YouLookFab Forum » Topic: General Health

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: General Health https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:44:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php SarahTheWhite on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1307747 Sat, 19 Jul 2014 03:30:26 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1307747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread! I'm so glad you are taking care of yourself... :-) I have a complicated relationship with the whole traditional concept of health and many of the things that I do are counterintuitive... Well, either that or I am burying my head in the sand and making excuses for myself. Could go either way! 1. I avoid medicine like the plague. I think that the last time I took any form of alopathic medicine other than Tylenol or Advil was well over 10 years ago (probably more). Homeopathy is my medicine of choice! 2. I go to a great NUCCA chiropractor who does very gentle adjustments that yield big results. 3. I don't get enough sleep, but it does wonders for my mental health. I thrive on lots of alone time and mind numbing things like TV and Internet, and staying up way too late allows that to happen. I compensate by sleeping in on the weekends and randomly going to bed really early. But when I sleep, I sleep like a baby! A note on that for you, Deborah. If you get sick of the milk, you can try magnesium. There's something called Natures Calm that is a powder and can be mixed with hot water. If you drink it before bed, it can relax you for sleep. It also helps a lot with leg cramps (which I get). Word to the wise... Start small and work up to more. Too much too soon can give diarrhea in the morning. 4. Diet: I'm all over the map on this one, but Suz summed up my philosophy perfectly. I'm not going to stay away from the things that I love, but it am trying to moderate and add healthier choices, especially lots of protein and good fats. And I avoid all artificial sweeteners - without fail and without exception (unless it gets snuck past me!). I do, however eat some other heinous things if/when I want to. :-) 5. Exercise: this is by far the toughest thing for me. I learned to hate exercise from a young age, but I have discovered recently that there is much to love about it. I keep trying to find something that speaks to me. This is a work in progress. 6. Over the course of my life, I've found that my emotional well being has held the strongest connection to my physical well being. When I have enough of a creative outlet, good relationships with my loved ones, a close relationship with God, and plenty of alone/relaxing/restful time (see #3), I feel the strongest and healthiest. This can sometimes even happen in the most stressful times. There's always stress and upheaval in life, but when I have the right emotional balance, everything else falls into place. So... That's my saga. Sorry it was so long! I have learned so much from everyone's responses. I especially appreciated Rachylou's explanation on blood sugar. I've always wondered about that! Jeanie on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1306944 Fri, 18 Jul 2014 08:04:22 +0000 Jeanie 1306944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There is so much wisdom here.  I will just comment on the exercise piece.  I guess you have to find what works for you.  I like to have of variety of exercise that excites me.  I look forward to a bike ride or a long walk.  Nature is refreshing to me and I look forward to getting outside.   However, there are days when the weather is just to dreadful to get out so a back up plan is a must.  I have a collection of exercise DVD's and use YouTube as well.  I like dance workouts because they are fun.  Strength training is important too since we loose muscle as we age.  I have a set of 3 pound and 5 pound weights at home that I use with the strength training DVD's.  Yoga is great for strength training too.  I don't like driving to the gym to workout but I will drive to a yoga class.  Yoga is the most wonderful way to add flexibility and strength training to your workouts.....not to mention the stress release.  You may want to start out slow and do the treadmill or walk 30 minutes a day and do a yoga class once a week.  You will know it's right when it's something you look forward to every day.  Anonymous on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1306901 Fri, 18 Jul 2014 04:45:33 +0000 Anonymous 1306901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Debs!  A couple of your issues jumped right out at me because I struggled with them last year. After my long and painful bout with Shingles, and the Post Herpetic Nerve pain associated with them (that I still feel when my body is stressed) I made it my full time job to boost my immune system and regain my health.    