Hey there!
I’ve been thinking a lot about staying healthy and happy as we get a bit older, and I’ve come up with some great tips that really work for me and I wanted to share them with you. Let’s make sure we’re taking care of ourselves, even with our busy lives!
Stay Active
First off, let’s talk exercise. I know we’re all super busy, but aiming for around 150 minutes of moderate activity a week isn’t too bad if we break it down. I aim for about 2 short 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day and a full 1 hour weight training session once a week. I sneak in walks during lunch breaks and take the stairs whenever I can. Every little bit helps!
Eat Well
I’m trying to eat more fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Meal prepping on weekends has been a game-changer for me. It’s so much easier to grab something healthy when it’s already made, and overnight oats is my favourite go to snack. Plus, having nuts, fruits, and yogurt handy for quick snacks can keep me from reaching for the junk food.
Hydrate
Speaking of snacks, I try to drink as much water as I can. I’ve been carrying a reusable water bottle everywhere I go. I even set reminders on my phone to make sure I’m sipping throughout the day. Hydration is key!
Sleep Tight
Sleep is another big one. I need about 7 or 8 hours. I’ve started a little bedtime routine – reading a book or taking a warm bath – and it really helps me unwind. Also, trying to keep a consistent sleep schedule has made a huge difference to me.
Manage Stress
I’ve found that taking just 5-10 minutes in the morning for meditation or deep breathing can really me set a positive tone for the day. I’ll often do this when I’m walking the dogs. There are some great apps out there for guided meditation swell. Super handy when things get hectic!
Health Check-ups
And don’t forget your regular health check-ups. Scheduling them in advance and setting reminders helps me keep everything on track. I even started a little health journal to keep tabs on appointments and results. It’s oddly satisfying to stay organised and tick things off my list!
Get Strong
I incorporate strength training into my routine at least once a week. I’m lucky enough to have a pt who really helps, organises and pushes me. I’ll use resistance bands at home or even do yoga or body-weight exercises like squats and lunges while watching TV. Lifting groceries totally counts too!
Socialise
Maintaining social connections is so important. I make sure that I schedule regular catch-ups, even if it’s just a quick coffee or phone call. I plan my social events (and that IS often just be a quick coffee and catch up!) months in advance – it may sound extreme but that way I make sure that they’re in the calendar and I don’t miss out.
Mental Health
Taking care of our mental health is just as important. If things get overwhelming I give myself permission to take an hour, a day or a even a few days off to reset myself. And I’ll often prioritise self-care. Finding time for hobbies or just relaxing with a good book can do wonders for me.
Keep Learning
Lastly, I keep my mind active. Lifelong learning is where it’s at! Whether that’s picking up a new hobby or taking an online course, I try to keep challenging myself. At the moment I’m learning all about new technology (and by that I mean it’s new to me! YouTube, Mac computer, blogging etc) – It’s fun and keeps my brain sharp.
Making It All Work
Okay, I know this sounds like a lot, but you can totally do this! Using planners or digital calendars to schedule these wellness activities helps me. And I also use the idea of habit stacking – like doing squats while brushing my teeth or meditating during my dog walk. Setting realistic smaller goals and joining online groups or local communities for motivation can also make a big difference.
We’ve got this! Let’s make these changes together and keep each other motivated. Here’s to staying healthy and happy!
Hope you find these tips as helpful as I do.
Talk soon!