How to keep our youth as we grow older - Part 2

So, last time I spoke about aligning your state of mind to be positive towards life in general, live your life today. To specify, youth itself is a particular mindset, an attitude, a belief. Check this quote : 

"This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease."  

        - Robert Kennedy

This statement is right in every level. What your mind believes, your body believes. They are eternally connected. Youth is not trapped in a timeframe which has an expiration date. It can be felt and lived throughout your entire life. Part of youth is discovery and imagination. This can be achieved through all that the world has to offer. Let yourself open to the discovery of something new. A new activity, a new hobby, a new technology, a new course, a new sport, whatever stimulates you.

Be aware that you must be strong and consistent. Some may want to stop you from this venture. Some may say, you are too old to do this or why bother because of your age. They may mean well, but they are putting blocks in your path. Jump over them and do not lose site of your goal.

Exercise is key

At any age, from birth to 100 years old, you need to move your body. Our bodies are the most perfect of machines, which allow us to move, lift, dance, travel, love and hug. Like a good automobile, we must keep them in tune and treat them right. Strengthening your muscles is key. I am not talking about bulking up, but mostly keeping toned and constantly moving your articulations and joints: fingers, hands, wrists, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, toes and feet. It is like the oil you put into the car so that nothing burns out or break. Make it a daily routine. At least 10 minutes a day. Keep your heart strong with simple cardio exercises, like jogging, speed walking, dancing, jumping. When your heart starts pumping faster, it delivers more oxygen to your body and your brain, which translates to the rejuvenation of your cells. Your pores open up to release your body's impurities. Your skin breathes and your energy is heightened. This contributes to better sleep. And sleep allows the repair of your body's cells.

Benefits of Massage

Throughout the years as a massage therapist, I have seen the benefits of massage towards keeping your body young. You can do part of this on your own. Take some simple hand/body cream or lotion and massage it into your hands and body. Do not just spread it around. Massage it into your skin by applying in a circular motion. For your face, take a mild facial cream and massage it onto your face. Massage allows your body to get reenergized. If possible, get a massage from a massage therapist at least once a month.

Dress for you

We have heard the term "Age appropriate", how should we interpret this. Clothes are a statement, no matter what social class you belong to, they express how you feel and think. Stores showcase a whole spectrum of styles and sizes. What you wear must make you feel good, alive, happy, beautiful and comfortable. Wear what fits your body. I am someone that enjoys dressing to look and feel good about myself and with those around me. Be adventurous without being oblivious. It can be simple, maybe a certain top of a certain color or a nice jacket. Go into the stores and ask a sales person questions about style and fashion, ask them to suggest something different and their opinion on how you look. You may discover and be surprised by what looks good on you. Here is a nice blog about personal style that may interest you. The Satorialist.




Next time, I will get into how to eat better. Thanks.

How to keep our youth as we grow older

First thing is to believe you are not getting old. 

No worries. No bothering about the clock ticking or the passing of time or how your body will sag or how you will get to the next level in your life plan. Basically, what i do is wake up in the morning and jump off the bed, I am young and alive. It is the true belief of living today and now that actually keeps you young. Remove the worries of things that have not happen yet or things you cannot change. Living free and happy to be here, is the key to being young. It is not trying to be your kids or imitating the latest fad. You must put into your mind that everyday is a new day of life, so live it. 

So now that your mind is in the the right direction, let's focus on part two of youth. I believe in exercising, eating right and laughing everyday. It does sound like the old cliché we hear on all those infomercials, but done the right way, it works. As you grow older, you need to exercise more because your muscle mass tend to start falling down. So you must build muscle everyday, even with a small weight or even in bed. Small weights for your hands, lifting them up and down for your biceps. Lifting up your legs, bending them and stretching them out. Moving your fingers and thumbs, open them wide and close them into a fist slowly. Opening your legs apart, spreading them open then closing them. And bending your knees and straightening them. This keeps your body supple and the joints are lubricated and keep their elasticity. Those who can stand up and do it, please stand up and do it. After a few weeks, your body will feel stronger and stronger.  This not only for the older ones it's also for the young. START WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG! Don't wait. As long as you keep doing it constantly. It can be 10 minutes a day, but just keep doing it. Make it a part of your daily rhythm. Just do it.

These are your opening exercises, the beginning of your new life. Next week, I will continue.