When I was too sick to care, I ate a lot of gluten/wheat which I am sensitive too. I also took a lot of antivirals and strong painkillers for the Shingles. Afterwards I was constantly exhausted and some blood tests showed that I had iron deficiency anemia, I was sure there was a correlation between my digestion being wrecked from eating gluten and the anemia . My doctor was doubtful, so I took matters into my own hands. I began eating tons and tons of iron rich (vegan) foods and she prescribed 4x325mg ferrous gluconate/day (enough to kill a normal person probably!) but my body would not absorb the iron and my tests kept showing I was too low. It wasn't until I got my digestive health restored that I could assimilate the iron and was able to stop taking the iron pills (but the process took about 6 months). I got healthy by following the Eat To Live book by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. I started it as just a cleanse, or experiment, and now I've been eating this way for almost a year. My husband joined me and I can't believe it but both DS20 and DD17 have been eating the same (mostly) this summer. We all feel so much better when we eat this way, but other people are not as sensitive as we must be, they don't feel lousy after fast food or lots of carbs. After some experimenting, I've removed all grains from my diet. I get something called "grain pain" and until I can solve what the problem is, this seems like the best route to go. My GI doctor doesn't want to bother with testing me for Celiac if what I'm doing seems to be working. The tests can be invasive, and the only treatment is to stop eating gluten.  So my health is not perfect yet (I didn't wreck it in a day, so it takes time to build up again) but it is SO much better. I feel like I had more energy when I was on caffeine, but it was a false energy, so I really shouldn't compare the two. I'm sleeping better than I have in years! I exercise (gently, not punishingly) regularly, but then I always did. Callanetcis is something new I added to my swimming, bicycling and walking to develop some muscle tone.  I really hope you can sort out your health issues Deborah. It's not easy and it doesn't happen overnight, but I believe it will be well worth it in the end. I'll be praying for you! PS Sorry if you asked me what time is was and I told you how to build a watch!   Anonymous on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1306641 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:26:56 +0000 Anonymous 1306641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will be 58 in less than 2 months. I have been exercising religiously since my 20s, first going to an all woman's gym called Living Well Lady (don't remember what it was before that). That got me hooked because I found exercise as a way to release my stress. But if I had to pick one form of exercise that I have been consistent doing for almost 40 years it is walking. I walk my dog at least 5 miles a day. I walk the treadmill 3-4 times in addition. 2 days a week I work with weights to strengthen my arms and shoulders and I do deep squats, calf raises, bridges, and lunges to keep my lower half strong, along with Pilates to strengthen my core muscles. 3 days a week I do hatha yoga to maintain my flexibility and balance. All in all I do formal exercise for up to an hour a day, 5 days a week. But the one thing I do everyday for 15 to 20 minutes is meditate. I lock my self in the bedroom and listen to meditative sounds/music while doing my deep breathing exercises. As for my diet, I drink filtered water, watered down juice, V8 low sodium. Breakfast is usually Multigrain cheerios with almonds and whatever fruit I have on hand like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, cranberries. Lunch might be a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with fresh spinach leaves. Dinner is always an adventure and I like to try different things that incorporates lean meats, fish, lots of veggies, and beans (white, red, and black beans). amiable on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305959 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:08:49 +0000 amiable 1305959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread - I haven't read it all, but wanted to chime in that I too hate exercise, but have found a way to tolerate it - and that was to find something that is varied enough to keep me interested.  I thought I'd want to join classes at a gym, but that was more than I wanted to commit to financially.  Instead I found a youtube channel (through here, actually - jessicasmithtv), where there's a new workout every day.  They're often, but not always, in the half-hour range, and don't bore me to tears :) Getting to bed is really difficult for me.  I'm a morning person, and my husband is a night owl  :) Helenedith on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305922 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:57:57 +0000 Helenedith 1305922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, I hope you find 'your' good health solutions. rachylou if you come back to Deborah's thread could you expand on the not grazing and the benefits? as often we are advised to not go so long between meals. Eating between meals is a bad habit I have aquired and would love to have more information as a motivator to manage my eating better. Thanks in advance Lyn D. on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305859 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 06:51:32 +0000 Lyn D. 1305859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is such an interesting question Deborah, and reading all the replies is very enlightening! I am a big believer in exercise too- I love the fresh air and thinking time walking provides. I practice Yoga and stretching 2 to 3 times a day and attend a weekly organised class, as well as Pilates once a week. YLF (and shopping)  is my relaxation, as is watching fav. TV shows with my DDs and Hubby. My diet could be improved, and at the moment my Iron levels are too low- so any advice from you about this would be handy for me Caro in Oz on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305704 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 02:08:50 +0000 Caro in Oz 1305704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great wisdom here Lots of us have found what works for us & I really believe that is the key. In doing that, we find out who we are & what we truly need. For me, advice is great but listening to my body is all important. I had a couple of undiagnosed medical conditions for several years & honestly I ALMOST lost my sense of self; especially my humour & gratitude. So for me they are the foundations of my life from which everything else flows. I've found yoga really helpful, not in any philosophical or absolute spiritual sense, but in practising listening to my deep self.  