What’s the point of working hard towards a long life if you can’t enjoy it?
Finding balance in our lives is very important, yet very difficult. Everyone longs to be healthy and happy. Being balanced does not mean you’ll be calm, relaxed, and content all the time. Instead, it’s an ongoing process of developing and maintaining all aspects of your life: relationships, work, fitness, finances, health and emotional well-being.
Some of us are fearful about aging. We’re conscious of our physical flaws and find ourselves dodging social activities or avoiding the camera. But aging is not a disease; it’s a natural process. And there’s no quick fix when it comes to healthy aging. The key to finding balance and aging gracefully is to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One that includes nurturing our self and creating optimal mental, social and physical well-being and function.
Although you can’t stop the changes of time, you can modify your lifestyle and activities to help you age with G.R.A.C.E: Gratitude, Resilience, Attitude, Courage and Education
- Gratitude: This is a great way to celebrate the fact that we’re alive. Being thankful for your life, gifts, family, or whatever you hold dear, is an essential part of acceptance and satisfaction. Spend a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. This simple act can significantly increase your happiness.
- Resilience: Adversity is a way of life. Many of us have faced either personal and physical adversity at one time or another. Resilient individuals foster positive emotions more than negative ones. This helps you recover quickly from difficulties, loss or disappointments so you can overcome and spring back to your usual form.
- Attitude: Your attitude influences all your interactions. We’re continually bombarded with changes and disruptions. Adopt a growth mindset. Take time to smile and make a conscious effort to reframe negative events. Look for opportunity in everything.
- Courage: Know what your priorities are. Balance does not entail cramming in every activity possible. Carve out time to take care of and nurture yourself. You cannot accomplish anything if you’re unhealthy. Make a commitment to re-charge your body physically and mentally and enjoy some “me time” every day.
- Education: It’s important for you to stay informed. As you age, it’s difficult to get out of “your groove” but it’s worth the effort. Nudge your neurons. Challenge your assumptions and listen to differing points of view. Most of all, seek out new environments that support your insights and creativity.
Finding balance should be an ongoing, lifetime project. It is not a finite goal of always having a peaceful, calm and meaningful life. Balanced living is a way of life. We may lose our balance sometimes but if we keep practicing, we’ll eventually find our balance again. Don’t forget to laugh. It’s great for your health and can help alleviate stress, boost brain health and improve your mood.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
Reference:
Resilience and Reframing -Psychology Today♦
