How exploring my wellness changed my perspective on life

If you’ve read my previous blogs, you’ll know I’m someone who likes to get aspirational about the future and make plans. I enjoy working towards long-term visions and have short-term goals. This year, some issues relating to my health took me off guard and really got me thinking about my future. I didn’t anticipate this. I was recalled for a mammogram so had a few days with a lot of uncertainty, especially as there is a history of breast cancer in my family. While I’m fortunate that there’s nothing wrong, it really made me stop and think. In life, I feel generally resilient but when it came to this, I was not as mentally strong as I would like to have been. I am also experiencing some of the symptoms of the menopause. These are another real reminder of my own physicality and mortality. I knew it was time to dig in, learn a little more and reset.

At first I was frustrated at these curve balls and wanted to plough on regardless with my usual speed of work. But my body, and my health practitioners - (sidenote: I’ve met a handful of brilliant folk, who I can introduce you to depending on what you’re after) - soon reminded me that I needed to adapt and respect my body’s changing needs.

My discoveries shifted my perspective on life. Here are a few of my learnings, which I hope will get you thinking too, whatever your age, physical state or phase in life.

Appreciate every moment of physical and mental health

Before my amazing friend Jayne died, she urged me not to take my mental health for granted and this has stayed with me. I now extend this gratitude to my physical health too. Every day, I try to remember how amazing my body is and how much it enables me to do. This appreciation brings me back to the moment, and helps me to enjoy the day on a very pure level, no matter what else I’m facing. I’m now in the habit of thinking of ten things I’m grateful for as the last thing I do before I fall asleep.

Prepare your body for the future 

I’m in my fifties now and realise that the way I treat my body will have an implication not just on how I feel today and tomorrow but also on my quality of life in my 70s, 80s or 90s. I want to enjoy my winter years and being mobile is very much part of that. For instance, I have a vision that in my 80s I will be able to stroll, unimpaired, around any city of my choice. When I call on this vision, it motivates me to make smarter choices now. 

Research what’s right for you (don’t just trust the status quo)

We are constantly being told to be mindful of our diets, sleep and exercise patterns, but how much research and information do we absorb, beyond the headlines of what we “should” do? The choice is up to us. Personally, I’ve made some choices that haven’t entirely suited my body based on taking advice that wasn’t right. And so now I make a conscious effort to cut through the general noise about health and seek information that relates directly to me. For instance, I was avoiding certain food groups and was lacking in some specific vitamins and minerals, which I realised after taking some baseline tests. I now know that this could affect my brain function and energy levels and have made some changes.

I study, teach and use systemic intelligence and coaching in my work and have uncovered some parallels in my exploration into my health and nutrition. There is no greater system than our body, where some things are obvious but some of the connections and dynamics are hidden and take a little more to uncover. However, once revealed they are hugely valuable.

Take sleep seriously

I’ve had a great insight this year relating to the quality of my sleep. I was waking up frequently due to a long-term back niggle with the need to adjust my position. I didn’t appreciate the impact it was having on my sleep cycles. I never thought much of it before, because I always fall right back to sleep. Through my research I’ve woken up to the importance of deep, good quality sleep for the brain and body’s long-term health. With the support of a physio, who’s made some simple suggestions about how to sleep comfortably, I have also embraced a consistent rhythm of daily exercise to strengthen my core, which, in turn, is beginning to alleviate the back pain.

Slow down 

This was a tough lesson for me, but I’m finally understanding that slowing down can be not only restful but also hugely rewarding. I’ve previously had an ‘always on’ mind-set as far as work was concerned. Now I deliberately give myself ‘off duty’ periods. While others might think of me as busy, there is actually planned space in my schedule for quiet, restful times, of which I’m becoming increasingly protective. Being busy isn’t a trophy for my success - it is actually a state I don’t want to associate with myself when I’m prioritising my present and future wellness. 

Grow old gracefully, not wistfully

When we’re young we feel invincible, don’t we? But as we grow older could our youth be replaced by something just as powerful: wisdom through experience? I believe so and wouldn’t trade my recent experiences. As well as bringing me a richer understanding of my own health and the personal choices I want to make, they’ve gifted me with an ability to be more supportive and respectful of those around me and any health challenges they might be facing.

While it can feel uncomfortable to explore these things, or even out of our control, I think it is worth developing a better understanding of your own body and mind because there’s so much you can do to support your vitality. What do you think?