Glad you had a good sleep (milk ugh!) Deborah on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305640 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:43:31 +0000 Deborah 1305640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I cannot express just how much I adore you all!  I am so appreciative of all you have shared here.  I will have to come back as I am just taking a quick peek at work!!  You have all touched on really relevant things.  With my sleeping, my sister recommended a small glass of warm milk before bed.  Well I tried it (I am not big on dairy) and I slept like a baby last night!! I will pop back later as I suspect I have more questions for you all. xxx Isabel on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305504 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:16:29 +0000 Isabel 1305504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am so happy that you care about this.   As someone with some pretty major issues for the last 4 years, I am really concerned about getting back into some healthier form .  For me, and what my doctors'  recommended , is walking and "sneaking" in as many steps as possible.  I started hiking again  ( not far, but it is a start ),  I park as far away as I can from doors so that I can walk, the other day the hairstylist for my kids was late so I walked around ; things like that.  I pay more attention to sleep.  I am also trying to eat for more energy. Something crucial for me is having contact with people who "feed" me.  So I have been making more of an effort to be around people who are positive and funny and supportive.   XXXXXXX qfbrenda on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305433 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 21:07:14 +0000 qfbrenda 1305433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Working out for me can be a challenge because though I don't work full time out of the house, I have five boys ages 7-17yrs and I homeschool them. So I'm never really "off duty". A gym membership isn't an option for us both for financial and logistics reasons, so I have set myself up with workout stuff at home. I have several different hand weights, a large exercise video collection, a treadmill, along with a mountain bike and accessories. I try to get in a workout 5-6 days a week including twice weekly weight training sessions. I'm another huge advocate for weight training. I like to say that what I eat determines my size, but my weight training determines my shape. Being strong helps me keep up with all of my guys. For motivation, I'm part of an exercise check-in on videofitness.com and have been for many years. It's great knowing that the people there expect me to report on a daily basis what exercise I've been doing. I also have a yearly exercise minutes goal at Sparkpeople.com. Beyond that, I try to eat lots of fruits and veggies, take vitamins, and attempt to get enough sleep. I probably need to work harder on that last one. DonnaF on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305360 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:39:56 +0000 DonnaF 1305360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My tip re exercise is do what works for YOU.  DH enjoys going to the gym and the social aspect of seeing and talking to the *regulars*; I hate the disinfectant smell and possibly encountering another person's sweat on equipment.  I also hate treadmills.  This all means I would never use a gym regularly.  I used to walk up and down a very steep hill in my neighborhood.  I like being outdoors, seeing the regular hill walkers, and meeting/seeing the homeowners.  Then, it became too much for my knees.  I now walk daily on a track at a nearby college.  I love that I don't have to worry about being run down by a car pulling out of a driveway, (but I DO have to worry about encountering skunks if I go out when it is still dark!).  I like the solitude and planning my day and what I will wear that day.  I like seeing a couple of homeschooled boys grow from fitting in running strollers to riding bikes on their own.  And my feet need the softness of the track.  DD is also a gym rat like her dad.  Maybe because they are both extroverts? Classically Casual on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305328 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:59:14 +0000 Classically Casual 1305328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll just add a couple of add'l ideas: <ul> <li>Re sleep - it really helps me to keep the bedroom as cold as possible.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Re diet - there's a lot of info available now re the importance of gut health.  The prevalence of probiotics and phytonutrients are part of this. We've started making our own sauerkraut with organic cabbage, and try to remember to eat a tablespoon or so with each meal. It's good. (Other fermented food works as well.)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Re exercise....I can overdo it sometimes, and can't sleep. It's a fine line. :)</li> </ul> I think if one is lucky and gets to middle age in a healthy state it's important to not take that for granted and actively work to manage stress/eat well/be physically fit/etc., etc.  