September 21st, 2021
I enjoy summertime and the long, sun-filled days but I am excited about the arrival of fall this week. Crisp mornings, warm days and sweatshirts on cool evenings are some of my favorite things and according to our local weatherman, today is the first of many for the season. How is everyone’s self-care routine? Have you begun to implement new ideas? By next week, I should have the list of self-care suggestions listed on my website for you to use as a reference point.
According to www.webmd.com, the “secrets” to aging successfully include avoiding cigarettes, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, coping skills, strong social relationships, and keeping your mind active by pursuing education. In May I covered mental health, uncovering why it is so important to our overall health and included a few tips to maintain good mental health. We covered exercise and healthy weight last week in the blog, so let’s take a deeper dive into how to develop these other “secrets,” so we can live a healthy, long and fulfilling life.
Avoiding cigarettes is not a new concept to maintaining good health and I would add all tobacco products to this category to include chewing tobacco and tobacco vape products. All tobacco products and their ads have a warning listed, as in printed on the product. To say you are unaware of the risks, would be a form of denial, in my opinion.
I would also suggest taking another step to avoid synthetic toxins, such as those found in cleaners, personal care products and other household items. Avoiding synthetic chemicals may be a new concept to you. Afterall, if products are “safe” enough to sell in stores and promoted in ads on television, that must mean they are good for us or at the very least not harmful, right? I do not believe this to be true, as I have done my own research and have experienced the difference in my own life by making the change to products that are free of those ingredients. In one of my early blog posts, I shared how I was introduced to essential oils to use instead of candles. I never imagined that I would end up doing a complete “ditch and switch” with my household and personal care products, but I have and now notice several positive changes in my life. If you want additional information or guidance in this area, please contact me as I have several resources available and I would be happy to help.
Maintaining strong social relationships can be achieved several ways, e.g., through church, hobby clubs, and community groups, just to name a few. I personally like to find a volunteer group to get involved with as it guarantees a common interest. Most of the time these groups also have a fundraiser that includes a physical fitness component such as a 5K, dance-a-thon, etc.
There is an old saying that learning is a life-long process, and it is completely true! When was the last time you learned a new skill, about a new topic or took a deep dive into a subject? For me this happens weekly, at least. Hello – this blog! I find it fascinating that there is so much that I know nothing, or only a little, about. By digging in and finding out the how and why, I am able to gain a clearer view of the big picture of life and am able to be more compassionate and understanding when dealing with others.
Whether this is the first time reading my blog, or you are a loyal subscriber, Thank you! I am so glad you tuned in this week! Do you have a friend or family member that could benefit from this blog? Tell them to subscribe!
Have a blessed week ~ Lacey