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Seeking Joyful Simplicity

Your best life after 40 - living with purpose and vibrant health. Empowering you with a holistic approach: nourishing foods, herbal remedies, and self-care to reduce overwhelm, manage your weight, and enjoy vibrant health in your 40's, 50's, and beyond.

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Health and Wellness

A Better Way to Start Your Day – How to Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude

7:31 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 3 Comments

Positive Ways to Start the Day - Best Ways to Start Your Morning
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 How do you start your day? 

Are you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, feeling excited and optimistic?
Or do you drag yourself from bed with weariness and dread?

Despite our personal challenges, we can choose how we start our days.

I say “choose”, because we can be intentional in how we begin each day. Although I have children and a job with long hours and a long commute, I can choose to get up early or later, rush or take my time, make time for exercise or lie in bed, eat a good breakfast or hurry out the door. 

After a while it becomes a habit. And like anything else, we can either have good habits or bad habits. And how we start our mornings can have a huge impact on the rest of our day.

A Better Way to Start Your Day – How to Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~ Aristotle 

You can, with some thought and planning, reset your habits for waking up each day.

But it’s not just what we do in the mornings, it’s the thoughts and emotions we experience that will produce profound changes in our day. Especially when life is challenging, changing what we choose to think about as we get started each day can help us find more optimism and resilience.

 

Are your first thoughts of the day consumed with worry, stress, complaining, or other negative emotions? Try these simple ways to start your day with a positive attitude

 

Changing your morning mindset – Starting your day with more positive emotions and energy

Even before you get out of bed, start with noticing your thoughts – are they positive or negative? Are your first thoughts of the day consumed with worry, stress, complaining, or other negative emotions?

Start getting into the habit of asking yourself these questions when you wake up:

  • What can I be excited about today? (If you are unable to find excitement, how about something to feel grateful for?)
  • What, or who might cause me stress today? How can I respond in a positive way, from my higher self? (Visualize yourself responding to stress in a calm, positive way)
  • Who can I surprise today with a thank you or a moment of appreciation?
  • What emotions do I want to feel today? (Joyful, focused, carefree, determined, compassionate, happy, peaceful…)

Instead of jumping out of bed the second the alarm goes off (and turning to the outside world), or hitting snooze 5 times so that you have no time for yourself in the morning, build in some quiet time before starting your day.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time or energy, there are a few simple things you can use to create a positive morning routine. Just 5 minutes of one or more of these activities can change your entire day.

To create a more positive morning routine, try some of these:

  • Light stretching (even in bed!)
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Journalling
  • Affirmations

It’s amazing how changing just the first few minutes can impact your whole day.

My challenge for you – Pay attention to how you start your day – your thoughts and your actions. Can you make it better? Make your plan to change and Get Started!

I would love to hear from you – What is your favorite way to start the day? 

With affection,~ Michelle

Start Your Day with Joy – Morning Affirmations

Join the Seeking Joyful Simplicity Community and receive 20 morning affirmations to help you start your day with joy.
When you join, you’ll be added to my email newsletter. You can unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings. 🙂

 

 

You might also like:

The Most Important Thing – Having the Courage to Live with Authenticity

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Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Living with Purpose

Violet, Gray, and the Winter Blues – Dealing with Winter Depression

9:02 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 5 Comments

Do you have trouble sleeping? Tossing and turning all night, rising each morning exhausted and irritable, sleep problems can make us a little crazy. Lack of sleep can have devastating consequences on our health, our relationships, and the quality of our lives. I know, because I suffered for years. But I recovered and now enjoy peaceful, restful sleep. Let me share how to sleep better and the simple strategies for better sleep that can help you sleep so you can enjoy life again.
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As I look out my windows this week, I see drizzle and mountains lost in gray clouds. Last week’s sun and warmth is gone, and winter has moved in.

Gloomy Day

I love the colors of winter – deep violets, grays, and blues. With the shift in light, color, and temperatures, comes a subtle shift in mood as well. Despite the beauty, too many gray days in a row can leave me feeling a little blue.

Black and White Tree

There are two ways to approach the winter blues – one is resistance. But of course resistance leads us no where when we cannot control the weather. The second approach is acceptance. Embracing the weather means looking for the beauty, finding a sense of gratitude, and knowing the best ways to care for ourselves when we feel the winter blues coming on.

