As we get older, we realize the importance of the basics: daily
exercise, a diet abundant with fruits and veggies, etc. But that’s not
all we need to be in prime living condition. Consider this a wake-up
call from your future self. Here are seven things you’re doing now that
will ruin you health later.
- Not getting enough physical touch
Got hugs? If not, consider the positive effects of physical contact
and affection: lowered heart rates, raised oxytocin levels, and heck —
it feels good!
Game plan: Get a full body massage. Pet your dog. Frequently hold
your spouse’s and children’s hands. Hug your loved ones. Cuddle on the
couch. Be intimate with your spouse.
Flexibility isn’t just for yoga gurus. Stretching brings blood to
your muscles and increases joint flexibility. And stretching warmed
muscles a couple times a week may help ward off injury. Your future self
wants you to remain active lifelong, and stretching may prevent
injuries from repetitive activities such as typing, texting and even
walking.
Game plan: Since improper stretching can do more harm than good, talk
to your health provider about how to incorporate stretching into your
life.
You were wronged. You know it. God knows it. But not forgiving those
who have offended you can be as hazardous to your health as a major
stressful event.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that what happened to you is OK. Forgiveness
says that you are letting go of any power that the hurt has in your
life. “Future you” needs less stress — and so do you.
Game plan: Decide to forgive one person today. Pray for him or her. Let go of resentment.
- Not getting your 7+ hours
Lack of sleep isn’t a sign of endurance. It isn’t an indicator of
good genetics. Losing sleep because of family obligations isn’t a sign
of love for your family. Not getting enough ZZZ’s is just not taking
care of yourself. Future you wants you to know that the long-term
effects of sleep deprivation aren’t pretty, including an impaired immune
system, being more accident prone and weight gain (like any of us want
any of that).
Game plan: Determine when you need to get up in the morning and then
go to bed at least 7-8 hours beforehand. And go ahead and take that nap!
- Not connecting with others
Emotional connection is a super-vitamin. It heals. It creates
positive energy. And it is physiologically necessary. The connection
found on your smart phone isn’t going to cut it. We’re talking in
person, eye-to-eye contact. In fact, healthy connection decreases the
overall pain we experience in our lives. The research is convincing;
loving relationships really are the answer. For those of us who are
starting to feel the creaks in our bodies, being with those who love us
can help us age better.
Game plan: To refuel, schedule time daily to spend time with loved ones.
- Not scheduling preventive visits
We’ve heard it before: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure.” Though you may be consistent with your annual physicals and
bi-annual dental exams, consider the extra ounce of prevention offered
by specialized screenings. For most women, mammograms should begin by
age 40. For men, prostate cancer exams should begin at age 50. And for
all, colorectal cancer screenings should begin no later than age 50.
Game plan: Talk to your health provider about your family’s health
history. Ask your doctor about screenings for cardiovascular disease,
bone mass measurements, diabetes and glaucoma. Don’t overlook symptoms
of depression.
No comments:
Write comments