6 Things Your Body is Trying to Tell You!

    This is what I like to call ‘reminder’ information. Info that you know but sometimes forget how important it is! Aside from the obvious, when participating in any form of exercise, stop if feeling any pain or discomfort. From the editors of Prevention magazine, here are reminders of things your body can be trying to tell you & that you should listen!

1~ When you are dehydrated: Our kidneys lose some efficiency over time so sip water throughout the day. Not everyone needs eight glasses a day, start with less. If you get sluggish during the day, you may be dehydrated. Water is best, but herbal tea is okay too. Coffee is healthy for you, but don’t count it as your fluids.

2~ When to go easy on dessert: As we age, our metabolic rate slows due to less muscle mass, being more sedentary & a decline in cellular activity. So we need to move more & be mindful eaters. The desserts that worked for you in your 20’s may be tougher to burn off in later years. Skip altogether or choose wisely.

3~ When to hit the hay: Face it, few of us can go, go, go on a few hours of sleep a night. (Sorry, Martha, we can’t keep up!) Get more sleep than you think you need & always at least 7 hours. Go off the grid an hour before bedtime for a more restful sleep.

4~ When you need to stretch: ALL THE TIME, I swear! By our 40’s, most of us have lost 3-4 inches in the sit-and-reach test. Yikes. The elasticity of tendons, ligaments & joints decreases. Studies show the more flexible you are, the less stiff your arteries are! The answer: yoga & tai chi.

5~ When to drop a grudge: Studies show we become more forgiving as we age so... cultivate a kinder heart for a healthier heart! Learn to forgive yourself too!

6~ When to skip that extra glass of wine: We know it is good for you but as you age, you begin to lose the ability to tolerate alcohol due to the body retaining less water. Stick to glass every now & then.