5 Ways I Learned to Love My Body at Age 50
As women, we spend a lot of time picking ourselves apart (My thighs are too big. I wish my nose was smaller. If only that jiggle in my belly would go away). But, what if we were to change our chatter? Rather than saying, “I’ll be happy if I fit into a smaller pair of jeans” or “I’ll look better if I just lose that 10 pounds,” look in the mirror and find the things that you love about yourself. It’s taken me a long time—50 years to be exact—but, rather than continually trying to change myself, I’ve finally decided to love myself for who I am—on the inside and outside. I know this sounds simple (hard, but simple), but it completely changed the way I view my body. 5 Ways I Learned to Love My Body I Forgive Myself for Not Working Out Our bodies are like machines. They need to be fueled properly, they need rest and recovery, they need regular check-ups, and they need exercise. As someone who loves physical activity, I feel blessed to be afforded the gift of movement. But I have been guilty of beating myself up for missing a workout. I’m not saying that just because I’ve changed my perspective, I don’t sometimes struggle with taking a rest day. However, I know I need to give my body the recovery it deserves so I can perform better the next day. When you’re feeling negative about missing a workout, stop! Instead, focus on what you did that was important (rested, chatted with a friend) and schedule some movement for the following day. I Know Food Is Not the Enemy I used to be afraid of food (don’t eat this! avoid that!). But, I want my body to be strong. That means putting the good stuff in. I’ve finally stopped counting calories, which can be detrimental to those suffering with disordered eating. Now, I think of calories as energy. I concentrate on listening to my hunger cues and consume what makes me feel the best. I try to eat a certain way during the week and relax a little more on the weekend so that I never feel deprived. We also need to stop labeling food as good or bad, something I still struggle with. But when I indulge now, I try to enjoy the experience and not associate it with guilt (I know, easier said than done). I Don’t Compare Myself to Others No matter who I meet, I tend to notice their most attractive attributes (flawless skin, long lashes, or beautiful smile). I never see anything negative. Yet when I look in the mirror, I notice every wrinkle, every flaw. Now, instead of criticizing myself, I try to replace those mean words and thoughts with useful, empowering language like “strong,” “captivating,” or “bright.” It doesn’t always work, but with practice, I’ve learned to look at things differently. Now, I wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and consciously pick out at least one of my best attributes. Try it! I promise it will change your outlook. Plus, when you notice these things in yourself, chances are others are noticing it, too. I Surround Myself with Positivity I attribute some of my acceptance to my husband. Of course, we all want to learn how to find that confidence from within. But, I do recommend surrounding yourself with people who build you up rather than put you down. Sometimes, people’s own insecurities can cause them to criticize subconsciously. As I age, I’m more selective with who I like to spend my time with. I prefer positive, open-minded, accepting friends who are genuinely happy for my successes and there to support my failures. When negative thoughts start to surface, I quickly find something else to focus on. One way is giving back: After a day of volunteering, I feel pretty silly for worrying about my muffin top. Or, when I’m training a client and they tell me they feel better, I also feel better. Instead of focusing on the negative, I celebrate something every day. Before I go to bed, I think about something that made me happy that day. I Remember What Truly Matters In the midst of life’s most stressful moments, I remember to recognize what I do have. I cherish my family and friends, my career, and my health. I still have days when I feel fat, think negatively, and hate my hair—but they don’t stop me from reframing it to find the positive. I choose inner happiness now, and hopefully you won’t have to wait 50 years to embrace yours, too.
Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Love and Care This Season
They say the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but sometimes that stretch from Thanksgiving to New Years can feel seriously hectic. Whether you’re a mom scrambling to pick up presents for the kids, or a single 20-something just trying to survive cuffing season, there’s a good chance you may feel depleted come Jan. 1. But here’s the thing: Your needs matter, even during the “giving season.” Here are five simple ways to practice self-care (what Nutritious Life refers to as nurture yourself) during the holidays. Because, well, you deserve it. 5 Simple Ways to Practice Self-Care Say ‘No’ to What Doesn’t Serve You Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to simply say ‘no.’ Whether it’s politely declining that second piece of pie your aunt is pushing on you or skipping a happy hour you have zero interest in attending, tuning in to your needs is a critical component of self-care. TIP: Brainstorm a few phrases you can lean on when you’re looking to opt out of social pressure this season. For example: “Your pie was delicious, but I know my body will feel best if I stick with one slice. Thank you for offering!” Or: “Happy hour sounds awesome, but I’m feeling a bit run down today. I’ll catch the next one when I’m feeling more energized and can really enjoy it!” Gift Yourself Something Special There’s a lot to be said for giving to others, but sometimes it’s extra nice to treat yourself to something special as well. Consider it a warm self-love hug. TIP: Opt for a gift that supports your self-care goals, like working on your mindfulness or upgrading your skincare routine. Here are a few picks we’re loving this year. This 5-Minute Journal that helps you set intentions for the day OneSkin is oh-so-worth the splurge. Use code KERI for 15% off your first purchase. Wake up to coffee shop-worthy turmeric lattes at home with this handheld milk frother that’s easy to use and affordable Get Grateful Every. Single. Day. Research shows that practicing gratitude can improve mental health by prompting us to focus on the positive, per UC Berkeley. While the best benefits follow from expressing gratitude to others, jotting down something you’re grateful for every day can also lead to a more positive outlook on life. TIP: Practice gratitude every day of the holiday season by writing down one or two things for which you are thankful right before bed. Bonus points if you write a letter of gratitude to someone you know, like a coworker, your doorman or the local barista. They’ll feel appreciated and you’ll feel fulfilled knowing you brought them good vibes. Take Shortcuts Yep, you read that right. Sometimes taking a shortcut is the best thing you can do for your mental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that it’s a-ok to simplify things. TIP: Go ahead and buy a prepared turkey instead of making your own from scratch or send a thank you email (or electronic gratitude note!) instead of a handwritten one. The sentiment is the same and it’ll streamline your to-do list. Commit to One Healthy Habit—All Season Long Ever feel like you need to hit every one of your health goals in order for you to feel like you’re doing enough? Scratch that mentality! So many of us bid our wellness habits farewell until Jan. 1 because we feel like we can’t keep them up over the holidays. News flash: No one has time to hit the gym, meditate and meal prep all while buying gifts, volunteering and hosting family over the holidays. TIP: Instead of ditching it all, commit to one or two health habits that are easy enough to maintain, even on the busiest days of the holiday season. Maybe it’s drinking half of your weight in ounces of water and taking your multivitamin every day. The bottom line: Choose something simple that’ll help you feel nourished—without stressing you out. Give Yourself the Gift of a New Wellness Career Passionate about nutrition and wellness? Our Become a Nutrition Coach certification course gives you a solid foundation in nutrition science, plus techniques for coaching clients so you can share your knowledge and earn an income. It’s the perfect way to inspire the next generation of healthier people all across the globe. (Or, you can use the information for your own health journey or to enhance a wellness business you already have.) Request a sneak peek of the Become a Nutrition Coach program and see how you can put your passion for wellness to work. (Images: Shutterstock)
