Does Aging really Suck?

In the last few weeks, I have heard numerous times from friends and clients that aging sucks. Usually, I just nod my head and agree it does. The last time, I heard it was just a couple of days ago and this time I said to myself - does aging really suck? I realized I have a choice in how I age. I have decided to take control of my aging and shift my perspective. Instead, I'm choosing to look at aging differently.

Food is medicine - I can affect my health both physically and emotionally by choosing to eat real foods, more fruits and veggies. All processed foods cause inflammation which is bad for you both physically and mentally. When we eat a diet high in processed foods, we are more likely to suffer from depression. Be mindful of how caffeine and sugar affect you and eat accordingly. If you are depressed or feeling blue, try to avoid alcohol it's a depressant.

Exercise & Mindfulness as a form of stress management - I have made exercise part of my daily routine. I get all the benefits of cardio as well as all the benefits of mindfulness in one shot. Whether you walk/run, lift weights, go for a swim or play pickle ball. Just move!

* Reminder - our bodies are called the pain body because it holds all of our negative emotions. The only way to help that is through movement.

Lifelong learning is good for the brain - the more I learn, the more I use my brain. Think of your brain as a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Lifelong learning is also a factor in positive aging. We are happy when we are learning.

Genetics is a factor of aging but not the complete picture- 25% of genetics play a role in your longevity, the rest is lifestyle. We are not victims of our DNA. What does your lifestyle look like?

Aging is not just a physical thing - we must look at the whole picture and take care our ourselves holistically. Think about your health from a mind-body-soul approach. How are you feeling emotionally? Do you have healthy ways of coping? managing stress? do you have a spiritual practice?

I choose to look at middle and late adulthood through a different lens then young adulthood. I have more experience, wisdom and confidence. I can make better decisions moving forward. It's one of the great gifts of aging.

*Remember - aging is a gift!

For more information on a workshop/webinar on positive aging please email [email protected] or visit www.dianelang.org