Experts have plenty to say about how to live healthy and happy, but it's just so much
According to the experts, if I were good, I would get at least 7-9 hours of sleep, then I would start my productive day. I would stretch while still in bed and do 15 minutes of breathing exercises.
After that, I'd get out of bed and brush my teeth and floss before having my first cup of coffee. Oh, that would be an important decision. Do I drink coffee or not, according to which expert? I might need to switch to a hot collagen drink or green tea, which is fake coffee.
If I'm good, I need to meditate for at least 20 minutes and read scripture or inspiring literature for another 30 minutes. Then I would journal and set my intentions for the day. If I'm good, I do morning yoga for balance and flexibility. And by this time, I really need the coffee that I'm not supposed to have.
Since I'm told that intermittent fasting is good for me, I have to skip breakfast, allowing me more time to journal and think about coffee. OK, now it is 10 a.m. I need to get dressed for the day and wear good sturdy shoes. If I'm good, I will get outside for a walk to start my effort towards 10,000 steps for the day.
Oh, I almost forgot, I need to take my medications and recommended supplements that promise miracles — along with regularity.
I am famished, so how about a big glass of water? If I were good, I would commit to drinking half my body weight in ounces daily. That's a lot of water — better get started. Next, I'll make a grocery list of all recommended organic items. Then, of course, I would need to decide on the best diet for healthy aging — Keto, Blue Zone, Mediterranean, Paleo or, of course, the Intermittent Fasting diet.
Now it is time to eat, and I am so confused that I eat everything in sight. Guilty again; now I must think about a full-body detox cleanse.
The afternoon brings some free time, but if I am good, I'll go to the gym or Tai chi class. If the weather is good, I could ride my bike or sign up for pickleball.
I should get together with friends because socialization is good for me. Playing brain games is vital to help maintain good cognition, so I need to do a crossword puzzle or Wordle. I must not forget to call or visit my friends that are sick or in the hospital after myriads of surgeries and offer to drive them to rehab.
If I'm good, I'll call the kids and reach out to the grandkids to see if everyone is healthy and happy. I need a little desk time to write thank-you notes and schedule doctor appointments. And, of course, a little banking to do.
Oh gosh, I forgot about laundry and housekeeping. If I'm good, I use planet-saving products, which don't seem to clean things very well, but I want to be a good girl and save the ocean.
Good news, it is now nap time, and believe me, I need it. So, after napping, I'll read a book, do some writing or start cooking a healthy dinner. This is also the time you catch up on world news, but of course, you take in balanced reporting so that you have an unbiased opinion.
Oh, by the way, if you're good, the experts say to take up a new hobby, get plenty of time outside, volunteer for a worthy cause, adopt a dog or cat, practice gratitude, spend time with people you love and take a positive attitude toward aging.
It's exhausting trying to be a good girl.
The Catholics and Protestants may argue about whether to forgive our “trespasses” or our “debts," but I just want to add, "Forgive me for not being a good girl." After all, it's 5 p.m., and I want a glass of wine to get over trying to be good all day.
Find Connie’s book, “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging,” at www.justnowoldenough.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Experts have plenty to say about how to live healthy and happy
