Take good care of yourself.  These five simple words form the basis of aging well.  When you prioritize your emotional and physical needs, life is not only easier but also more enjoyable.  With good self-care, you are more able to weather the storms of life and still have energy left to dance through a puddle or two!

What does good self-care comprise of?  Aside from a healthy balanced diet, adequate sleep and regular physical exercise, good self-care involves effective stress management and a positive mindset.  How do you fare in each of these areas?

It is normal to fluctuate with life’s ups and downs but the important thing is to ensure adequate recovery time and continued commitment to enhancing coping skills with advancing age.  We all know the cumulative effects of on-going stress, with increased risk for depression, disease and disabilities.

The superstress we experience today can be persistent and wearing if we allow it.  Take a proactive approach to wellness and join me in my next workshop, ‘Stressed Spelled Backwards is Desserts!’ which takes place on Monday, April 15 from 1 – 3:30 pm at Wilson Centre in Port Coquitlam.  This workshop is specially priced at one loonie or two, being a part of the centre’s Adult 50+ Programs.  Register in person at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, 2150 Wilson Avenue; by phone at 604-927-7529 or on-line at experienceit.ca.