Albert Einstein said it very well there. If we want things to change then we have to change first. With the challenges facing women both emotionally and physically during mid-life, a change of attitude and behaviour is necessary.
We cannot ignore the effects of ageing. Our needs are different and more complex especially if we want to maintain an active, healthy, vibrant lifestyle. Our focus should be on what our bodies need now, physically and emotionally, and how to achieve it.
It goes without saying then that change is necessary in our self care. We need to address and manage the changes that the Menopause and the ageing process in general produce.
As I have said before a visit to the doctor to discuss these issues can be very beneficial and practical. This being said we can do our own bit with a lifestyle change that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. The benefits are both physical and emotional.
Making changes to our lifestyle can be difficult but the important thing to remember is that.....
"Great acts are made up of small deeds" (Lao Tzu)
We can make the changes bit by bit to suit our own abilities and schedules. For example a plan to exercise could start with just 10 minutes a day and build up to 30 minutes a day eventually. A brisk walk, dancing, gardening, exercise class....whatever we can fit in...I also read that breaking the 30 minutes up in to 10 minute sessions, if it was easier, would also be beneficial. If we could, then, do this 5 days a week it would be ideal. I started a routine of doing a brisk walk in the mornings....I now do 5 km.....and I really do feel the benefits. I have more energy and I am keeping my weight down. I look forward to my walk and I feel that I start the day with a purpose.....looking after myself....and that I have achieved something beneficial by doing that.
When we feel better physically about ourselves it will affect our emotional well-being in a positive way too. So yes it requires effort to make the necessary changes but yes it is worth it!
"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction" (George Lorimar)