Having a body, it’s a full-time job! As I get older and continue to develop my understanding of health and fitness, I keep working with what I’ve got and adjust my routine accordingly. Whilst some things change, the basics remain the same… and I’m also not perfect either. So I thought I’d share three things I’ve already nailed, and know help me (and could help you too!), and one thing that I’m aiming to improve as soon as possible.
At the end there’s also a bonus “luxury item”: justifiably, the commodification of self-care is criticised, and I wanted to share things which are as accessible as possible. I’m in the privileged position of being able to allocate certain funds to my upkeep of myself, and some of this is down to prioritisation, but far from all of it. There will always be some things which are a “nice to have” and in the spirit of clarity, I refuse to gatekeep my lifestyle in that way.
So without further ado…
Three things I’m already good at
Drinking water – this was an early priority on my fitness journey. I partly did this as I knew that, for me, it would be easy to accomplish and accessible. I’m regularly heard telling people that an “easy” win is still a win, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling a sense of achievement! The other reason I made it important was because I knew it was a weak spot. I was working outdoors at the time, so I tended to reach for a sugary hot drink at any opportunity, so I knew I was overloaded with caffeine. I felt the benefit of upping my water intake quickly, and it wasn’t long before it became an unconscious habit. I get few headaches now, and my gut health has improved too – wins all around!
Prioritising sleep – I’ve had a rocky relationship with sleep, largely due to prolonged episodes of poor mental health. Sleep wasn’t something which magically improved, a variety of factors had to change, and it was a long process for me. I know that when I started exercising, a few other things fell into place alongside that. Because I was training, my body was more fatigued, and I began fuelling it better (as I mentioned above). I was consuming more nutrient-dense foods, and had developed a better routine overall. On top of that, I got a bit stricter about phone usage in the evenings, and made an effort to watch less TV. I also put myself together a little ritual combining skincare and a cup of herbal tea, which I think cued my body to recognise bedtime. Sleep is so individual, I believe it’s a case of trying different things to learn what works for you.
Pelvic floor – I cheerfully ignored this part of my body for a long time, but once I started training it, I recognised the importance and have developed a habit. I started by having a session with a specialist trainer, plus a follow up to double check my technique and broaden the range of exercises I am familiar with. I now regularly train alone, which obviously now bears no fee. What I also choose to do is attend a group class once per month, as I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and feeling part of a community. Pelvic health is important for everyone, no matter your gender, and is increasingly critical as we age in order to preserve continence, plus core strength, balance and confidence.
And one I really need to improve
Stretching – believe it or not, I’m just as guilty as so many others of flying out of the gym straight after I’ve put my last weight away. It’s a terrible habit, as stretching helps with recovery of muscles and eases the aches and pains we’ve put ourselves through. It helps our bodies to process waste product, and can also feel like a nice, soothing piece of self care! So I’m resolving to be stricter with myself on this, in order to play the long game and ensure I support the health of my body in the future.
The luxury item
Massages – these were on my mental vision board for myself. I wrote years ago that I’d love to be able to afford regular massages, as I love the physical and emotional benefit. I’ve now put myself in a position where I prioritise it financially, as well as putting the time aside to go, and made the effort to find a practitioner I trust. For me, it’s worth the effort and I know that my body appreciates it enormously.
A final thought on caring for your body…
It’s an evolving process, and something that you have to pay attention to as life changes. And we only get one body in this lifetime, so in order to make the most of our lives, taking care of our vessel is critical.