July 2017:

Embracing Novelty! 

As we age, we tend to do the same things over and over... We have become so used to our routines that enjoying anything NEW seems too much like hard work. We even try and convince ourselves that we're 'too old' to learn or acheive anything novel.

Most people wake up at the same time every day, eat the same breakfast, wear the same type of clothes, watch the same mindless TV, speak to the same people, repeat the same patterns... almost ad infinitum - mediocrity has become the norm. It's kind of okay when you're dividing your time between a steady 9-5 job... and everything else - BUT, following retirement, it is essential to change your lifestyle choices, and grow younger before it's too late.

LIVING LIKE A BROKEN RECORD IS NON-SENSE!!!

There is a great deal of recent research which concludes that embracing novelty is of great benefit. This might involve something as simple as changing your daily routine, studying a new topic, doodling, managing tasks with your non-dominant hand i.e. brushing teeth, learning to play a musical instrument, drama, joining a new class... or even, something as simple as walking a different route to the shops!

A sedentary 'routine-led' lifestyle is both unhealthy and debilitating. Many people are simply existing, but are not truly alive. There is much to be said for 'taking the bull by the horns' and stepping out of your comfort zone.It takes courage and committment to change habits - but the renumerations are invaluable. 

WHAT'S THE POINT?

Adapting our lifestyle to include behaviours which support novelty and new learning, is the most accessible way to boost our brain power and build new neural connections. And, if this is partnered with  eating a healthy diet, learning and embracing skills to manage our stress, daily exercising, improved sleep etc. then, we are most definitely onto a winner. There is no guarantee that congnitive decline will not occur, but adopting a healthier lifestyle will significantly lower the risk.

One of my clients recently learned how to play the flute. She had wanted to, since she was 13 years old... but life got in the way. Additionally, she started attending a Tai Chi class, adapted her diet condiderably, began walking 5 miles a day... and learnt my memory enhancement strategies. Perhaps I should have mentioned that, she acheived all this in her 93rd year!

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO EMBRACE NOVELTY