And LAUGH a lot! Good luck! TraceyLiz65 on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305305 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:30:26 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1305305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, it's all about mind, body and soul getting in balance... Meditation and my new hobby of Zentangle(called Yoga for the mind)  Help me tremendously and are most important for my ADD brain that never stops.. Stocking the kitchen with fruits and vegetables and healthy snack foods , right now on a big watermelon kick... Eating the same three or four choices for breakfast and lunch and varying dinners.. Protein and going vegetarian at least 2-3 days a week.. Vitamins, Cinnamon, Krill Oil, CQ10 .and coconut oil (in smoothies)  Exercise for me is inconsistent lately based on migraines and terrible sinus season... I have a Fluidity Baller Bar and even if I don't manage a full workout, I can't walk by it without feeling the urge to do a few moves.. I also do planking in bed before bed.. I walk to the store sevearal times a week and when feeling better do much more regimented and focused workouts.. I think my weekly bowling couunts, as I can certainly feel it...  I agree that Sleep is of utmost importance and have to say something I've struggled with my entire life.... so somedays a Nap is in order... Soul- My gratitude journal on my blog daily, prayers several times a day and journaling when I feel out of sorts....  Making sure to have fun with family and friends..... Specific Girl time!!!!  Suz on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305196 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 16:15:44 +0000 Suz 1305196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you, Deborah! It can be daunting to take charge of your health but it is so, so worth it. And I do think you're right that women in mid-life really face an unusual number of stresses that can otherwise deplete our energy and joy.  What I do is similar to what others have mentioned.  Exercise -- this is key. Until four years ago I had barely exercised in my life and was the opposite of sporty. Now I could not function well without regular exercise. I aim for a minimum of half an hour of activity a day, as Gaylene does. But the activity varies with the seasons and my schedule. Like Janet, I have a Fitbit and enjoy using it to help me track my activity and sleep. (I don't use it as a food log, although it's possible to do that if you want.) On days when I am not working out, I aim to get my 10,000 steps through a walk.  3 to 5 times per week I do an actual workout of some kind -- resistance training (weights) at least twice (and usually 3 times), and some sort of cardio or interval training the other two days -- that might mean a run, biking, a swim, skating -- it depends on the season.  As texstyle says, resistance training is extremely important for women and often neglected. It makes a huge difference to bone health and energy levels and changes body composition -- so you lose FAT vs. muscle.  I also take a yoga class occasionally for active recovery.  I found it helpful to begin with an exercise program. (The one offered by the company I now work for). This got me acclimatized gradually. Now I mix things up. At the moment, I have a personal trainer and belong to a Crossfit facility where I go more occasionally. (I don't subscribe to many of Crossfit's more militant ideas. But I like the actual coach at the place I go and like the short intense workouts.)  Sleep -- I go through phases with this. It's harder to sleep well than it used to be, and I am guilty of staying up too late quite often. I aim for a regular bedtime, computer off an hour before bed, etc. But don't always follow my own rules. YLF is an addiction!  :)  Fortunately, exercise helps ensure a more restful sleep.  LIGHT: this is absolutely critical to me. In summer I have SOOOOO much more energy and pep and my mood is so much better overall. I bought one of those blue lights for winter, but so far it hasn't really had much of an effect. I may not be using it properly, or may need a bigger, stronger version. My need for light means it's crucial for me to get outside for a while every day. Even on our worst days I aim for that. Again -- work in progress. I don't always manage it. And suffer the consequences when I don't.  Time outdoors in nature: I don't even like running. The reason I do it is because I DO like being outdoors. Connected with above, but not identical. Time in nature -- walks or hikes. Super relaxing for me.  Diet: I'm a "moderator," meaning I don't like the idea of restricting myself or ruling out any food that I love. I refuse to count calories -- it makes me feel rebellious and unhappy.  ;) I don't follow any particular dietary philosophy. As it happens, I seem to feel and perform best on a sort of modified Paleo approach. Unlike strict Paleo adherents, I do eat dairy, legumes, and even grains . But processed grains don't really feature very often in my diet (except on holidays), I don't consume a lot of added sugars, and I focus much more heavily on vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein. I need lean protein and a lot of it -- it helps with feeling full and it keeps my energy levels higher. So I do eat meat. But we also eat vegan and vegetarian meals several times a week -- it's just a bit more planning in the kitchen to ensure the protein needs are met. Not impossible. I watch portion sizes but do eat desserts once or twice a week, eat a square or two of dark chocolate every day, and I drink wine quite regularly. I guess what I am saying is that food is one of my big pleasures in life, and controlling it too strictly would rob me of joy. So I wanted to find a way to truly nourish myself.  