Beyond the Hustle: Simple Wellness Habits for a Stronger Mind & Body (It's Mental Health Month!)

Girl! Let's get real for a minute. As women over 40, we're juggling so much – careers, families, maybe even navigating the glorious rollercoaster of perimenopause. It’s a lot! And you know what? Sometimes, in the midst of all that doing, we forget to just be.

That's why I wanted to chat with you all today, especially because it's May – Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to hit pause and check in with ourselves, both inside and out. Because let's be honest, our mental health and physical well-being? They're like two peas in a pod. You can't really have one thriving without the other.

So, what does taking care of ourselves look like in this amazing chapter of our lives? It’s not about some crazy fad diet or pushing ourselves to the limit at the gym (unless that’s your jam, then go for it!). It’s about building sustainable habits that nourish both our minds and our bodies – what I like to call our wellness journey.

Think about it – when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, what’s the first thing to go? Maybe you skip meals, or reach for comfort food, or your sleep goes completely out the window. Sound familiar? I’ve been there! That’s why it’s so important to be intentional about how we’re fueling ourselves. This is all part of our self-care, ladies.

Let's talk body love first:

• Protein for Women Over 40: Girl, we need our strength! Lean protein is our friend – think fish, chicken, beans, lentils. It keeps us feeling full and helps maintain that precious muscle mass that’s so important as we age. Remember, most women over 40 need 100-120g of protein.

• Healthy Fats for Hormone Balance: Don’t be scared of those avocados and nuts! Healthy fats are crucial for our hormone balance (hello, perimenopause!), brain health, and keeping inflammation at bay.

• Eat the Rainbow for Optimal Health: Seriously, load up on those colorful fruits and vegetables. They’re packed with all the good stuff – vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – that keeps our bodies running smoothly.

• Bone Health After 40: We gotta protect those bones! Think calcium-rich foods (dairy, if it works for you, leafy greens) and getting enough Vitamin D through sunshine (with SPF, of course!) or a supplement if your doc recommends it.

• Stay Hydrated for Energy: Water, water, water! It’s the simplest thing, but it makes a world of difference for energy levels, skin, and everything in between.

  
  

Now, let's nurture that beautiful mind of ours – because mental wellness is key:

• Prioritize Sleep for Mental Clarity: Seriously, aim for those 7-9 hours. It’s when our brains recharge and our bodies repair. Let’s make sleep hygiene a priority for better cognitive function.

• Effective Stress Management Techniques: Easier said than done, right? But finding healthy ways for stress relief is non-negotiable. Maybe it’s a walk in nature, a few minutes of deep breathing exercises, losing yourself in a good book, or finally trying that meditation app everyone’s talking about.

• Social Connection and Well-being: Girl time is essential! Nurture those friendships and family bonds. Social interaction and laughter are medicine for the soul and combat feelings of loneliness, so join us for a class in person or virtually, or join our Facebook group.

• Boost Cognitive Function Naturally: Keep that brain sharp! Learn something new! Do a crossword puzzle, take a class, and read a book outside your usual genre. Keep those brain cells firing!

• Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude for Inner Peace: Even a few minutes of mindfulness exercises or a gratitude journal (or my Mindful Morning Journal) each day can shift your perspective and bring a little more peace into your life. Trust me on this one for emotional well-being.

• It's Okay to Seek Mental Health Support: And if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, please know you’re not alone. Reaching out for mental health support is a sign of strength. Talk to a friend, a therapist, a counseling professional, or a support group – there are people who care and want to help. Check out Better Help.

  
  

Remember, this isn't about perfection. It's about progress and being kind to ourselves along the way. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let's make a conscious effort to prioritize our overall well-being, both inside and out. We deserve to feel good, strong, and vibrant in this incredible stage of our lives.