Restoring my soul.

Disclaimer: I am not a trained medical professional, any “advice” or comment made in this musing are purely opinion based on lived experience. If you have a health issue I urge you to seek the proper medical advice from a trained professional.

I have recently discovered that the commercialisation of “self-care” has altered the true sense of it’s meaning. Self care is more than bath bombs and scented candles or yoga and meditation. It means taking a look at the future you and doing things today that will benefit them.

By all means keep your bath bombs and candles, but also pay attention to your true physical health. See your GP regularly and have them monitor your blood levels, cholesterol, liver and kidney function, blood pressure. Have a fitness test done annually and add in a bone scan and flexibility. Make friends with your physiotherapist and massage therapist as they will keep your body in top condition.

Take time to move your body daily for at least 30 minutes, if you can’t manage a 30 minute block complete 10 minutes x 3 per day. There is no need to be fussy with the kind of movement, walk, dance, cycle, aerobics, swim. Any movement is good movement and will have long standing benefits going forward. It also gives the mind a boost and increases dopamine levels (the feel good hormone).

If you happen to be over 50 impact activity such as jumping up and down on the spot, firmly, without cushioning actually makes the bones stronger as they generate more calcium. 10 minutes of this a day is said to be beneficial. It also makes balance better and easier for a person to pick themselves up off the floor after a floor, whilst decreasing the risk of a bone break.

As we age our Estrogen (women) and Testosterone (men) levels decline steadily directly effecting muscle growth and bone density (among many other declines). A conversation regarding HRT and Supplements should also be had with your medical professional on your team.

Self care means caring about who we are today in the moment and keeping in mind the things that we can do today to have a positive effect on who we wish to be in the future. I for one don’t want to be a frail old lady, overweight, lacking mobility and strength, not being able to walk around the shops or play with any future grandchildren.

So the self care I have begun to do today will have a direct effect on my quality of life in the future. I have begun a new exercise program and meal plan. On top of all the work I do for my mental health taking care of my physical health is now a priority.

I challenge you to take a small challenge and ask yourself what can you do today to make for a healthier future you?