How to Take Care of Your Body and Mind In Your 50s
Hitting a new decade of your life is a huge milestone for everyone, though it is especially so in the case of your 50s. It is the time when your financial situation is probably established, and your children are long-off to build their own lives. You have more time for yourself and taking care of your body and mental well being.
It does not take much to make this period one of the most empowering, self-aware, and illuminating years. Your body and mind are changing, and with all the time assets you have, you can shape it well to endure all awaiting experiences.
What Happens To Your Body in Your 50s?
After 50 you might experience fatigue, weight gain, and loss of strength. As unpleasant as it is, you can learn how to control it. Sometimes a small change in your daily life is enough, e.g., implementing small steps that boost your positive mindset, for example. Your body might also lack certain hormones or micro and macro elements. For the first issue, medication will help, and for the other, you may try natural supplementation from https://betterbody.co/.
When you hit the age of 50, the efficiency of your immune system drops. It will no longer detect and fight viruses or bacteria as precisely as it once did. There is also a higher chance of autoimmune diseases. It happens when the immune system gets confused and targets itself by accident. For this sake, it is essential to take your medication on time. Prevention is much easier than fighting pneumonia, heart diseases, or flu. Better health also means better mental health being.
Women and men can also find it hard to maintain a previous weight. This can later cause health complications, stress, and insecurities connected with body image. Weight gain at this age is caused by the drop in insulin resistance in our cells. Muscles, fat, and liver stop absorbing blood sugar (glucose) so quickly. With your blood sugar levels exceptionally high, your body also is at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
As you get older, the amount of fat around your belly will increase. Data shows that women are at a much higher risk. The type and speed at which the body changes differ from person to person. Mental preparation for the changing health conditions will ease your mind, and as such, it would be a good idea to ask your doctor what is yet to come.
Diet Is Self-Care
Keeping your mind in top-rate shape is a priority. It processes all the information, provides you with judgment, and helps you with problem-solving.
Just like your body needs fuel from food, your brain does too. Plenty of experts advise trying a Mediterranean diet. It consists of whole grains, plant-based foods, seafood, healthy fats, like olive oil.
It does not incorporate significant amounts of red meat and dairy, which can both impair your concentration and memory. Omega fatty acids found in olive oil are essential for preventing coronary artery disease, heart disease, as well as for your cells to function correctly.
Incorporating them into your diet will not only help your body but will also boost your mental health. The cognitive decline will slow down, and your mental focus will decrease.
Exercise Regularly
We cannot stress how vital is daily exercise. It has many health benefits and will benefit your brain in the long-term. Maintaining an active lifestyle at the age of 50 will strengthen your bones and ligaments for the years to come. A combination of cardio, strength training, and cardio will also help you maintain a healthy weight.
The Government of Health states that more than half of all Australians are not moving as much as they should. It connects with rising depression statistics. Regardless of your age, it is advisable to have at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day, so make sure to make time for it!
In those 20 minutes, your brain will release significant amounts of dopamine and endorphins – chemicals that make you happy and cheerful. At the same time, it will eliminate the ones making you feel down, overwhelmed, and anxious.
Team sports will contribute to building self-confidence and social skills. But it is OK if you do not like competition or sports. There are different types of physical activity. You can stimulate your brain while swimming, cycling or playing badminton in your garden.
Sleep Plenty
Sleep has a vital role in the brain. It is like a busy storage worker trying to array our memories, thoughts, and process emotions. Everyone was at one time running on fumes. When sleeping only 4-5 hours, we are irritated, forgetful, and have difficulties focussing. You must provide your body with 7 to 8 full hours of sleep per night.
Researchers say that uninterrupted sleep heals your brain cells, consolidating your memories effectively. You cannot expect your body and mind to operate with full potential without a break. Let it rest, and it will pay you back with great cognitive skills. Sometimes medical help may be necessary, so remember to contact your doctor if you feel exhausted and sleep-deprived.
Practice Your Mind
Your brain works similar to a muscle. It needs constant engagement, tasks and activity to be healthy and work effectively.
In our early years when we would still discover the world we would stuff it with dates, definitions and rules; all gathered at school. But in your 50’s there are no more teachers doing a job for you. You have to learn how to keep your brain in shape by yourself. Many people enjoy crossword puzzles and Sudoku.
If you don’t like books that much try finding a hobby, but instead of passive, choose active activities. Do not watch TV too much, as it is not engaging for your brain.
Be Socially Active
We are all social creatures; we all know that. Even though there are times when we go through a rough period, it is tempting to stay inside, alone with your thoughts. That’s why you should put yourself on a mission to find ways to connect with family and friends.
We assure you that you are not alone with your questions about how to take care of yourself in your 50s. This can be a good ice-breaker in your chit chats. Therefore, try to find people with similar aspirations. Try volunteering in a local shelter, or finding a reading club.
Person-to-person interactions help reduce and prevent depression and stress. If you experience them too intensely for too long, they can cause a memory dysfunction and loss. What’s more, socially active people are also at a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They also tend to have a more robust immune system. With fewer health problems, they worry less and their mental state is thriving. A sound mind in a sound body
Let’s Wrap It Up
When you reach your 50s, they are a few physical and mental transformations that should catch your attention. High blood pressure, weight gain, reduced bone density, cardiovascular disease, stress and high cholesterol levels are all severe concerns but you can focus on reducing their severity.
Talking heads on the TV will tell you that all you can do now is prepare a retirement plan. Well, we say that they are the one that should retire. Your 50s is when your body and mind should thrive.
You will experience your life to the fullest and overcome age adversities by putting in some extra work. Eat healthily and practice both your mind and body and next years are going to be unimaginably great.