Creative work: More and more I realize that if I am not engaged in my creative work (not the paid job) I truly suffer in well being; my spiritual life withers. So I am doing my best to find ways of building more time for that again. It is a bit of a struggle with my other commitments. This is part of the phase I am in. YLF is a creative outlet in itself and very helpful and uplifting. But it is not enough for me, personally.  Community: Speaking of YLF....   But also friends. It's so important to know we are making a difference somewhere. I am sure you get this feeling in your community so maybe you don't even think about how important a part of well-being it is. But sometimes we do lose sight of it. I like the sense that I am part of a group people that shares my values and to whom I can offer something. Both here, and in real life, I try to build and be part of those communities.  Special time with loved ones: Life gets so crazy some times that I miss special time with my daughter and Mr. Suz. It really, really makes a difference when I ensure we are not robbed of that time. Going out for a nice dinner or a walk (with either or both of them), taking a short holiday...anything to reinforce that connection.  Those are my "secrets" for what they are worth! Not very original.  rachylou on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305188 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:57:02 +0000 rachylou 1305188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sleep is #1 Walking (a lot) is #2 Not grazing - eating every four hours and not in between The last has been a very, very hard habit to break. I'm a type 1 diabetic and I've learned insulin running through your body all the time is exhausting. You hear a lot of advice about grazing to keep your blood sugars level, which is what I used to do; but it wears the body out. texstyle on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305161 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:27:25 +0000 texstyle 1305161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you Deborah - it's never too late to get started with exercise. I'm a pretty big advocate of weight training as it really helps to build bone density, firms everything up and makes one feel more "ready" for whatever comes along. It truly seemed to help my chronic back pain when I started years ago. But I would go to a trainer if I hadn't been doing it before. Cardio is great but adding muscle really seems to help the metabolism long term.  I like that a person can do weights for just 20-30 mins. a session  a few times a week and see results within just a couple of weeks. Nebraskim on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305070 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:00:27 +0000 Nebraskim 1305070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Exercise is the key for my well-being. I love working out although to look at me, one would not guess I ever do so. I jog three times a week on a treadmill at my gym (I do 5ks) and occ. run outside if the weather cooperates (it's been oddly cool this week...we hit a record low of 48 degrees F today...usually in July, the low would be in the mid-80s). I also always try to do a longish run/walk on the weekend (for me that would be 6-7 miles). I also have started to do TRX suspension training with personal trainer. I am starting to have niggling issues with my hips and shoulders and this is freaking me out. 28 months ago, I decided to try gluten free/wheat free and it's been a revelation for me in terms of solving weird issues that had dogged me for years: within a week or two itchy full-body rash/hives went away as did bothersome GI issues (gas, bloating, daily diarrhea) and several months later I realized I had not had an asthma issues. I have not been tested to see if I'm "sensitive," but I find that if I avoid wheat, I have no problems. Because I just gave up wheat items like bread, pasta, cookies, etc. and did not substitute with gluten-free bread, pasta, cookies, etc. I also gave up thousands of calories, and I have lost 2 dress sizes in 2 years (in fact, I dropped probably 10 pounds in the first month alone.) I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables but am not at all a vegetarian. I enjoy reasonable amounts of meat, which I eat because I find that if I don't, I never get enough protein. I also drink NO soda pop. I drink water or unsweetened tea or milk. My big life change comes in three weeks: due to a job restructure I am opting to take "early" retirement at age 59 after 28 years at the same employer. Not sure what's next but I'm looking forward to more time to work out and have fun. Janet on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1305010 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 13:02:12 +0000 Janet 1305010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many great insights already. Exercise has been HUGE for me. I feel better physically, emotionally and mentally now than I did a few years ago because I'm much more physically active. I try to get at least a half hour of some sort of sweat-inducing activity in once a day, but even when I don't manage that, I'll step up the walking to try to hit 10K steps/4 miles in a day (I really enjoy having the Fitbit to let me know how active my day is). The key to exercise IMHO is finding something you enjoy and are motivated to do. