“I wish I looked as young as I did when I thought I was old.”
Do you feel your age? Do you feel younger than your age? Older? What is your ideal view of aging? What if it’s possible to see the glass half full?
Sidebar:
I have a confession to make. I love American Idol. Okay, only some seasons, and mostly since Alejandro (plus Kelly). What can I say? For any other closeted 50-something Idol addicts, you already know this: Katy Perry will often ask a contestant, “How young are you?” It always feels boldfaced and underlined when she says it. I wonder, do I love this or hate this question? In any case, it certainly is one way to flip the view we have on aging in our culture.
Aging Positively:
There are many aspects of our Yoga Body Cleanse that support the aging process. From intermittent fasting to prioritizing sleep, we highlight positive practices that promote healthy aging. The behaviors we adopt today shape our life tomorrow.
The real issue isn’t just that we age; it’s that we seem to be allergic to it. This insidious aversion is a breeding ground for self-loathing. “Aging sucks” can easily be anyone’s mantra, but what does seeing the glass half empty do for any of us? Instead, why not adopt a mindset that sees aging as a positive journey.
Aging and Stress:
While there are many ‘best practices’ for aging well, one often overlooked aspect is the benefit of stress on aging. Stress, in the right amounts, can facilitate health as we grow older. Under-exposure to stress can actually lead to more rapid aging. The most common form of healthy stress is exercise, which stresses the cardiovascular system, raises cortisol, and ultimately promotes muscle repair and growth.
Dr. Elissa Epel, a renowned stress expert, explains how stress can be measured through something in our body called telomeres. Telomeres are regions of repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes. They protect chromosomes from fraying or getting tangled and play a vital role in protecting our genome. When we are young, telomeres are resilient, but they grow shorter as we age. When they get too short, the cell loses its power for division and growth. By preserving the telomeres, there is potential to protect and treat diseases associated with aging.
While there are, of course, toxic forms of stress, it is important to consider the value of stress as we age and as we navigate daily life. Building a Stress Shield (see below) can be a powerful way to move through stressful moments.
A New Perspective:
Age is not the enemy. It comes with challenges, but if we choose a positive mindset, adopt stress resiliency, and take care of our bodies, we can enjoy a fulfilling life. If our locus of power is constantly outside ourselves, we will suffer. By adopting a resilient mindset, one that says “I am going to get through this,” the locus of power becomes internal. This shift positively impacts our body, mind, and spirit.
As I watch my mom deal with chronic pain on a daily basis and become increasingly less mobile, one of the things she contends with is getting shots in her eyes for her macular degeneration. Yes, aging can be extraordinarily challenging. But, just yesterday, she reflected on how great it is that she can get these shots and not go blind. Glass half full.
From how we feel to how we look to our overall sense of security, can we be grateful for our age and body as it is today? Sip from this cup. There is a wellspring just waiting to be tapped.
JOURNAL
What is your ideal view of aging?
What are some behaviors you can do now to support your ideal view?
What makes this important to you?
ACTIONS - BUILD YOUR STRESS SHIELD
Breathwork is the most effective way to alleviate stress in the body. Try doing some of these practices: Physiological Sigh, Box Breathing, or Longer Exhales 4-2-6-2 breath (inhale 4, hold 2, exhale 6, hold 2) or 4-7-8 breath (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8). There are so many forms of breath work that can help you. I encourage you to experiment with these and see what resonates.
Reframe the story. Consider using some of these mantras to shift your mindset in the heat of the moment: ‘I’m going to get through this.’ ‘This is happening for me, not to me.’ ‘Right now it’s like this, may I be at ease.’
Get wise. Have you dealt with something like this before and what did you do? If not, who do you know who has dealt with something similar?
Distance yourself. Consider how you might feel in five years or some time after this passes.
Use music. If music is your muse, try singing to shift your perspective so you can shift your mindset.
Be creative. If you are a creative, use your creativity to shift your perspective so you can shift your mindset.
Get physical. Go for a walk or exercise so you can shift your mindset.
Try a ‘Boundary Clearing’ practice. Use your arms to create a pushing away motion. Push to what is in front of you (or to the sides) to allow yourself some space and security so you can shift your mindset.
Avoid Isolating.