I struggle with mild Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and this year I am entering the season with a plan to stay as healthy, energetic, and happy as I can.

Fog Mountains

Dr. Norman Rosenthal describes SAD:

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs regularly, every autumn and winter, when the days get short and dark, though it may occur at other times as well. The reason it occurs mostly during the winter months is that one of the main causes of the condition is a lack of sunlight. Other situations in which people don’t get enough sunlight include cloudy or rainy periods at other times of year, living in dark places and working for long hours in dark offices. Whenever there is insufficient sunlight, those people who are vulnerable to Seasonal Affective Disorder may develop symptoms.

As a health coach working with people by phone and Skype from places all over the United States, I discovered just how common seasonal affective disorder is. During our conversations, people often shared with me their low energy, lack of motivation, and difficulty with depression during the darker months of the winter. Symptoms of SAD range from mild to severe.

Water drop2

Self-awareness is crucial, as is having a plan. Here are the strategies I’m using to keep myself healthy this season:

Get More Rest

Although circumstances of life often prevent us from going to bed earlier and sleeping later, try to make adjustments where you can. Winter is traditionally a time for slowing down, reflection, and more restful activities. Keep this in mind as you plan your activities, especially now during the holiday season. Make rest a priority.

Eat Well

Low energy and depression often leads to cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, which offer a serotonin boost. But too many carbohydrates and sugar can lead to a crash and feeling even more sluggish, not to mention winter weight gains. Balance your meals with healthy sources of protein and fat.

  • Nuts and nut butters such as peanut, almond, and cashew provide both protein and healthy fats, and will give you a longer-lasting energy source. But avoid overdoing them, especially mindlessly munching – too many calories can add on weight.
  • Cottage cheese, cheese cubes, and hard-boiled eggs make nice high-protein snacks for better energy. Combine with fruits and vegetables for a balanced snack with added nutrients.
  • Find balance – include some of your favorite comfort foods in moderation

Light Therapy

I use additional lights, especially in the morning, to brighten my winter home. White twinkly lights in my room, a simple table lamp added to the kitchen island, and even candles brighten my spaces and lift my mood. There are “light boxes” sold specifically for treating SAD, and I have spoken to a few people who use them with success. The Mayo Clinic has a brief article on choosing the best light boxes for treating SAD.

023Winter candlelight

Stay Active

It can be a challenge to be physically active during the cold winter months, especially when the days are short. I find I enjoy being outside in all kinds of weather, but it takes a whole lot of motivation to get myself dressed properly and out the door. Even short walks in fresh air can have a big impact on our mood.

Try some stretches or yoga. American Council on Exercise (ACE) has an exercise library with illustrated instructions, and videos to help you choose exercises based on equipment (even if you have none), body part, and fitness level. Visit the library here.

Spend Time in Nature

There is something therapeutic about spending time in nature. When I lived in the city, a simple walk along a tree-lined street had an effect on me. Find a nature spot, bundle up, cover up, and learn to enjoy the changing beauty with the seasons.

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IMG_20150115_165602030_HDR

Ups and downs in energy and enthusiasm are natural, and I try to remind myself it’s OK to have a bad day. But when bad days become the norm, I know I need to make adjustments. And I remind myself, the sun will return, and the days will get longer.
~Michelle

Do you experience changes with the seasons? Have you felt the winter blues? How do you take care of yourself during these times?

More resources for Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Norman Rosenthal, MD  – Seasonal Affective Disorder
Could Your “Holiday Blues” be Seasonal Affective Disorder? – Medline Plus

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Filed Under: Health and Wellness

How to Stop Stress Eating Breaking the Pattern

8:21 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity Leave a Comment

How to stop comfort and stress eating
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How to Stop Comfort Eating and Stress Eating

The Shame. Guilt. Disappointment.

Stress eating. Comfort eating.

I know what emotional eating is like – coming home, feeling stressed and anxious and having an overwhelming urge to eat. Heading straight to the kitchen and reaching for the familiar favorite comfort foods. 

It felt like I was eating on autopilot, barely pausing between mouth-fulls. There was no sense of fullness or satisfaction, although the eating did make me feel better in the moment. 

Knowing I should stop, but not wanting to. The thoughts of, “Well, I blew it, so I might as well just keep on eating.” Planning to do better tomorrow, there was always tomorrow. But knowing in the back of my mind I’d probably fail again. I knew I didn’t want to feel this way about myself, but I also didn’t know how to stop stress eating.