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to figure out what you enjoy. Weirdly, the thing that got me back into a fitness activity was running, and I NEVER ran until three years ago. It's still not my favorite thing to do, but I always like how I feel when I finish -- like even if I accomplish nothing else that day, I got in a really good workout! It has led me to getting back into swimming and cycling, both of which I enjoy much more than running. It's so much easier to motivate yourself for a session of yoga or rock-climbing or whatever if it's something that you have fun doing. Lifting weights and working on machines has never felt fun to me, unfortunately, so I've never been able to stay motivated for regular gym sessions. Exercise has improved my sleep too. Something to keep in mind. For a while, I was having trouble with waking up at 3am and struggling to get back to sleep, but that has improved a lot. I usually sleep a solid 7 hours in a night. The thing I could really stand to improve is my eating habits. I'm not awful, but I'm not great. I don't love to cook, frankly, and hubs and I are apart enough that cooking for one person is, well, uninspiring to say the least. And I end up eating out more than I should. I don't restrict anything from my diet that I like, although I do aim for moderation. I could stand to cut down on sugar. In general, though, if I have an indulgent day (or two), usually the next day I'll be very happy eating salad and yogurt, so it seems my body kind of lets me know what it needs. Good luck, and well done to be thinking about these things and taking steps! It only gets more difficult as we get older to change habits. We're here for you! Mona on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1304959 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:49:06 +0000 Mona 1304959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sleep: I am usually a very good sleeper (early to bed and early to rise). But lately, I find that if I stay up later than my ususal time, I find it harder to sleep. So I make it a point to start shutting off lights and start my bedtime routine at 9pm. That way, I am ready for bed by 9:30/45. Diet: I usually eat pretty healthy but don't count calories or anything like that. But I do eat mindfully and take my time preparing and cooking the food. There is nothing better than a home cooked meal as it is so satisfying. Once in a while, we order in pizza etc. but not routinely. My challenge has been to add more vegetables in my diet. Exercise: I took up running a year ago and am so glad that I did. I go to a local running room to run with the group as it keeps me more motivated. Not to mention the social aspect of running with a group. I have made several good friends there. This summer, my son also wanted to join the group so now we are both running 4-5K twice a week. I plan to join the 10K group in fall. Is there anything in your town where you can do a group activity? Neel on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1304918 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:23:18 +0000 Neel 1304918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am in my early 30s and have recently started taking better care of my health. I regularly run on my treadmill for 30 mins and I try to follow a healthy portion limit. I have not restricted myself from indulging in any kind of food, because that I know only makes my temptation worse. I have started making healthy juices for myself and I am also taking supplements for Vit D (after mum's arthritis news, I have decided to take care of myself even better) Come September I am taking up swimming, which I plan to do at least twice a week. And this winter I am investing in a bike ... I have only started now but I know this will help me tremendously in the long run. Good luck with your health plan. You are up to a great start IMO. Anonymous on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1304916 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:19:26 +0000 Anonymous 1304916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, I'm a bit like you Deb, in that I do 'healthier' things in bursts and then I lapse a bit. I haven't exercised regularly for ages. I do try to eat healthily though and I like to make sure I get lots of veg down me. I also never settle down to sleep any later that 11pm. Usually it's 10.30pm. and I'm up at 7am. Like Shevia, I think short bursts of exercise are very beneficial. In fact I think there are schools of thought that suggest even 10 mins per day is enough to make a difference. Well done for deciding to make some positive steps to your overall well-being. I'll be watching this thread for more insights myself Jaime on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1304903 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:33:18 +0000 Jaime 1304903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In terms of exercise, I find it much easier to commit to shorter workouts. I exercise with dvds for about 30 minutes, about 5 days a week and have done so since my 20s. Somehow knowing it will only take 30 minutes just works for me. Right now I am doing mostly yoga, but when I am home I also work out with kettlebells and weights. In terms of eating, I have so conditioned myself to associate certain kinds of food with feeling badly that I am rarely tempted. When I put on a few pounds - which I do, especially in the winter, it is usually from too much healthy food. I need to go for walks by myself most days or I become a frazzled mess. I am definitely a tortoise in it for the long haul when it comes to health but if I don't do these things I pretty much fall apart! Gigi on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1304849 