‘Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated’
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of health advice, supplements, and intricate plans promising the secret to transform our midlife journey.
And, with menopause having ‘it’s moment’, I’ve seen a multitude of products flood the market over the last year or so, all aimed to ‘anti-age’ us.
Firstly, do we really want to be the younger version of ourselves? Personally, I’ve decided to take a more pro-age approach to midlife and menopause – ie creating my healthiest self for now, not the me 10, 20 or 30 years ago. And secondly, do we need really all of that ‘stuff’ to optimise our health, wellness and happiness?
Don’t get me wrong, I have to admit that I played into the anti-aging thing for a while.
There was no way that menopause was going to ‘ruin’ the body that I had worked so hard to achieve and I was going to fight tooth and nail to put a stop to any inkling of ageing!
I found my cupboards full of supplements, I was tracking everything – food, macros, sleep, exercise readiness, planning my life around trying to implement the perfect menopause exercise regime, doing so much mindfulness that it was more a chore than being very mindful etc etc – I was doing it all!. Basically, I was drowning in a sea of well-intentioned complexity.
Eventually, I realised that it was all just not sustainable. And, to be completely honest, not much fun!
So, I decided to take a step back and do things a little differently. I realised that I was perhaps overcomplicating what is fundamentally quite simple.
I started to get curious and question what it was I truly needed to live my best life as a midlife woman.
I also looked again at the lifestyles of those living in the blue zones. If you are unfamiliar with the blue zones, they are regions where people not only live long lives but thrive well into their centenary years. What’s interesting, is that they achieve this without the overwhelm of excessive supplements, gadgets, or complex plans. Inspired by their simplicity, I decided to streamline my own approach to health.
I took a deep breath, cleared out the unnecessary clutter, and returned to the basics.
Eating mostly nutritious foods, moving my body regularly, incorporating simple mindfulness practices, and embracing the joy in everyday life became my guiding principles.
This shift allowed me to reconnect with the essence of a healthy life. It wasn’t about the latest trends or the next big thing; it was about rediscovering the fundamentals.
And, here’s the beautiful truth – it’s working. Without all the ‘stuff’, I seem to be creating a truly healthy life and I also have more time to just enjoy life – something that is so important to being healthy and happy as you age.
Simplifying your health journey doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness; it means focusing on what truly matters.
It’s about making conscious choices that align with your well-being without succumbing to the pressure of an overloaded wellness culture.
So, how can you simplify your health journey?
Prioritise Nutritious food: Instead of fixating on complex diets, aim for a balanced and predominantly whole-food-based diet. Think fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains – the building blocks of vitality.
Move with Joy: Physical activity doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Find activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a leisurely walk, dancing to your favourite music, or practicing yoga. The key is to move with joy, not obligation.
Embrace Mindful Living: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine with simple practices like deep breathing, short meditation sessions, or mindful eating – that work for you. These small moments of presence can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.
Find Joy in Simplicity: Life is meant to be enjoyed. Seek joy in the simple things – a nourishing meal with friends or family, a walk in nature, or a moment of quiet reflection. Cultivating happiness doesn’t require an elaborate plan; it thrives in the simplicity of the present.
Remember, your health journey is unique, and simplicity looks different for everyone. By decluttering the noise and embracing a simpler approach, you empower yourself to thrive in midlife and beyond.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of simplicity on this empowering journey towards your healthiest, happiest, and most beautiful self.