As of writing this blog, I am 52 years old. I feel that growing old is a gift. But, it also comes with wisdom and regrets. Had I done anything different I would most likely just have different regrets. I believe every breath is a gift and know that not everyone gets the gift of grey hair. I call them fairy strands. So shiny and silvery.
However, I do wish I had known much of this wisdom as a younger woman. I never realized how amazing I was. I am sure when I am 80 I will look back to right now and think, WOW, I wish I was like that again. So, I am trying to treasure every single moment.
I see so many young women suffering from gut health issues, depression, and issues that usually do not show up until their 40's or 50's. It made me question what was going on. I am seeing this in my teenagers as well.
Here are the things that I wish I had known.
The sun and timing are important. Circadian rhythm is huge and makes a difference in optimal health. You should wake up with the sunrise and sit in the light. You can open a window, the screen will block around 5% of the light. You can't get the UVA through a glass window. If in your car, crack the window and allow the light in. Most of us Wake up, get ready under blue lights, go straight to the car, and into a building full of blue lights. We have to change this. Sunset is also important. We need to allow that light to signal it is time to wind down and get ready for sleep. Most of us sit in front of a computer until bedtime and then wonder why we have poor sleep. The changing of the seasons can shake things up a bit. Invest in blue blocker glasses such as these. I have the orange ones for after sunset because I work on my computer. I also have the Iris app on my PC.
Exercise - You do NOT have to kill yourself in the gym to be fit. Functional fitness is best. You also have to find what works for you. Never underestimate walking or gentle yoga. Controlling your stress and cortisol levels makes a huge impact. Ride a bike, roller skate, dance, or whatever your soul exercise may be. Strength training is important. I was an NSCA trainer for 6 years and women were always afraid of becoming bulky. I can tell you now that it takes a lot of weight training, protein, and TIME to get bulky muscle. You will gain lean muscle mass that protects your bones and increases your metabolism. You WANT lean muscle mass. So walk, lift some heavy things, smile, laugh, just move your body.
Water - you are 60%-70% water. Have you ever seen a creek that was not moving? It looks stagnant and gross. You need water throughout the day to keep the lymphatic system moving. This helps your body cleanse naturally. Being dehydrated can cause a whole list of issues. Kidney stones, poor cellular health, heart palps, blood pressure and so much more. I keep a 64-ounce container with electrolytes and make sure it is empty daily. I do not try to get it all in at once, rather, I sip it all day long. Look up studies on how water reacts to emotions. This may be woo-woo for some but I love water that was left under a full moon in a glass with positive words written all over it. Drink it down and fill your cells with healing power.
Love Yourself FIRST - seriously, love yourself so much that when a partner enters your life it will be because they compliment your life. It seems we depend on a partner to make us happy and we wait for them to show us love to validate that we are worthy. I say NO MORE. Get yourself jewelry, flowers, or whatever it is you desire. Take yourself to dinner, a movie, or whatever makes you smile. Know who you are. If you know who you are and what you want in a partner, this makes the relationship more healthy. We build layers of what we think our worth is from how our parents treated us or how we were raised. This can take some effort and work. YOU ARE WORTHY!!
Grounding - touch trees, swim in the ocean, sit in the dirt, lie in the grass, stand barefoot on rocks, hold hands with a child, and get outside so the earth can gift you with electrons. That is all that needs to be said. If you need proof this works grab a conductivity meter and watch the magic. Long ago, people slept on the ground and bathed in rivers. They did not need to be told to GET OUTSIDE!!!!!
Sleep - you need it! This goes back to the sun and your circadian rhythm as well. I know, I know, I was young once and was a night owl. I loved the moon and stars and having fun. I heard someone say, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." Sleep is so important for regenerating cells, healing, and allowing your body time to reset. If you don't get enough you will soon see burnout in your future. You start to decline, feel fatigued, gut health issues, and much more. Try sleeping in a place that does not have devices plugged in all around you. Turn off the tv, pc, and make sure your cell phone is in airplane mode and further away from where you are.
Nutrition - most may disagree with me on this one. I honestly love when people stand up for what they believe and think for themselves...I want you to DO YOU, ALWAYS! I share keto because it is what worked magic for me. I would have saved myself years of blood pressure meds, depression, acne, and being overweight had I listened to myself about it sooner. When it all comes down to it, eat WHOLE, REAL foods. Get as close to one ingredient and minimally processed as possible. I load up on protein and then fill my plate with low-oxalate vegetables and some fruits. I also eat what is locally in season. Mother Earth makes food for you during certain times of the year for a reason. Look up local and seasonal foods in your area. Also, it's not just what you eat, it's how you eat. Chew your food well, enjoy it, and make it with love.
These are just some of the foundational things I find to be very important for a well-balanced and optimal life. It will look different for every one of us. We all walk different paths. But if you incorporate rest, water, sun, sleep, exercise, self-appreciation, and good nutrition you will see improvements in your life.
My course will soon be offered and will include hypnosis for those interested. This helps with those subconscious layers that we develop from the moment we are in the womb. It also helps transform habits into healthy ones to create our favorite versions of ourselves. It's easy to fall back into old habits, but with hypnosis and a support system, you can do anything you BELIEVE you can.