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 05:46:13 +0000 Gigi 1304849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you for deciding to make changes! I hope your labs turn out OK. The main thing I do to maintain my well-being is to exercise, because due to some health concerns right now, that is the main means available to me. I recently changed my workout to have more strength training and less cardio about three months ago, and since then I've noticed that I've gained quite a bit and feel much more lethargic. So it is back to the old cardio workouts for me! I do find that if you can get a routine going with the exercise, you're much more likely to stick with it. I used to walk for half an hour after lunch every day, but this winter was so nasty that I couldn't get out to do it more than a few times a week—and I'm still not back on track with it, despite the nicer weather. I also noticed that the half-hour walk after lunch was a great stress reliever and really energized me for the second half of the day. If you can find someplace to take a midday walk, that might be something else to try. Gaylene on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1304847 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 05:43:20 +0000 Gaylene 1304847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Reaching my mid-sixties made me aware that looking after myself had to be a priority if I want to continue doing all the things I like. I've committed to exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. What I do depends on the season: In the winter, I ski (downhill and cross country) and go to the gym to work out on the elliptical, treadmill, and weight machine. In the spring and fall, I walk or ride my bike everywhere. In the summer, I golf, usually carrying my clubs, and go on hikes in the mountains. Switching up the activities makes exercising something I look forward to doing, instead of a chore. I also find that doing something fun is a great stress-reliever and the more I do, the more energy I have to handle the other parts of my life. Even on my busiest days, I can find 30 minutes to go for a walk. I'm firmly of the mind that children aren't the only ones who need to play and have fun on a daily basis. When my doctor recommended that I shed 10-15 pounds a few years ago, I actually ended up losing 30 pounds. Losing that weight took some of the stress off my knees and lower back, and, coupled with some physio, has helped me keep the strength in my joints so I can keep up with my activities. I researched a number of diets and finally decided that a Mediterranean diet of grains, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and chicken, and olive oil really suited my style of eating so sticking with this diet is pretty effortless. I eat treats by cutting them in fourths--I'll eat 1/4 and then decide if I want another piece, and then another. Usually I'm satisfied with one or two pieces. My philosophy has always been to figure out what I can commit to for the long haul when it comes to diet and exercise. I think it's much harder to stay motivated if you need to constantly exert your will power to stay on your exercise program or your diet. If you figure out what you like to do, then it's easy to find ways to incorporate it into your life. Deborah on "General Health" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/general-health#post-1304832 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 04:58:03 +0000 Deborah 1304832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Fabbers, Women everywhere talk about the challenges of maintaining their general well being and energy levels as they navigate motherhood, work commitments, family, volunteer work, ageing parents, etc.  Of course not all apply to everyone but most of the women I know juggle many balls. I am very grateful that I don't have any serious health issues but I find those little niggly things can really slow me down.  My energy levels have never consistently been what I would like them to be, and my greatest challenges have been an iron deficiency/anaemia and more recently a gluten intolerance. Last year I made it a goal to start focussing on little things to improve my overall wellbeing.  I did make progress but sadly fell short and am now starting to concentrate on this again.  First up is sleep!  I am naughty, I know I need my sleep but for many reasons I find myself going to bed later and later.  So I have declared 10.00 p.m. to be my new bedtime.  I randomly have trouble sleeping so I am taking a warm shower before bed and and reading for 15/20 minutes before lights out. Next is my diet. It's not bad but it could be better.  I am much healthier not eating gluten but still submit to the odd temptation.... which never ends well:)  I am reviewing the Paleo style of eating at the moment.  I would like to drop some weight. And third is exercise!  I don't like doing exercised, but I do like how it makes me feel.  I have not consistently excercised for a long time (lets not put a number on it) and I need to start.  We have a treadmill and my goal is to start using it at least three times a week. If you have read this far, thank you, and now my questions to you. What things do you do to maintain your general wellbeing?  What relaxes you? What do you do to ensure that you have the energy you need.  I would love to hear what strategies you use to stay in tip top shape to keep up with everything in your world. And because I know you care, I have just had my regular blood tests to check on my iron etc results should be back in the next few days. Over to you and thanks for sharing. xxx Deborah