It’s probably because I’ve got yet another birthday coming up and I’m in my early sixties! Still don’t know how that happened.
Anyway, I can tell you I feel better than I ever have, which brings me to this page, and how much I want to share the reasons why I think it is.
It hasn’t been all roses, as some of you may know, as we get older, things come up, and there is a lot of change.
Retirement, ageing parents, health issues, menopause, the kids flying the coop, and, perhaps most of all, worries about growing older can all weigh heavily. I must admit the last one was a big one for me.
I found once I made the psychological shift and started focusing on the important things instead of all the wolf whistles I wasn’t getting (now I’m laughing) I settled into having a heap of gratitude, living in the “here now” and planning for the exciting years ahead.
Superfoods, comfort foods, and listening to your body
People often ask how I stay slim when I spend so much time cooking, and the answer is simple: I listen to my body. What is it asking for? Some days it’s a crisp, fragrant salad with a zesty dressing; other days it’s a juicy pork chop, rested well and served with a Dijon, white wine and cream sauce. It might be silky pasta cooked al dente with a slow-cooked tomato sauce and a grating of good-quality Parmigiano Reggiano, or perhaps I’m craving something sweet, like a small square of date and nut slice topped with dark chocolate. To drink, it could be a glass of chardonnay with dinner, a beer by the fire pit, homemade ginger and lemongrass tea, or simply sparkling water with mint and lemon. I believe that when you listen to your body, eat in moderation, and stop before you feel too full, you feel satisfied, eat well, and look your best.
When I think about it, we’re really a meat-and-three-veg household, with pasta once a week and a rice dish once a week. We eat very little sugar, aside from a teaspoon of Essington Park honey in my tea, and we enjoy my home-baked organic stone-ground sourdough in moderation. That might be a slice in the morning with a boiled egg, or a slice at lunch, toasted and topped with sardines or tuna in oil. Delicious!
We NEVER eat processed food!! And try to eat from our organic garden as much as the seasons will allow.
Moving the body
For me, movement is less about punishing exercise and more about staying strong, mobile and energised. A good walk, time in the garden, or any activity that feels enjoyable can lift your mood, clear your mind and help you feel more connected to yourself. For the past six months, I’ve been practising yoga two or three times a week with @madelineagnew @Wellness_studio_Oberon.
Yoga has brought me back to myself, dropped me out of my head and into my body, connected me to my breath, and given me so much strength and flexibility. I recommend it to all.
Quiet time
As life gets noisier, I’ve come to value quiet time more and more. A few moments of stillness, a cup of tea, or simply sitting without distraction can bring perspective, calm the nervous system and make the rest of the day feel more manageable.
Self-love
Self-love has become less about appearance and more about kindness, acceptance and care. It means speaking gently to yourself, honouring your needs and recognising that ageing is not something to fear, but something to meet with grace. Doing things in a slow, mindful, and intentional way is a gift to yourself. I like to take long baths with magnesium and some of my favourite scents. Maybe I will have a lie in and read a few chapters of my book, sit by the fire and stitch or roll on the grass in the sunshine, cuddling my dachshund Stretch …. Oh, what joy it brings. Simple things and small things, but oh, such big things.
Looking After Your Brain
I am following a lovely scientist who is teaching people how to protect the brain with simple daily sensory exercises for memory retention and brain longevity. Agnies, @agnieszka.butter is writing her PHD on the subject, and besides the fact that it is fascinating, I have dementia running in my family, so I am keen to follow advice on the subject.
Your brain needs stimulation, rest and exercise just like the rest of your body. Puzzles are good fun and a great way to exercise your brain, along with hand exercises, whilst you are reading out loud. I also learned lately that a sauna and cold plunge is a great way to ward off memory loss. I love that idea.
Building community
The older I get, the more I appreciate the value of community. Staying connected to family, friends and neighbours brings support and a sense of belonging that becomes even more important as life changes. I’m part of the Oberon garden club, the Oberon business and Tourism association, and on one day a month, I volunteer or give back even in the smallest way. It could be so easy to live a hermetic life, although when you make the effort to get out and socialise and have fun, it feels so uplifting. We feed off each other and see ourselves through others. That’s special!
Cleaning out your stuff
Letting go of things you no longer need can be surprisingly freeing. Clearing cupboards, drawers and forgotten corners creates space not only in the home, but also in the mind, and it can make this stage of life feel lighter and more intentional.
So that’s it from me, and you may already be doing some of this stuff, but isn’t it good to share with each other? I promise that if you follow my lead, you will feel good, light and happy.
I’d love to hear your own tips and tricks for getting the most out of life. Drop me a line at hello@essingtonpark.com.
With love and gratitude
Simmone x
