health and wellness – Page 4 – Take on Life After 50

The Art of Versatility

Definition of Versatile: having ability in many different fields.

Do you excel in one field or can you manage being faced with different challenges?

I’ll be the first to admit it: I enjoy a little variety. It is perhaps the reason why I seem to have different things going on at any one time.

When it comes to adding to your bank account (or sock drawer) pursuing a part-time venture in something you don’t normally do is a good thing. Not only does it increase your bottom line, it also helps to avoid total burnout.

Can you imagine spending all day at your job as an accountant, then going home and spending another few hours doing books on the side? Not only would you spend your life working with numbers, the several hours seated at a desk each day is sure to have a negative impact on your health.

Depending on what your day-time job is and where you live, there are many options available to you. If you are at a desk all day and live in an urban area, perhaps you could earn a few extra dollars by walking dogs for people who work late.

Or if you’re a construction worker and look forward to some quiet time, perhaps a sideline business of selling bedding plants is more up your alley.

No matter what you choose, be sure it’s something you enjoy.

My job as a part-time library assistant has me inside for my entire shift, with a lot of that time spent at the computer or shelving books. When I get home, I don’t want to spend more hours at my computer. I like to crochet, read or spend time outside. And if I am on my computer it’s because I’m working on adding articles to my gardening website.

The subject of versatility leads to what your hobbies are. Are they something you can write about? Or share with others?

Getting older doesn’t have to mean staying “stuck” in the same routine. It means doing more of what you enjoy and even making a few extra dollars doing it.

By this point of life most people have had their hand in a variety of jobs, tasks and interests. I know that’s how it has been for me. One thing that hasn’t changed though is my ability to earn a little extra cash whenever I need it. Sometimes it has been by selling digital products I have created; other times it has been by providing a service (such as bookkeeping or childcare). And still other times it has been by operating farm equipment.

My point is no matter what you choose to do, make sure it’s something that’s going to give you what you want and expect.

As I get older, I value my time more and want to have more say in how I spend it. Being a writer (my superpower) gives me the flexibility, and having different interests gives me the versatility.

What’s your superpower?

It’s a ME Day

I hope you have all had a great weekend. Mine was good, and the weather even cooperated so I could bring in part of my garden. Yesterday wasn’t as nice, so I worked on cleaning out the bathroom cabinet and figuring out a plan for my bedroom closet.

Today I decided to make it a ME day, and drove to a small city less than an hour from home. I bought some organizers for my closet and pantry, ordered some new glasses and spent time in the bookstore. I have been spending so much time either working, doing yard work and my course, I decided today was a good day to just do something for me.

Plus, I bought a spinning wheel. It’s different than the one I have, and needs a little TLC to get it working properly. I have my sister to thank for noticing it listed on a local Facebook Group. I can’t wait to get it set up and working right. I’ll bring it inside tomorrow; tonight it’s going to stay in my Jeep. I’m not quite sure where to put it yet, so need to figure that out before I bring it inside.

As part of my ME day, I decided to do some crocheting this evening. As I walked down the yarn aisle in Walmart I spotted some nice blanket yarn. I think it will be perfect for a throw for the new sectional. I don’t think it’s going to be very big, because I only bought two balls of it. But, it’ll be perfect to keep my cold feet warm as I write.

And yes, I tend to be most productive writing when I’m sitting in a comfy spot. When I’m comfortable I get a lot more accomplished, and the words flow freely. My desk and computer chair don’t usually produce the number of words I can come up with when I’m relaxed in my “spot”. Granted, I’m going to have a new spot when the new furniture gets here Wednesday. If I’m right, the chaise part of the new furniture will be perfect.

I don’t usually take a ME day, but with the next course starting on Wednesday I decided to regenerate a little. It’s important to take the time for ourselves, and I know I need to practice what I preach a little more often. So, tonight the computer will stay off and as soon as I finish this post, my iPad will be set aside as well.

Do you find yourself taking on too much sometimes? What helps you get everything done while keeping your sanity?

Have a wonderful week!

Diane

Photo credit Diane Ziomek. It’s the first half-dozen rows of my blanket yarn throw.

Walking to Stay Healthy

I have to admit, when it comes to exercise I’m the last one to go full guns on a program.

That’s not to say I’m a couch potato, because I’m not. I like to keep busy with my writing, crafts, reading and puttering out in the yard. Since most of the things I do don’t involve strenuous exercise, I make a point to try to walk for at least half an hour each day.

I’m fortunate, because living in the country gives me plenty of opportunities to walk without having to worry about much traffic. The only time we have a lot of activity past our place is during spring and fall; seeding and harvest time.

I like walking on the gravel road, because it gives me the opportunity to see tracks. Usually it’s deer or moose tracks I see, but last Thursday I saw bear tracks. The deer and moose must consider our road their personal highway, and I suppose the bear did too.

Photo taken July 11/19 while out for my walk.

I like to take our dog along, but if I’m planning on walking more than half a mile one way I leave him home. He’s ten now, and I’m sure when he goes too far he aches like I do.

Instead of giving up my walking outside, I will be investing in bear bells. That should keep the wildlife at a safe distance. I prefer to walk outside, because the air is fresh, I can listen to the birds and I have plenty of choices regarding distance and direction. It’s much nicer than being on a treadmill and staring at the wall.

Walking to stay healthy doesn’t require much more than a good pair of shoes (which I need to replace as soon as possible), comfortable clothing and an optional walking partner. And, there’s less risk of injury than when running.

I will power walk sometimes, just to raise my heart rate. I like to keep a steady pace with the occasional burst thrown in. My bursts don’t usually involve jogging or running, because my knees and hips rebel. I will occasionally do squats at the turnaround point, but have to pay attention to what my knees tell me.

Walking is good for you and your health. Being able to enjoy an active life is also good for the mind. Something as simple and low impact as walking may not seem like much, but any activity is better than none. And, for those of us who are on the second half of a century, staying physically active is crucial for weight management. Plus, bone, muscle and mental health all benefit from regular exercise.

Walking for health is my choice, plus I have added in some resistance bands to my daily routine. The most important thing to remember is to start slow, and increase time, distance and intensity gradually. If you go full guns right off the top, you will not only risk injury but you may also become discouraged.

Do you have a regular exercise plan? If so, is it new or have you been doing it for some time?