Think about that question. If suddenly your birth date was stricken from your memory, how old would you feel? Consider your physical health, your mental health, and most importantly, how you feel about yourself. Would you be younger or older than your birth date?
Now consider those people that you know in your life of whom it's often said, "he/she is so young for their age." Why is that? Generally these are people who are fully engaged in their lives. They "make" rather than "take" time for the things they care about-despite the same pressures we all have. Chances are they to have jobs, children, aging parents, and a mortgage. In spite of this they participate in forms of exercise, and leisure activities that they enjoy. They get sick, and have work deadlines, but get right back at it, once these pass. They also make conscious decisions about everything from their eating habits, to letting go of worry, and laughing.
Every one of us has the capability of living this way regardless of our circumstances. It takes a conscious decision to start making changes that serve us, one "simple step" at a time. Keep in mind that these do not have to be enormous, life changing habits that require a complete schedule re-write. They can include starting a bedtime ritual so you can sleep more peacefully, drinking less caffeine late in the day, bringing whole fruit to work every day, beginning a walking ritual at least twice a week, or performing some strength training exercises for 10 minutes in the evening.
Here's an exercise for you to try that can be life changing. Think about 2-3 things that you could start doing today that would have the greatest impact on your personal health, and write them down. Now look at your weekly schedule, and see where these new habits might fit, or, where you might write down a reminder for yourself, e.g. "Drink more water", "Last caffeinated beverage by 2:00 p.m." Make these appointments with yourself and treat them with the same sense of purpose that you do those with others. If you have to cancel for some reason, re-schedule immediately.
Remember to start with small changes. These are the ones that will build your confidence, and lead to larger ones. Are you younger, or older than your birth date? Start today, and start feeling younger.
