So, what is a good meditator? The one who meditates. – Allan Lokos

Are you struggling to find health practices for your mind and body? Today’s story is dedicated to meditation, Tai chi, walking, yoga, and much more. No matter what is happening in life, we could all use a little bit of ZEN for our mind and body! It’s never too late to embrace new habits that will help you lead a healthier, more vibrant life. Let’s explore some of the best practices for mind and body that will bring calm, peace, and balance to your daily routine.

Why Mind and Body Practices Matter After 50

As we age, it’s essential to stay active and manage our stress for a sharp mind and strong body. But, sweet reader, self-care is so much more than eating well and exercising. It’s about creating time for mind and body practices that bring us peace, grounding, and well-being. The secret to having a sharp mind and a healthy body after 50 not only lies in self-care and healthy eating but also in how we destress and settle our minds. The quote, “So, what is a good meditator? The one who meditates”, is perfect because it is so true, my sweet reader. All we have to do is start and then by practicing, we are doing it. How amazing!

So, here it goes…a list of great mind and body practices to help us live our best lives.

Meditation: A Beautiful Practice for Mind and Body Harmony

What does it take to be a good meditator? The willingness to try, darling! Meditation is defined via Wikipedia as “a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.”

Practiced for over 5,000 years for good reason, meditation provides many health benefits. It improves physical health as well as mental health by reducing stress and calming the often-overactive mind and body. It’s even said to have anti-aging benefits because of its links to the destressing of the body.

It can be practiced anywhere and at any time. There are so many variations of meditation that I encourage you to try many different methods until you find the one that is right for you. This may include going to a group meditation or using a guided meditation on YouTube or iTunes. One of my favorite practitioners on YouTube is Michael Sealey, who has many guided meditations on several different topics. They are wonderful.

You will be amazed at what a simple five-minute daily meditation can do for your health. I guarantee you will feel calmer, happier, and maybe even a little younger. Especially after you practice regularly.

Having a comfortable meditation cushion can help you disappear into a zen-state comfortably, and they can be a stylish home décor piece as well! I like this one from Amazon.

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Tai Chi: A Gentle Practice for Mind and Body Connection

Ah, Tai Chi—often referred to as “meditation in motion,” it’s a practice for mind and body that is as gentle as it is powerful. If you’ve ever seen people practicing slow, flowing movements in the park, you’ve likely witnessed Tai Chi in action. It may even look like you’re watching a slow-motion Jackie Chan movie, but that is Tai Chi!

This ancient Chinese mind and body practice brings together mental focus and physical movement, promoting both balance and flexibility. It’s a wonderful way to relieve stress and tension, making it especially beneficial for those of us over 50.

If you’re interested in learning the art of Tai Chi, here is a great video for beginners. 

Walking: A Simple Yet Powerful Practice for Mind and Body Wellness

My dear reader, sometimes the simplest practices are the most effective. Walking is a lovely mind and body practice that not only strengthens your body but also soothes your soul. It’s a meditative experience, allowing you to clear your mind and reconnect with nature.

Walking regularly offers incredible benefits:

• Improves heart health and circulation
• Lifts your mood and reduces stress
• Strengthens muscles and bones
• Boosts mental clarity and cognitive function

Even just a daily walk around your neighborhood can make a world of difference, my friend. Lace up your shoes and give your body—and mind—the gift of movement.

Grab my newly released Frazzled, Razzled, and Dazzled sweatshirt to stay warm on your fall walks this season!

Stretching: A Vital Practice for Mind and Body Flexibility

Sometimes when I think of stretching, I cringe! For something so simple, I know it can often feel like a chore, especially if your body hurts. However, there are so many benefits to stretching beyond simply feeling better and more limber afterward.

Did you know that after 50 we can lose up to 50% of our flexibility? I had no idea until I did some research and I was shocked. I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to get up and do some stretching right now! Not only will we feel great, but stretching also increases joint and muscle mobility while helping us maintain flexibility. This will be helpful as we age, especially if we keep our hip flexors mobile. This means we’ll be able to maintain a long stride and a healthy lower back as well.

Lastly, stretching can be great for the mind when we make it a meditation. Create a routine and do it once or twice a day. Remember to take deep breaths and clear your mind as you stretch. Breathe through the pain and let it become a way to destress and maintain harmony between your mind and body. Let stretching be a joy.

You can improve your stretching with straps. You may have used stretching straps before in a yoga or Pilates class. You can also get them online here. 

 

Yoga: A Timeless Practice for Mind and Body Balance

Yoga has many benefits for a body over 50. Like stretching, it increases joint and muscle mobility. However, that is not where yoga ends!

Dating back to 3000 BC, yoga is said to have been created as a way to achieve harmony between the heart and the soul. Many claim that it is a way to enlightenment. Through poses, a practitioner can attain a wealth of benefits including flexibility, physical strength, and more.

For bodies over 50, yoga can reduce hypertension caused by stress, eliminate dependency on medication for high blood pressure, calm the nervous system, and help with chronic issues like arthritis and osteoporosis.

I don’t know about you, but the benefits seem endless to me! I often enjoy waking up, grabbing my favorite yoga mat, and practicing yoga as a way to stretch my body after a restful night’s sleep or even using yoga as a means to calm my mind at the end of the day. Yoga can also be taken in classes (now online), which can be an excellent way to simultaneously combat loneliness by meeting new people.

Find a great source for starting yoga after 50+ here.

Journaling: A Reflective Practice for Mind and Body Health

Lastly, I want to discuss journaling. If you’ve been reading along, you know how much I adore journaling! Journaling is a way to express my feelings and uncover the mysteries of my life.

Journaling is also a beautiful way to meditate in its own right. I find the strokes of a pen on paper and my fingers on the keyboard very zen and calming. It’s a way to clear my mind of thoughts, regardless of the topic, memory, or emotion. Journaling is so very important for the heart and the mind. If you take just ten minutes in the morning or evening to journal, I know your mind will thank you for it.

How do you keep your mind and body healthy? I want to know all about your calming habits in the comments at the bottom of the page. I look forward to hearing from you!

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