An inevitable part of life, though one we can manage and aim to move through with strength, mobility and quality health.  

Nutrition

The 80/20 rule is a sensible way of looking at the way you eat. Consume highly nutritious foods 80% of the time and those less nutritious foods that you love 20% of the time. There is really no need to go on crazy diets, aim to eat moderately and include a little bit of indulgence along the way. Find what works for you.

Say if you have 3 meals and 2 snacks every day, that would leave 7 of the eating choices, a mix of snacks and meals, for that week for foods that you enjoy though aren’t quite as nutritious. Not bad right?

Movement

There are so many benefits of movement, it lowers risk of many diseases, alleviates depression/anxiety and slows down ageing. Movement connects you with others, it’s fun, energises us, improves posture and increases confidence. Aim to try new exercises, set new challenges and find ways you like to move. 

Play and laugh

Have fun, laugh, be silly, climb trees, roll in the grass, whatever activity that makes you feel good. Many activities that make us laugh are connected with moving our body. A positive outlook on life comes with a plethora of health benefits. 

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

Stuart Brown, MD

Sleep

Achieving sleep is not easy for all of us, though aim to prioritise your sleep where you can. If it proves too much of a challenge to get enough sleep at night, you could try micro naps or “meditation” throughout the day. Meditation comes in many forms, so find what works for you. 

“Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day — Mother Nature’s best effort yet at contra-death.” 

Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep

Move, laugh, eat and sleep! Doesn’t sound too challenging when put like that!