Has anyone given you a road map on how to prepare for aging? Or does it just sneak up on you, slap you in the face and say – here I am – now just deal with it! Since it is going to happen to all of us, why not start integrating some strategies that will help you make the transition easier and teach you new ways of living so you can keep living it up!
Change your perception of YOU
If you think you are old, you will be old before your time.
Don’t act your age.
Stop feeling guilty when you are drawn in the clothing section of a store when teens hang out. Their clothes are more exciting and fun than the ones you “think” you should wear.
If dressing youthful makes you feel youthful, then your mind thinks you are younger too.
Watch what you say
Red flag language is:
I’m having a senior moment
I’m too old for that
I can’t remember anything
Replace your negative language about aging with positive words about how cool it is to be older and wiser.
Look for positive role models
My current favorites are Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin - both in their 80’s and still rocking!
And what about RBG and Nancy Pelosi.
There are more and more public figures who are showing us that older is even better.
Activate personal healing practices
Ask your body what it needs to flourish
Reduce stress by establishing a habit of rest and restoration
Create balance between activity and rest
Embrace a daily nap
Exercise daily but protect your body from over-doing it.
Nourish your body with food it desires
Relax with yoga, mindful practices, music, breathing, warm baths
Grieve and release
Be aware of past hurts, grudges, resentments that drag you down
Create a ritual for release like writing it all down and then burning the paper
Practice shifting your thoughts to something pleasant when old negative thoughts pop into your head
Shout out loud – “get out of my head, I am done with you!”
Forgive old resentments by praying for them briefly every day for 10 days and then feel the release
Nurture relationships
Nurture yourself first – how would you treat yourself if you were the love of your life?
Protect your priceless energy by saying NO to toxic relationships, even family members
Have fun with your friends
Have fun with your partner
Protect your space by setting healthy boundaries
Say NO to rescuing others who need to rescue themselves
Eat with Pleasure
Treat your meal like an event
Arrange to eat with people you enjoy who are not in a hurry
Get excited about knowing that your body craves vegetables more than anything!
Start with a ritual of appreciation for this wonderful nourishment for your body
Look, listen and savor the food
Slow the pace of chewing to slow the pace of the meal
Pay attention to how your body feels
Stop eating when you feel full
Thank the food for nourishing your body
Move with Joy
Select movements that give you pleasure, stretch your muscles, get your energy flowing and make you feel alive
If you like to dance but not go to dance classes or clubs, choose Jazzercise
If you walk, change the pace and location
If you want freedom of movement try NIA
If you like being home put on music and make cleaning, dusting, gardening into dance moves
If you sit all day set a timer every hour and get up to do stretches, hip swivels, yoga, tai chi
Practice balancing on one foot at a time when on the phone, cooking dinner, watching TV
Be Beautiful
Look in the mirror every day and say “Hello gorgeous – you look awesome”.
Do a morning beauty ritual for your face and enjoy the process, feel, fragrance and transformation
Treat yourself to a professional beauty treatment in a salon and savor the process and feeling
Wear only clothes that make you feel great even if they are “way out”
Make an entrance into a room with head held high as if you are a movie star on the red carpet
Connect with your spirituality
Journal daily in peace and quiet and see what is revealed
Remember to be who you really are and not what others think you should be
Ground yourself by connecting with nature regularly
Practice mindful meditation and see what comes up
Connect with a spiritual community
Create meaningful daily affirmations
Personalize your environment
Rearrange your living space to reflect good feelings and rejuvenation
Purge and declutter one drawer at a time
Create a small meditation alter or zone
Locate a perfect place outdoors to replenish yourself
Schedule daily time to be with yourself
Affirm your true ageless self
I will bring more pleasure into my life
I will leave worry and fear behind
I will be more joyful
I will honor my spirituality
I will live in the moment in alignment with nature
I will have faith that what is meant for me will always come
I will surround myself with supportive people
Resource: Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance, Vitality and Well-Being by Christiane Northrup, MD
