When I went to Florida in late February to visit my wonderful mom, I used the nine-day visit to activate myself from my inactivity of winter. The dogs and I hike almost every Sunday all year round, but the rest of the week, I’m admittedly a slug.
Throughout the winter, I do stretch some, and my whippets are still walked twice a day, but typically, I embrace a hibernation-like state in my cozy home. A true New Englander, I love the seasons and somehow succumb to laziness adding a few extra pounds even if I occasionally snowshoe, which has been harder with our nearly snowless winters of late.
Staying Active
Visiting my ninety-five-year-old mom is always a treat. I woke up earlier than she, so I enjoyed a quick half-hour jog, had breakfast with her upon my return, and would sometimes swim in her gated community neighborhood pool. If I arrived to swim before noon, I was the only one there. How great it was to stretch out in the water and swim for 30 minutes with total freedom. On the other days, we went to her favorite chair aerobics class. The joy and pride in taking a class with my mom are indescribable, as she is my role model in so many ways.
My mother was always active – skiing when she was much younger and having played tennis until she was over 90 years old. On the advice of her doctor, he urged her to look at the possibility of having an injury and that it could be the beginning of the end. So many older adults break a hip and then succumb to depression from both inactivity and perhaps living in a rehab center without their usual social constructs. Pneumonia can set in, which sometimes can lead to death in older people.
So, my sluggish behavior of winter had a jump-start during my visit. It was a joy to get my running shoes on and just cut loose, sprinting a bit, and slow jogging a bit to get my muscles working again. Upon my return, I vowed to keep it going. Since I start my Rolfing® practice each morning at 7:30, I am no longer going to the gym at 4:30 am. My compromise was instead of walking the dogs for two blocks, we ran for three blocks. It gets me going, and they love it! As the weather improves, I add more time and distance. On my days off, I jog with the dogs for a half hour three times a week. The enjoyment of using my healthy, strong body is inspiring. I am self-motivated because, left with free time, I really want to fill it by being active.
Age Can Be Just a Number
This November, I will turn seventy. My age is only a number. Most days, when I wake up, I feel like I’m eighteen! I spring out of bed, have no pain, and begin my busy day filled with Rolfing clients, Zoom meetings, volunteering, and caring for my lovely pet family of two dogs and two cats.
I am also taking several classes, both online and in person, from decluttering to personal growth, a year of miracles to writing in a gratitude journal every day. I have been the recipient of countless Rolfing® sessions over the years. I was twenty-two years old when I was first Rolfed (which changed my life), and I believe my resiliency is because of the balanced structure I maintain.
My jump-start from winter to spring, my spiritual practices, and my practical habits all contribute to my well-being. What do you do to nurture yourself? That is something we all could be asking ourselves, especially this time of year.
Spring is a great time to strip off the collective immobility from the cold of winter. The days are longer, with more light allowing for more outdoor time. You are not alone in your rebirth – it’s a natural shift after the stillness of winter. It is a great time to set some goals and think about your future with a strong body that can take you into your later years.
May I suggest that you look to get outside and step up your healthy practices? Planting a garden filled with gorgeous flowers or fruits and veggies is a great way to get in shape. Planning and creating
the space opens our minds while digging, bending, carrying, and lifting are all wonderful body movements that get us going—not to mention the glorious first bite of homegrown, nourishing food right from your backyard!
Face Aging Head-On
Start slowly and move more. Your ability to navigate older age starts with the health you accumulate when you are younger. It is never too late to begin to develop better habits that will certainly pay off later. Many of my clients come in to get Rolfed when they are more aware of their pains and imbalances.
People think the aches and pains are age-related. Rolfers believe those aches and pains are due to chronic imbalances and misalignments that can be addressed. The ten-session Rolfing series is designed to shift the body back to neutral, layer by layer, piece by piece, after the traumas, injuries, and accidents that accumulate through life, knocking us out of balance. That begins with pathologies of chronic pain, joint-related problems, or trouble standing, walking, or sitting.
We only have one go-round at this thing called life. Do what you can to make it happen with ease, joy, and well-being. Start new practices, embrace each day, and be responsible for your own health. Get outside, celebrate your wins, be with loved ones, eat to support your health, and be thankful that every day can be a jump-start to a more full, robust, and joyous life!
Sharon Sklar is in her 43rd year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. She has been voted one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST Bodyworkers for the last five years. Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced, and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children, and adults recovering from the stress, injuries, or traumas of life. Inquiries are encouraged! State Licensed. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation.