Midlife Wellness: 3 Must Try Trends
These health practices have been game changers for me in this midlife mom phase of life I'm in. They have really helped me get healthier and more well than I've been in a long time and I feel compelled to share.
Continual Glucose Monitor
Continual glucose monitoring has helped me resolve hormone issues, perimenopause symptoms, and taught me that I have blood sugar issues and am super carb sensitive. If I eat them, I gain weight, my blood sugar spikes, then dips super low, making me tired and grumpy. No bueno. I am still working on this but I feel much better mentally and physically after giving up most of the foods and food products that make my blood sugar spike. I learned I am likely hypoglycemic which has a whole host of low grade health symptoms associated with it that I’ve suffered from my entire life (in hindsight). I have used the Signos device and app which I was able to order right from their website. I am currently using the Libre 3 device and app. It is a tad cheaper than Signos and prescribed by my doctor. I have heard good things about the Levels device and app. I will say these are not cheap, but they have been worth it for me to pay out of pocket for them.
Exercise
People practicing tai chi on a cold, rainy California day. Movement comes in many forms.
Cardio, strength, and mobility on a regular basis. Non negotiable these days. The effects this has on my joy and mindset cannot be ignored. It can be a daily walk, hike, bike to run errands, yoga, group ex classes, barre fitness, whatever you LIKE and can make a ROUTINE with. Something is better than nothing. I use a planner and have it in my habit tracker to do some cardio, light or heavy depending on schedule and kiddos. I alternate strength days with stretching days every day of the week. Find a routine that works for you and do it. Living in SLO, CA I currently love hiking local hills, biking everywhere I can, and barre fitness and stretch classes at a local dance studio, Core Dance.
Mindset
Me meditating in Big Sur, California
I do yoga with meditation daily. Another non negotiable in my life right now. This has helped me shift my mindset and learn how to be more present, less in the past and future, and has helped me find more joy and peace in my day-to-day life.
Tending to these things every single day, as much as I can, with no end date in sight, has changed the game for me. I miss my vices, don't get me wrong, and I still indulge from time to time, but I'm not living for the next cheat day or moment. I'm living for the daily joys. Life is just feeling too short.
I know this is really just another person saying diet, exercise, and mindset can make you better. We can't avoid that truth though! I feel like midlife becomes a real pivot point. Doing and living the way you always have just might not get you the same results anymore. These bodies do age and show some wear and tear, eventually, and perhaps we can help ride the wave of aging a little more intentionally and mindfully, without shame, blame, or judgment. I feel like I've lived a lot of good fun years and if my body needs me to double down in some more healthy ways right now I'm here for it. I want to enjoy life until my last day not suffer through my last ten years of life because I was half-assed when I know better.