Then, after, feeling a little sick at how much junk I had eaten. The shame and sense of disappointment. Emotional eating caused more of the negative feelings I was trying to deal with.

It was a vicious cycle.

But I broke free, and if you struggle, I know you can too.

How to stop comfort and stress eating

So how do we change this destructive pattern? How do we stop stress eating?

It starts with self-compassion. Understanding that there are things we are struggling with, and we are doing the best we can. 

We also need awareness – awareness to understand our triggers, and an open willingness and curiosity to experiment to find healthy alternatives. 

If we want to break the pattern of stress eating, comfort eating, instead of just trying to stop, we need strategies – some will work better than others, depending on the day, the circumstances, and our mood.

The first thing I want you to do is to think about your triggers – the where and the when.

Second, make a list of possible alternative actions that will deliver a reward, without sabotaging your health and well-being. Being mindful, having a plan, and then taking new action. 

Third – be compassionate when you find yourself struggling. And remind yourself that it will pass – I think, for many of us, there is the fear that we won’t be able to feel centered and in control again, that the cravings will just go on and on, and we will end up returning to poor eating patterns.

Pay attention to your triggers – and have a plan for alternative ways you can cope. 

  • If you are depressed or lonely, call, text, or make plans with someone.
  • If you’re anxious, expend your nervous energy by dancing to your favorite song, squeezing a stress ball, or taking a brisk walk.
  • If you’re exhausted, treat yourself with a hot cup of tea, take a bath, light some scented candles, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
  • Take a brief walk
  • Read something inspiring (you could write your own positive mantra or affirmation and store it on your phone or keep it in your wallet, or wherever you can have access when you need it.
  • Watch a funny video or read some silly jokes online – laughter is a great stress-reliever.
  • Practice deep breathing. Inhale slowly to the count of four – pause – then exhale slowly to the count of four. Repeat four times.

Pause and check in with yourself when you feel the urge to comfort eat. Can you put off eating for 5 minutes?

While you are waiting, check in with yourself – how are you feeling? What do you really need right now? What would truly feel nourishing – mentally, physically, emotionally?

If you find yourself comfort eating, slow down and really pay attention to your food – the taste, texture, colors. Put the fork down between bites, and aim to chew food at least 15-30 times. Bringing more mindfulness to eating helps us receive more pleasure, feel more satisfied, and feel fuller sooner.

And finally, I want you to know you are definitely not alone in this. So, so many people struggle with this. Instead of hiding in shame, let’s talk about it and support each other.

What’s your biggest trigger for stress eating?

What are some ideas you have to change this pattern?
Let me know in the comments, or join the Seeking Joyful Simplicity Facebook Group for more ideas and support for living with Vibrant Health.
~ Michelle

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Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Living with Purpose, Simple Food

Letter to Myself – Stop Putting Off Happiness

8:04 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 11 Comments

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?
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Stop Putting Off Happiness

 “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Why is happiness and contentment so elusive? Why, even when we accomplish our goals, or get what we want, do we so quickly find ourselves feeling unhappy, restless, and discontented? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

Are you guilty of waiting to be happy?

Maybe you will find happiness when you get a new job, lose some weight, or have more self-confidence. Whatever it is, if you always look toward tomorrow for happiness, chances are you will do the same when you attain what you’ve been dreaming of.

I know, because this is exactly what I do – whenever I achieve something important, I start looking for the next thing to make me happy. And I’m not just talking about stuff.

I am finally realizing this is not a healthy way to live, and honestly, I am sick and tired of chasing happiness.

Enough is enough. I am giving myself a good firm talking to, and here is my letter to myself. If you are in the habit of putting off happiness, maybe this will help you too.

Stop Seeking and Start Being Happy Now

Dear Michelle,

There comes a time when you have to stop seeking and just be. The joy and contentment you seek is already available to you. Instead of seeking joyful simplicity, learn to discover the joy already present in your life. 

You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect. YOU don’t have to be perfect.

Life is messy, complicated, and sometimes really, really hard. Sometimes you screw up. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve happiness.

And you know from experience, even in the worst of times, there is beauty, grace, laughter, and joy to be found.

So why can’t you find the beauty and joy every day?

Michelle, let me gently remind you how to stop putting off happiness so you can enjoy being happy now.

