Mom used to say “I’m Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired”
I think many of us assume that having less energy than we used to is just a normal part of aging. Or, we’ve felt this way for so long, we accept it as normal. Here’s news: It’s not normal and it’s a vicious cycle. If you’re tired you do less which effects your health and energy levels and you become even MORE tired and have LESS energy.
Our metabolisms do slow down. But, you don’t have to be tired ALL THE TIME. You have a choice to continue on this downward spiral or do something about it so you can do the things that make life worth living.
The good news is we can usually change things once we make the decision to do so. I’ll bet you even know what to do. Eat healthier, get more exercise, and develop healthy sleep patterns.
Simply said:
• Eat REAL food; fresh and not packaged. Avoid the 20 Worst Foods To Eat.
• Get up and get moving. Here’s a link for 5 Easy Home Exercises for Older Adults.
• Drink water – Your body needs it to function. Do you want to function?
• Get some GOOD sleep by developing a routine before bedtime. (It works for kids & it will work for you!)
Now that you know WHAT to do, it’s important to understand HOW to get started.
#1: Make sure there isn’t an underlying reason for your low energy.
It could be any number of reasons. I suggest you have regular check-ups and make an appointment with your doctor if you feel somethings not right. And PLEASE make sure you are heard, treated respectfully, and efficiently by your medical provider. You must be your own health advocate. Doctors miss things, forget things, and unless you are diligent, there is a big chance you won’t get the care you need. Are you supposed to have regular blood tests? Put a reminder on YOUR calendar and call to request them when it’s time. There’s some good information here on women and fatigue. https://www.bodylogicmd.com/for-women/fatigue
#2: Have a plan. Face it, if you don’t plan it, it’s not going to happen.
Our plans will be as individual as our lives are. Look at the 3 points above and decide what your absolute favorite things are in the first two categories. If you hate kale, you won’t eat it. If you hate working out, you won’t do it. Do what you love. Do you love summer berries, smoothies, fresh crunchy salads? Eat more of those or whatever healthy options you love. Do you like to dance or window shop? Do that instead of lifting weights. (FYI: I take no responsibility for your shopping sprees) You get the point. You are much more likely to keep up with something you love than something you grudgingly do. And when you do indulge, put your snack in a cute small bowl instead of putting the whole bag in your lap. We often eat unconsciously and devour massive quantities before we even realize it.
Next, plan your perfect night’s sleep. Stop drinking fluids after 7pm. Those late-night bathroom trips interrupt your zzz’s. Don’t watch action shows before bedtime. You’ll be fighting battles and escaping bad guys in your dreams instead of resting peacefully. And for goodness sake stay away from social media. You don’t need to get sucked into the drama of family or friends or fall into watching just one more video.
Probably the most important thing you can do is design your bedtime routine. (I’m yawning thinking about mine) What makes you sleepy? Is it a warm bath, slow easy stretches, washing your face, & brushing your teeth? When you get in bed to you read, play solitaire card games on your phone? I will suggest one thing: after you turn out the light and lay down, do some slow deep breathing. Even three deep slow breaths can signal your body it’s time for sleep.
#3: Develop the right mindset.
You think that magically you’re going to put down the chips and get off the sofa to grab an apple or go for a walk? (I just laughed out loud here, and it犀利士
wasn’t funny) The answer is no, nope, & not a chance. You need a vision & you may need some help.
A vision of your WHY is important for ANY goal or dream you may have. Our WHY will keep us going when it isn’t really run to do so.
Why do you want to have more energy? Visualize yourself doing fun things you will be able to do or how great you’ll feel and look. Visualization is POWERFUL.
Many do better when they have an accountability partner or someone to go through this process with. Do you have a friend who you can set a date to get up and moving or take turns making a healthy dinner and sharing it weekly? Perhaps you’re ready to start living your life on your terms in all areas, not just health and it seems overwhelming. If that’s the case, I’d be very happy to talk with you about options for personal life coaching. Send me a message if you would like to do that.
And FINALLY, remember YOU and nobody else is responsible for your health and happiness. This is YOUR LIFE. Discover your own path and make it right for you.
