physically, mentally, and spiritually I want to strive to be my best self.
Women begin to go through many subtle physical changes when turning 40. To help you better appreciate and respond to these natural life changes, I’d like to share 5 Things about turning 40 and what each health reality means to you if you decide you’re going to choose to fully embrace your 40's and beyond, steer yourself toward healthy aging from the inside out.
A HEALTHY BODY
#1: The gig is up. You’re no longer going to be able to fly by the seat of your pants, ordering and eating whatever and whenever you wish, and still keep your health in check. As you age, your metabolism tends to decelerate by about 5% for every decade of life past the age 40. That means you’ll have to focus on reducing your calorie intake (or increasing your exercise routine) just to maintain your present weight.
Those of us, who are just turning 40 or well into them, need to start showing our bodies even more respect in order to stay healthy.
Your body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in. —B.K.S. Iyengar
It’s time for us to stop eating so much processed junk and to embrace REAL FOOD. There are so many amazing resources for healthy eating, so many that it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
A HEALTHY OPTIMISM
#2: It’s already starting—the dreaded M-word. Even though most of us won’t go through menopause until 50+, our bodies start changing years before that. Here’s the haps: Your estrogen levels will start to vary, the chemicals in your brain will begin to change, and all of that chaos combined with the stresses of daily life can lead to depression.
There are a lot of factors that come into play with depression, and it obviously differs for each person, but it is something that should be on your radar. Studies show the age of women with the highest level of depression is 44. Unfortunately, because women feel as though the changes in their hormones is natural, they don’t seek professional help and often unnecessarily fall into an even deeper depression. Don't be afraid to seek the help you need.
It’s time to start valuing the power of “me time.” Schedule ongoing coffee dates with friends. Don’t underestimate the power of friends and laughter to rejuvenate your spirits.
Last of all, a higher risk for depression after 40 means your annual well-visits with your doctor are more important than ever. If you start to show any symptoms of depression, there are a lot of ways to get help. Take advantage of what’s available.
I've already started talking to my doctor about the current changes and ones to come, so that her and I are prepared.
A HEALTHY HEART
#3: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 4 of women in the United States dies from heart disease. Many researchers think that a drop in estrogen levels during menopause, combined with other heart disease risk factors, is what causes Coronary Microvascular Disease.
It’s important to note that only half of women who have heart attacks have chest pain. (Chest pain is more common in men.) Women are more likely to report back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, feeling sick to the stomach, vomiting, extreme fatigue (tiredness), or problems breathing.
So NOW is the time to make some lifestyle changes for you AND your children.
Spend time in the kitchen together experimenting with new heart-healthy recipes.
Go for a hike. Shoot hoops in the driveway. Take a bike ride. Sign up for a family walk or run.
My son and I love to go out for runs together with our dogs. It's the perfect excuse and balance of spending time together and living an active healthier life.
Teach your children to be healthy through your actions.
A HEALTHY VISION
#4: Even if you’ve had 20-20 vision all your life, after turning 40 (and as the birthdays pile up), you might suddenly find yourself with vision-related troubles for the first time. Things like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts start to become a concern.
Add some rich antioxidants to your diet and get yourself a pair of UVA- and UVB-protection sunglasses. Can't stress that one enough, wear them!
Too much sun exposure can increase cataracts, so sunglasses are a good idea and then get out in the beautiful sunshine to rack up that daily mood-boosting Vitamin D.
Remember: After your 40th birthday, it’s time to get to know an eye doctor. Be sure to sign up for a yearly checkup, even if you’ve never worn glasses or contact lenses.
A HEALTHY MIND & SOUL
#5: At this period in our lives, we’re bombarded with worries. We have anxiety about our kids being more independent and our parents needing more support, and it’s all topped with concerns about our own health, work, and finances. We’ve got a lot of stress in our lives, and we often feel it’s just going to Keep. On. Coming.
Find effective ways to achieve balance and to truly unwind. If stress has you anxious, tense, and worried, consider splurging on a regular massage or trying meditation.
This is something I now practice with my family and want to continue making it a routine in our household for everyone's mental well being.
Meditation and Yoga can help teach you to pay attention to the moment you are in right now—and stop worrying about the past or the future, which is where many of us (wastefully) spend our mental energy. I'm guilty of it and I've recognized it and I'll be sharing more with you guys soon on how I've self discovered ways to be less anxious besides meditation.
There you have it, five daily habits we can put into practice starting now, today even well before turning 40.
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