The Tomorrow Test

What make us make those life choices, those small daily decisions, that contribute to our own vibrant health.  The average lifespan for a Canadian woman in 2017 is 81 years of age.  It's not up to the medical professionals in your life; it's up to you to create your best health. Where you live, how you live, your work and play, your biology/genetic heritage, how you eat and drink, how you manage life's stress…….you can impact all these factors.  It's up to you.
 
The Tomorrow Test is this:  Each time you address something you'd like to change, commit to it. Then when you begin to waver (procrastinate, make excuses, defer), ask yourself how you'll feel about it tomorrow. We know that we only have today, but looking at the moment from tomorrow's perspective may add a lovely bit of motivation that you need to follow through.
 
How many changes at a time?  If we make one change, we have an 80% chance of staying with it.  If we make two changes at a time, we have a 30% chance; if we tackle three changes at once, we have less than a 5% chance to stick to our guns.  Make one change, take six weeks to make it hold.
 
What changes in our life will provide us with our best health? For women, it's different than for men. We have a complicated body full of hormonal influences provided by our biology (like monthly cycles, pregnancies, baby-having, and menopause).  We need to understand the impact of our amazingly unique bodies so that we can make lovely life choices.
 
Women's Health Rules are:

1. Eat real food. Mostly plants.  If it's a plant, eat it.  If it's made in a plant, avoid it. There are dozens of eating plans or diets out there, a new trend every season. Attend to your own digestion, knowing that it's not always simply the food, but also emotional wellness, stress management, scar tissue/previous surgery in your abdomen and your relationship with food itself that affect your digestion.
2. Hydrate well.  Add a slice of cucumber, mint, lemon or lime to your water.  Chill it or warm it.  Have it as herb tea.  Don't add sugar.
3. Beverages with alcohol may be enjoyed in moderation.  One 5 - 6 oz. glass of wine or one beer per day is it.  Enjoy it but stop at one.
4. Move often. Walk more.  Make time to make movement part of your day. Look at physical work as beneficial and enjoyable rather than something to be avoided.
5. Huff and puff. Exercise your heart for 150 minutes a week.  For post-menopausal women, it's in 22-25 minute sessions rather than longer sessions. This isn't the time of life to become a marathon runner (for your heart).  Our older bodies interpret longer cardio sessions as STRESS.  Short and snappy sessions or High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are the way!
6. Stretch. Move to the point of stretch and enjoy it without shaking or pain.  Find a way to make a luxurious time without rushing in your day.  
7. Make sleep a priority. Park your tech in your kitchen, turning it off 2 hours before bedtime. Do a brain dump, writing down all the lists in your mind. Be consistent with time, preparation for sleep and enjoy it!
8. Make space and time in your life for quiet.  You mind and soul need rest just like your body does.  Make time to appreciate today and find gratitude.

 
Now….women friends!  Look at this list.  What would be enjoyable, something you'll want to repeat?  Only one.  Six weeks. It's your health.
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