“Another one bites the dust …” – Queen, 1980
Another birthday in this long line of birthdays! Not that I am against having birthdays, mind you. It’s just that maybe they could be a little farther apart …
I digress, actually considering the alternative, I am appreciative of these birthdays and hopefully will enjoy several more in the future!
I was thinking about how many of us are focused on those “new year resolutions” and making changes, plans, and goals to hopefully be more organized, healthier, happier, etc. I am wondering if we should, instead of the pressure of making those resolutions on Jan. 1, we could designate our birthday the focus of evaluating our health status, our travel plans, and decisions which will impact our world for the year.
I hope that most of you, dear readers, make it a “date” with your physician annually for your lab work and your meeting to evaluate your health status – both physical and mental. Timing this fun adventure to your birthday is a good way to remember to schedule because, really, who forgets their birthday?
A comment I hear frequently from friends, family, members of my fitness class, and even recently a neighbor is that we often have a presumption of where we need to be physically in our life journey given the number of years on this planet. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Obviously, we know that our bodies change as we age and we are often faced with issues that are inconvenient and often stressful. While it is necessary to be realistic and know our bodies’ capacity to engage in activities, it is also important to continue to adjust, to engage in the world around us, to challenge ourselves. This becomes more of a task due to technology. We spend so much time on our computers, our phones, and navigating 700 TV channels that we become mired in a sedentary lifestyle.
I have shared in past columns the importance of the endorphin hormones. Endorphins are known as “nature’s painkillers” which can be activated to reduce physical pain and anxiety, regulate appetite, and improve mood.1 Sounds like a win-win to me!
Exercise is one very effective way to release those endorphins and encompasses all types of movement – from running to walking, resistance training, and even stretching. While we cannot effect change in every aspect of our health, we have many opportunities to make a difference. The members of the FlexAbility class I teach at an assisted living tell me – frequently – that they wish they would have focused more on their movement and strength years before. It makes a difference!
Back to birthdays …
Though the past few have been a bit daunting as I consider time spent vs. time left, I am grateful for each opportunity to renew and refresh my goals and objectives which affect my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is a good time for us to reassess how we wish to make this precious time on Earth as rewarding for ourselves (and others) as possible.
“They say it’s your birthday … we’re gonna have a good time.” – Lennon/McCartney, 1968
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.