Pay Attention

Pay attention. When you pay attention, you notice the simple, wonderful, incredible things in your life. And trust me, they are there.

It’s the ordinary moments – your children sharing patience and kindness with each other; the gentle hum of summer crickets; the way your coworker went out of her way to help someone; the late afternoon light shining across the table; the simple meal shared at the family table. These are the simple moments that make up a beautiful, joyful life.

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” – William Morris

 

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

 

Let Go

Let go. Take a deep breath Michelle, and relax. Everything does not have to be perfect. You do not have to be perfect. You will always make mistakes, feel vulnerable, and sometimes life will be hard and painful, and things will definitely not go your way. But that’s okay, because you can handle it. You know you can. So just let go – of your fear, your disappointment, and your worry.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – Allen Saunders

 

Remember Gratitude

Feel gratitude. Remember to pause and consider all that is right in life. The good health, the good people, and the beauty in your life. Don’t forget these things Michelle! They are a part of you, and the only way not to take them for granted is to remember. Feel gratitude every day.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”  – Oprah Winfrey

 

Slow Down

Stop hurrying and decide to enjoy the process. There will always be more meals to cook, dishes to wash, weeds to pull, and laundry to clean. Joyful living doesn’t just happen in the in-between moments. So you might as well learn to enjoy the process. Slowing down and living joyfully is easier than you think.

 “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius

 

Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

It’s time to stop being so hard on yourself. You are good enough, just as you are. You can be both amazing and a work in progress all at once. Don’t be afraid to live vulnerable, forgive yourself for your mistakes, and celebrate your strengths.

“We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies.” – Roderick Thorp, Rainbow Drive

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

 

The Trap of Putting Off Happiness

This is it, Michelle. Time to stop falling into the trap of putting off happiness.

Happiness isn’t about having all the pieces in just the right place. It isn’t about living a simple, problem-free life, or reaching a certain goal.

Being happy is not a selfish or naive way to move through life – being happy makes you more resilient in the inevitable tough times, and helps you help others.

Happiness is available in so many ways, and it starts with changing your mindset.

So do it. Change your mindset.

 

Wishing you peace and happiness,
~ Michelle

 

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Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Living with Purpose Tagged With: being happy now, stop putting off happiness

Beating the Winter Blues

7:22 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 10 Comments

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.
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Five Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

This is the time of year that many of us start feeling down, as the days turn gray and the long nights leave us missing the sun. Instead of suffering another year with the winter blues, and trying to find relief through caffeine, sugar, and comfort foods, let’s make a promise to take better care of ourselves.  These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

The cold rain falls slowly, as though uncertain of its path. Almost snow, but not quite, it clings to the branches in fat droplets, as if hoping for one last chance to freeze before finally touching the earth. The power is out, and without the usual electronic inputs, the house is exceptionally quiet. I just finished making bean and bacon soup, tossing in the last of the kale. A batch of apple pie filling went into the freezer, ready for baking another day. The candles are lit, and the house has a cozy feel to it.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

023Winter candlelight

Beating the winter blues with candlelight

 

These are the moments I crave. The mindful and purposeful work of home, the tangible results, create a deep contentment that wraps itself around me like a favorite and comforting blanket. There is nothing that centers me like being home.

But winter is a bittersweet time. The weather means more time focused inside, but the days are short and my energy is low. How can I avoid the temptation of over-eating, and too little physical activity?

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder, is common for those who live with a winter season. Sometimes mild, it can become debilitating

It seems each year, despite my best efforts, I feel the winter blues settling over me. Although I believe in the benefits of slowing down, especially after the holidays, feeling sad and melancholy affects not only me but my relationships as well. My family depends on me, and when I am am not doing well, everyone seems to suffer.

Does this happen to you?

Last year I focused on the small things to keep myself happy and healthy during the cold, gray days of winter. I believe being mindful of our inner thoughts and feelings, and having a plan can make a big difference.

This year, instead of turning to mindless distractions, bingeing on comfort foods, caffeine, and other less healthy ways to pass the winter season, let’s focus on the simple things we can do every day to take care of ourselves. And let’s start now.

 

5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Ourselves and Beat the Winter Blues

Instead of suffering another year with the winter blues, and trying to find relief through caffeine, sugar, and comfort foods, let’s make a promise to take better care of ourselves. These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

The content on this site may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. SeekingJoyfulSimplicity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity. ~ Michelle

Lighting

My husband gets annoyed with me in the winter months, as I go around the house early mornings, turning on lights and opening the blinds to let every drop of light in. But the older I get, the more I notice the powerful effect light has on my mood.

