We all get down, and in our 40s and 50s life can feel challenging for so many reasons…
the state of the world, ageing parents, children, career, finances, personal growth, relationships…
For me the last week or so has been challenging – packing up and moving home across Europe again…
The upheaval, the energy in cleaning, packing, unpacking, snacking, drinks, grabbing food on the go…
I was starting to feel sluggish, and if I’m honest a little bit down.
This morning I decided to change it up by setting the alarm early and getting into the gym, and you know what? I feel great!
You see along with the physical exercise I put in some mental reps as soon as I woke up this morning – things I’m grateful for, experiences on the journey home, coming back to London…
I made a conscious choice to ground into gratitude and optimism about being back, and them compounded that by moving my body.
Why does that work?
Which do you think is better for your health – a negative attitude or a positive one?
Yep, it should be obvious. And it’s also true. Studies show that optimism is good for our physical and mental health, as well as our longevity.
One group of researchers reported “older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging… lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions of ageing.”
Another found that a positive outlook boosts heart health, even among people with a family history of heart disease.
People with a positive outlook live longer, have fewer heart attacks, and struggle less with depression.
Exercise also helps. Simply by moving our bodies, we put ourselves in a better mood. And by maintaining strength, agility and endurance, we build upon our happiness every day.
So, go for a walk, ride a bike, lift weights, run, swim, hike, practice yoga, dance – whatever you like.
Smile and laugh, even if you’re faking it – studies show we get the same physical benefits by just going through the motions.
Write down or say something you’re grateful for every day.
Call or see a friend or loved one.
Let go of what you can’t control – like traffic, past mistakes, and other people.
At midlife you deserve to be living your best life, and it’s not as hard as you think – it’s just subtle shifts in attitude, in habits, in thinking – exactly what we help our clients achieve – for the long term.
Don’t you want to move better, feel better, look better? Get in touch.