Using Boomer Wisdom To Be Healthy

There are four important parts of the human make up to have a healthy life style and to improve Boomer health: Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  In my younger years of life my priority focus was on how I looked on the outside.  My favorite exercise was walking.  Sometimes I would walk at least 5 miles each day either on a treadmill or in the park.  I was constantly dieting, measuring my waistline and switching from one health club to another.  After years of this I realized that there was more than just looking good on the outside in order to be a whole person.

Boomers Should Maintain a Healthy Balance.

Today it is important for Boomers to maintain a healthy balance.  Meditation deepens one’s self awareness and strengthens self esteem and acceptance.  It empties our minds in order to let the good stuff in.  At night I play meditation Cd’s which help me to relax.  I practice slowing down and deep breathing to deal with stress.

Spiritually nourishes us in a deep place, provides us with a sense of meaning and purpose, and brings us home to ourselves  to be a better person.  I read the Bible daily.  There are many good books out there such as ,The Art of Happiness: a handbook for Living by Dalai Lami and Howard Cutler.  In addition there are audio books, tapes, and spiritual music to sooth one’s soul.  The public library, places of worship and many other sources provide these aids at little or no cost.

When my mood starts to get a little low I find that it helps to be around positive, healthy spiritual people.  Just being outside and enjoying the sunlight helps to lift my spirits. An hour spent in a park  walking, listening to nature, looking at  ducks in the water can be uplifting.  The joy of getting out of myself by helping another person is the biggest reward of all.

Sometimes I use slogans that I have pasted on my wall or counter top.  One is H.A.L.T =  Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.  This is such a simple word but has a large impact on my life.  When I ask myself what have I eaten today, was I angry about something, did I isolate too much, did I get the proper rest I then can see what I need to improve.  I used to keep this posted on my bulletin board in front of my desk when I worked in oncology.  It proved to be my measuring stick for a better healthy balance.

Now that I am entering into my senior years, I am grateful for life’s experiences.  I understand that there is no one quick fix to being healthy.  It does not come in pill form that one swallows then all of life’s problems disappear.  It can not come in one visit to a place of worship or a one time visit to the gym.  It instead takes daily practice and the willingness to live.  When that last day arrives I want to look back and be able to say, “Life was a challenge but I did the best that I could do to contribute to the meaning of my life and the lives of others.”  With age comes that wonderful part of our life called WISDOM.

Originally posted 2011-01-04 13:42:45.