Such a simple thing we take for granted. Sunlight, passing through clouds, sometimes makes us stop and pause. Without even knowing it, light exerts its influence on us.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

Being aware of the amount and quality of light in our homes is a simple way to make a huge impact on our mood and energy level. The effect of light is a physical thing – light affects our biorhythms and body chemistry, and can not only affect our energy and mood, but the quality of our sleep as well.

Using quality broad-spectrum bulbs in the rooms where we typically spend a lot of time in the winter can lighten our mood.  A simple string of twinkle lights adds a certain festive feeling, long after the holidays have passed. Candles cast a comforting glow on dreary winter days. And research demonstrates using broad-spectrum lights with timed exposure has helped many people with seasonal affective disorder and depression.

More information on light therapy for depression
and Seasonal Affective Disorder:

  • Mayo Clinic – Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Box Therapy
  • Harvard Health Publications – Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Live Science – Bright Light Therapy Can Ease Depression Symptoms 

Music

We are all familiar with the power music has to transport us to different place and time, as we listen to our favorite tunes from the past. The right music can change our mood in an instant. Why not make a plan to take advantage of your favorite music to help you feel better?

I really struggle with getting out of bed and feeling hopeful for the coming day when I have to rise early on dark mornings. Having my favorite music close by the bed helps me plug in and get going first thing, often setting the mood for the rest of the day. It can be helpful to create a playlist of your favorite happy songs to rely on when you need a quick boost.

Nourishing Foods

Every winter it seems my stomach has a mind of its own. Cravings for high-fat and high-carb snacks and meals take over. When I’m feeling tired, or down, I cannot muster the energy or discipline to make healthy food choices. The more I give in, the worse I feel.

The food choices we make can have profound effects on our mood. When we indulge too much in high-fat, high-sugar foods, or consume too much caffeine and alcohol, not only do we suffer with the negative physical effects, we too often feel we are letting ourselves down. Over time, this can be exhausting. There are some simple strategies we can use to eat well consistently and avoid the winter blues and the unfortunate weight gain that often goes with it.

    • Eat small frequent meals. When our mood and energy levels are down, we have less motivation and self-discipline to draw upon. If we can eat small, frequent meals/snacks, we can keep our overall energy level up and avoid those “I’m starving, I have to eat something now!” moments.
    • Include healthy proteins with our meals/snacks. Adding protein can give us a longer sense of satiety and avoid the sugar highs and lows that come from high-carbohydrate eating. Carbohydrates alone are digested more quickly, leading to a sudden rise in insulin, followed by a quick drop. Even complex carbohydrates can produce this affect. Adding healthy proteins like a handful of nuts, two tablespoons of nut butter, sunflower seeds, cheese, cottage cheese, and other protein sources can help us avoid the roller-coaster of carbohydrate foods. All of these nuts and seeds provide healthy fats which give us sustained energy levels and studies suggest support a better mood. Keep the portions in check though – mindless eating through a bag of nuts or sunflower seeds can mean too many calories. Here is a delicious recipe for healthy, herbal-infused energy balls using nut butters, honey, and chocolate – Women of Power Balls, Herbal Health Treats.
    • Nourishing Herbs. There are many herbs that offer nutrition and are safe to use daily. The herbs I suggest are nourishing and mood-lifting and can help us stay healthy and happy during the challenging winter months.

You can learn more about the 4 herbs I use to relieve depression and anxiety – 4 Herbal Remedies for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. 

Physical Activity

When you’re feeling sad and depressed and eating too much and all you really want to do is enjoy a Netflix binge, the idea of physical activity can be pretty awful. Too often I end up arguing with myself, and it might sound something like this:

Pro-exercise voice says, “Come on Michelle, you know you need to get some exercise. Just go for a short walk, you will feel so much better!”

No-exercise voices says (in a whiny tone), “Ugh. It’s cold, and damp. I’ll have to put on something warmer first, which means going ALL THE WAY UPSTAIRS to the bedroom. We can walk later, or even better, tomorrow.”

Pro-exercise voice replies, “Oh no, you need to walk TODAY and TOMORROW. You haven’t done anything all week, and you are getting stiff and lazy. Besides, if you don’t stop eating those chips and get walking, you are going to have to go shopping for bigger clothes.”

