“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” This quote by George Bernard Shaw has spoken to many people through the years. There is no limit to the ways in which we change, adapt and reinvent ourselves over the course of our lives and it is never too late to find a new passion, hobby, job or path to expression. The month of September has been set aside as Healthy Aging Month and it is the perfect time to take a look at ways to motivate, set new goals and yes, reinvent aspects of your life.
Healthy Aging Month began over 20 years ago as a time for those ages 50 and over to take stock of where you have been in life, think of things that you would really like to do and improve physical, mental, social and financial well-being. Of course, we believe that there is really no age requirement to embark on new, healthy ways to live but we also appreciate the attention given to the positive aspects of growing older. Need some inspiration for reinvention? Check out these 10 tips to get started:
- Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling good. Just FEEL IT!
- Speaking of positivity… Be positive in your conversationsand your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself and change the conversation to something positive. Does politics or the news get you down? Turn it off!
- Then ditch your downer friends. Have negative friends who constantly complain? Drop them or distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too. Happiness is contagious and really annoys the negative.
- Walk like you mean it. You are vibrant and healthy so show it. Analyze your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling?
- Posture, posture, posture. Remember when your mother kept telling you to stand up straight? It makes a big difference! Check yourself out. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Look at how much better your neck looks! Practice it daily until it is natural. You will look great and feel better AND yes, your waistline will look trimmer too.
- Show them your pearly whites! Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. So even if you hate it… go to the dentist regularly. Your health will thank you for it.
- Feeling lonely? Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Pick up the phone, volunteer in your community, learn a new skill, invite someone to meet for coffee or a meal. Spending time or keeping in touch with younger people and up on current on trends will keep you young.
- Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. (Tip: If you don’t have time for a dog, go to your local animal shelter and volunteer. You will be thrilled by the puppy love!)
- Get a physical. Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Go to the appointments and you will have peace of mind.
- Embrace your creative side. Who says music lessons are just for kids? Have you always wanted to play an instrument? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? Give it a try! You may just unleash your inner Picasso.