Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
They
say 40 is the new 30 for women. After all, age is just a number and does not
have to define you. While you may not sure if you feel that way right now –
with all types of shifts in your body and those hormones starting to rebel –
there are some ways to boost your health and fitness so you feel young(er)
again. Here are three ways you can start
changing your physical and mental outlook:
1.
Get
Moving! Despite
running from here and there – between work, taxi service for the kids, and
family life – you may still have a sedentary lifestyle that has you moving less
than you should. Exercise and an active life are two of the best solutions for
stress, anxiety, and troubled sleep. Regular exercise also helps to decrease
your chances of chronic diseases by keeping your body in top-performing mode.
You will be able to strengthen muscles and alleviate pain while reducing the
risk of bone fractures and arthritis. Even 20 minutes a day of brisk walking
can make a difference. Working in other movement can be fun and also help keep
you from stiffening up. It could be dancing, tennis, or golf. Plus, if you pick outdoor exercise, you can
give your body a little bit extra Vitamin D from the sunlight that helps
re-energize you. If you can’t get outdoors, be sure to get up from your desk
every half hour and do some stretching and movement to keep those joints
working! It’s that old adage, you have got to use it or you will lose it!
2.
Take Your Vitamins. As you age, your body’s
nutritional needs change. Not staying attuned to these changing needs can lead
to vitamin deficiencies that then zap your energy and slow you down. Although
the jury is still out on whether vitamins really make a difference – with some
swearing by them and saying just one supplement makes them feel on top of the
world – it is well worth trying. Of course, a balanced diet can be the best
solution for your body, it may be that you are still missing out on certain
vitamins and minerals that could help provide you with the energy need to be
that super woman. Some vitamins can help with bone health and your immune
system, which are important because, as women age, these are trouble spots that
can slow us all down. If you are not necessarily keen on taking tablets every
day, focus on adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet that are full of
some of these same vitamins.
3.
Catch Those Zzzzzs. The power of sleep makes an
incredible difference in your physical appearance as well as your mental and
emotional outlook. Those who can get between seven and nine hours a night not
only look fresh and younger, but they also have a brighter outlook and are more
alert. However, many women in their 40s report sleep troubles and chronic
insomnia, which they never previously experienced often
related to hormonal changes. To ensure a good’s night sleep, there are natural
sleep aids, including herbal remedies, which address these hormonal changes.
You can also prepare your bedroom and yourself for sleep by creating a quiet
and cool environment and removing any stimuli like your smartphone and
television. That regular exercise in tip 1 also can go a long way to catching
up on your beauty sleep!
Creative Commons image from Pixabay.com
Of
course, there are many other important ways that you can look and feel younger,
including drinking lots of water, staying social, and balancing work and
personal life. However, these three ways can go a long way to creating the
physical and mental energy that will have many people guessing you are a lot
younger than your actual age!
Carly W is a writer working on
behalf of Nature’s Best. In her spare time she enjoys walking her two
lovely doggies and cooking up delicious meals.