No-exercise voice responds with a loud sigh, “Alright, alright. We’ll go, but just for a short walk.”

Once we get out the door, the crisp breeze invigorates us, and the blood flowing helps our brain function and the happy endorphins kick in and we tell ourselves what a great thing it is to be out here walking.

Unfortunately, the pro-walking voice doesn’t always win the argument. How can we support ourselves and stay active when we feel down? Here are some ways I keep myself active:

  • Keep my exercise clothes ready to go. I have running shoes, an ipod, and the clothes I need for the current weather, set out the night before (I typically exercise in the morning.) The less reasons I have to talk myself out of it, the easier it is to get going.
  • Create an exercise playlist of songs that really make me feel like moving. Sometimes all I need to do is plug-in for a few minutes and I am ready to go.
  • Set a schedule. I know that Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are my designated exercise days. It’s good knowing that if I get my exercise on Monday, I won’t have to fight with myself on Tuesday, etc.

Being physically active when it is cold and dark outside is a huge challenge (heck, it can be challenging enough when the weather is nice!) But physical activity offers so many benefits, and can make a world of difference in our energy levels, our mood, and even our self-esteem.

Time Outside

Outside, walking along the river trails, I hear the sound of the wind swishing through the bare branches above. Fallen leaves crackle underfoot. Everywhere are muted blues and charcoal grays. Empty trees stretch to the overcast sky, the white bark of the many sycamores blending with the even darker sky.

We can forget how beautiful these gray days are. We can be so preoccupied with resisting the discomforts of the current season, we miss the beauty and grace of it.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

Being in nature, even in the cold and wet is the best remedy I have found. It takes discipline, and some strong self-encouragement to get myself bundled up and out the door. But I never regret it. Moving is essential – staying still in one place too long lets the cold seep in.

Choose Acceptance

This year I am trying hard to take care of myself and avoid slipping into the winter depression I so often experience. Exercise and time outside are essential. And fighting the urge to over-consume high calorie comfort foods is always a challenge.

But even as I try to avoid sinking into a deep winter melancholy, I am also learning to accept things as they are. I will have less energy and enthusiasm, and I will feel more withdrawn. And that is OK and a natural part of the cycle of the seasons. Acceptance and non-judgement allows us freedom. Freedom to accept the current situation as it is without labeling it “good” or “bad”, or trying to change it. So much of our struggle comes from resisting. But many things in life can be like the weather – we have no control over it and it just is.

I hope you find the right balance between slowing down and caring for yourself. Balance between doing what is hard and doing what feels easy. And that you enjoy a peaceful and contented winter season.

In health,
Michelle

If you want to eat healthy, stay active, have fun, and avoid gaining weight this winter, check out my post on five great apps to help you track your meals, log your exercise, keep you motivated, and get you through the winter months at home. The apps are easy to use, free, and a fun way to stay healthy! Read more here…

5 Apps to Get You Through the Winter Months at Home

 

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Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Living with Purpose Tagged With: seasonal affective disorder treatment

Aging Gracefully or Letting Ourselves Go – What Does Aging Gracefully Really Mean?

1:20 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 2 Comments

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Women Aging Gracefully

I spent my early twenties preoccupied with the shape and size of my body. During my thirties, I was busy with raising children and finding balance between family and career. And despite the inevitable changes that come with 3 pregnancies and aging, by my early forties I had reached a happy acceptance of my body.

But already that “happy acceptance” is changing. The woman staring back at me from the mirror and photos is not someone I recognize. My mind and spirit are still young, but my body is aging. How strange to feel so disconnected from the physical changes and the body I inhabit!

Will it always be this way, my mind feeling one way, while my body takes on a new shape? And now I wonder, what does aging gracefully mean?

Defining Grace

Grace is often defined as: Smoothness and elegance of movement. Dignity. Refinement and style.

So then, if we are to age gracefully, are we to slide into old age with dignity, refinement and style? Perhaps.

But what about those of us who still carry a youthful mind and free spirit, and the words “dignity, refinement, and style” feel stuffy and confining? Hiking muddy trails, acting silly, and getting sweaty in the garden don’t seem particularly “dignified”, but certainly are part of my image of aging gracefully.

