Staying Mentally Sharp: My Battle to Stay Positive and Focused on My Health and Fitness Journey
Affirmation: "I am mentally sharp, positive, and resilient."
As a woman in her 60s, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of mental
sharpness and a positive outlook. Aging brings wisdom, but it also brings
challenges. My journey to stay mentally sharp and focused has been a blend of disappointing
failures, small victories, daily habits, and positive affirmations.
I’ve always been an optimistic person, but as I approached my 60s, I
noticed that maintaining mental clarity and focus required more effort. This
realization was daunting at first, but it also sparked a determination in me to
take proactive steps. I came to realize that consistency is a major component
in my success in improving my health and overall well-being. However, this
realization has not made my journey any less challenging.
Embracing a Growth Mindset
The first step was embracing a growth mindset. “Age is just a number.” I’ve been hearing this for as many years as I can remember, and while for some this may be an accurate statement, for me it presents a quandary. Yes, I understand that my brain is capable of learning and growing, regardless of the years that have passed. However, starting with simple daily affirmations like "I am mentally sharp, positive, and resilient" is not all-together that easy to accept when my physical body insists on starting an argument with my “resilient” mind. Repeating these words every morning is not only a method of hearing them in my ears but is also an attempt at convincing myself that they are my positive truth. Image by Freepik
Daily Mental Exercises
Physical exercise is essential for the body and mental exercises are
crucial for the brain. This is a known fact. As an artist who is re-inventing
herself, I realize the importance of staying mentally active, of challenging
the norm and escaping my comfort zone. For years, I’ve been stuck in an artistic
abyss, where I have not even been able to pick up a paint brush, at least not on
a regular basis. This lack of artistic activity started me questioning myself
as an artist. How can I call myself something that I don’t even practice? Imposter
syndrome had engulfed me and only recently is slowly lifting. At the time of
this blog post, I sit in my studio/bedroom looking at a portrait that is a work
in progress. Just as I am. Art is not only what I am, it’s who I am. No matter how
I beat myself up for not physically painting every day. I am immersed in the
realm of art; whether by researching the history of my predecessors or
searching out new inspiration from emerging talent, I will never cease to be
who and what I am. I was made to be an artist, and I will remain as such until
the end. But I digress…
Physical health and mental health are deeply intertwined. Regular
physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain and can improve cognitive
function. My last doctor’s visit did not yield the best results. My diabetic
eye exam was even worse. The ophthalmologist showed me x-rays of the bleeding
behind my eyes which is the onset of macular degeneration. She said something
very interesting. She told me that whatever is going on in my eyes is going on
in my body. Of course, I knew this, eating right has not been a constant in my
life since I was a pre-teen.
All the years of not having to worry about how much candy I ate or having
to avoid sweets and savory foods because I ran and rode my bike and gym was a
part of the public-school curriculum were suddenly (well, maybe not so
suddenly) at an abrupt end. I walked quite a bit. Walking has always been a
love of mine and long-distance walking was a challenge I happily embraced. Then
I bought my first car and well…you know…
Adulthood, sedentary job and lifestyle, smoking, drinking, more of eating
whatever I wanted and finally, menopause happened. Before I knew it, I was
250lbs. I’ve been fighting the dreaded “gotta get below 200lbs” fight ever
since (we won’t give an exact amount of years, but it’s been plenty). Now, at
65, the out-of-control blood-pressure and type 2 diabetes has got to go. I’m exercising
more, at least for 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, I read labels, and pay
close attention to sodium and sugar content. I have greatly cut back on sweet
drinks, juices and soft drinks (stopped drinking pop 15 years ago) and rarely
put candy, a cookie or cake in my mouth. Portion control is a staple at the
table and water has become my bestie. I’m still over 200lbs, but only slightly.
Mindfulness and Staying Focused
One of the most transformative practices I adopted was mindfulness and staying
focused on the task at hand. Lowering my stress level is imperative and I focus
on managing the dreaded cortisol hormone factor. Doing what I love is a major
component in accomplishing this, and I strive to do something every day that gets
me closer to my goal of full-time artistry. Not worrying about the future and
embracing the biblical instruction of leaving my burdens at the feet of Jesus has
enhanced my relationship with myself and with others around me. Not giving
others control over my emotions helps me to keep a positive state of mind and
has fostered a state of self-compassion. I don’t beat myself up when things don’t
go my way or berate myself in the face of disappointment.
I am a lifelong learner. I may not have the perfect solution to my health challenges, and it may take longer than I would like but I am in this for the long haul. I constantly remind myself that I didn’t get this way overnight so it may take more than a few minutes to rectify the problem and transform myself into an “I woke up this way” phenomenon.
I look forward to sharing my ups and downs and my triumphs and failures which can only help me to hold myself accountable for my actions or lack thereof.
This blog is my outlet. Sure hope you come back.
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| The Writer (This content has been edited). Books on Health and Wellness for Women over 60. Let's get better together! Health and Wellness for Women of all Ages DISCLAIMER: This Blog, as well as my YouTube channel and any other pages associated with Homestyle Health and Fitness is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please do not start any weight loss plan or exercise regimen without first consulting your physician. This Blog is not meant to be a source of diagnoses for any health issues, problems or concerns. AFFILIATE LINKS: Affiliate links may be included on this blog, which if clicked on, I will receive a small commission for a product or service. |
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