The older women I find most inspiring are those who continue to act with joyful vigor and aren’t afraid to define for themselves what aging gracefully means.

If you Google “women aging gracefully”, almost all of what you find is related to physical appearance and fashion. The youthful looking older woman is held up as our role model, as well as the fashionable older woman.

Is our appearance all that defines us as women? Where are the role models for aging women that emphasize the deeper values of personal integrity, strength of character, authenticity, self-awareness, and simple confidence? 

Loving Our Body

Can we learn to love our older bodies despite the effects of aging?

I am striving to embrace my body and honor it for how it has served me. I remind myself of how this body has given me three beautiful children, and carried me well through my 48 years on this earth. It has handled the abuse I have given it and yet continues on.

I want to care for my body – with good food, vigorous exercise, and fresh air. But there is a fine line between caring for our bodies and the battle we so often wage against ourselves.

Does my expanding waist line and wider hips mean I am not trying hard enough, or is it an inevitable result of aging and shifting hormones? Shall I exercise harder, be stricter with my nutrition, and watch my weight?

Should I accept things as they are and learn to “age gracefully“? Or does accepting these changes mean I am simply letting myself go?

Do I cling to the previous version of me, or do I embrace my new self with all the outer and inner changes that come with getting older?

Living with Authenticity

For women, we may struggle between taking care of ourselves – and becoming overly preoccupied and dissatisfied with the changes that come with getting older. Sagging boobs, weight gains and a changing body shape, hair loss (and hair in new places!), wrinkles, loose skin, age spots – there is a billion-dollar market ready to help us fix what’s wrong with us.

Ultimately, I believe to look good, we need to feel good. Feeling good requires us to take care of ourselves. No magic lotions or creams can fix poor habits of nutrition and physical activity. For us to enjoy our aging bodies, we must make self-care a priority.

We have a difficult relationship with ourselves – there is the conflict between want we should be doing, and what we are doing. Too often we become unhappy with the shape of our bodies, we lack motivation, and we fear becoming fat, dull, old women.

Can we accept our changing bodies with unconditional love, despite the negative messages our culture sends? I believe we can.

I believe that no matter what, we can carry ourselves with confidence, and dare I say, grace. We can embrace the changes that come with aging, and make them our own. We can love our bodies, care for ourselves, support each other, enjoy our strengths, and be proud of who we are becoming.

And most importantly – we can choose to live with authenticity.

Let's redefine what aging gracefully means. Does my expanding waist line and wider hips mean I am not trying hard enough, or is it an inevitable result of aging and shifting hormones? Shall I exercise harder, be stricter with my nutrition, and watch my weight?  Should I accept things as they are and learn to “age gracefully“? Or does accepting these changes mean I am simply letting myself go?  Do I cling to the previous version of me, or do I embrace my new self with all the outer and inner changes that come with getting older? How do you define aging gracefully?

I believe we must each define for ourselves what Aging Gracefully means, and there is no one-size-fits-all definition.

My approach to aging gracefully includes:

  • Finding a healthy balance between striving to be my best and accepting the reality of living in an older body
  • Choosing not to focus on my limitations, but instead to appreciate my strengths
  • Instead of striving for weight loss, I am staying fit
  • Instead of dieting, I am focusing on nourishing foods
  • I will not forget the value of good sleep
  • I am finding healthy ways to manage my stress
  • I am embracing my age, not hiding it
  • I am living with authenticity – with courage and joy in the woman I am today

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. ~ Sophia Loren

My question for you is this – How Do YOU Define Aging Gracefully? How will you take care of your changing body? Will you offer yourself compassion and acceptance?

With much affection,
~Michelle

You might also enjoy this article by Suzanne Braun Levine – Learning to Appreciate the Body You Have

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Hello and welcome! Seeking Joyful Simplicity is about creating space in your life for the things that matter most - abundant health, joy, and contentment. With a holistic approach focused on self-reflection, simple foods, and herbal support, I offer a practical approach to living with purpose and vibrant health. Want to learn more? Start here…

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The information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice and care. It is simply my perspective for you to consider as you make good choices for you and your family’s health. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and maintaining health. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care. The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose any disease, nor is it intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek the support and care of a physician and/or complementary care practitioner you trust, and above all, listen to and trust in yourself. Be well! Seeking Joyful Simplicity is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases through their links supports us at no additional cost to you. For more information - visit our privacy and disclosure page

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