It’s ten years this weekend since Susan and I set up our Age-Well Project – read to the end for our birthday giveaway! Has it worked and have we aged well? We like to think so (ahem). One thing is for sure: we know a hell of a lot more than we did a decade back. I’ve pored over hundreds (possibly thousands) of studies, read piles of books, spoken to dozens of researchers, listened to hundreds of podcasts and attended numerous lectures and talks. At the very least, I’ve increased my cognitive reserve!
But what have I changed?
Sleep – a decade back I was quite convinced that my broken nights would lead to an early death. I now know better. Yes, good sleep is important but the latest studies suggest that broken nights will neither kill us nor make us desperately ill. The diseases of old age are infinitely more complicated. Regularity of hours appears to be more important than how long we sleep. So I do try and go to bed and get up at around the same time each night. And the first half of our slumber, when we sleep most deeply, appears to be more important for ageing well – so I use essential oils, a weighted blanket and sometimes a few supplements to ensure I get some deep shut-eye early on. But I no longer fret. Because stress is far more damaging…
Stress – we always knew this was bad. We now know that it might be the most detrimental factor of all. Stress affects us at a cellular level, making it more difficult for our bodies to counter the diseases of ageing. Yoga nidra has been one of my biggest discoveries of the last decade. Alongside the incredible power of … walking!
Walking – I’ve written three books on walking in the last decade (the latest will be out next January) which means I’ve learnt more than I ever expected to learn on something that seems ridiculously simple, but clearly isn’t. A decade ago I thought I needed to run to make any difference. This just isn’t true. And I very rarely run now. But I do walk fast. And so this is what I’ve learnt – some of your daily walk (ideally 20 minutes) must be huff-and-puff striding. So, yes, you should feel a little hot and sweaty! And walking should really be outside…
Natural light and dark – one of my biggest revelations has come from understanding just how deeply the light-dark cycle affects us, and particularly women. We need bright outdoor light every day, ideally within an hour of waking and again around sundown. So five years ago I cancelled my gym membership – this has nudged me into doing most of my exercise outdoors, whatever the weather. I’ve also learnt about our need for complete darkness at night. My bedroom windows are now blacked out every night and I wear an eye mask when I’m travelling. I also cover up all the winking lights hotel rooms have – unplugging TVs, and putting stickers over wifi lights, for example.
Smell – ten years’ ago I gave little thought to olfactory enrichment (smelling, to you and me). Scented soap was nice but hardly brain-changing. How wrong I was! Lack of smell has been linked to 70 neurological illnesses, from depression to dementia. No one yet understands what’s going on, but some experts speculate that we evolved in a highly fragranced (smelly) world and that our brains are now crying out for olfactory enrichment. I wrote about one astonishing study here and have since been in touch with several odour experts (my next book has an entire chapter on this). We need to keep smelling. I now sleep beside a diffuser, with a scented oil that I change every night. Inexpensive, pleasurable, without side-effects and possibly highly effective.
Supplements – a decade back I eschewed all supplements. Studies were conflicting and medics were clear: supplements didn’t work. Experts I met agreed. Since then the data on taking a multi-vitamin has become evident. At the very best, it might improve our cognition and help counter Alzheimer’s and memory loss. At the very worst, we pee it out. Inexpensive and no side effects. I take one every day. I also take Vitamin D, because here in the UK, our modern indoor lives mean we just don’t get enough sun. Medics still disagree over Vitamin D, but on balance the evidence seems to be falling in favour of taking a daily supplement. I also take an Omega 3 and Vitamin B12 supplement – but only because studies have shown they seem to have a beneficial effect on the autoimmune disease I live with. Otherwise I wouldn’t bother (Susan, however, would). I still believe that good diet is the best way to get the nutrients we need.
Diet – ten years ago I was sceptical about protein, thanks to the work of longevity expert, Valter Longo. Longo’s influential book on ageing well recommended minimal protein. He’s now gone very quiet. Meanwhile all the new data suggests that protein is more important than we ever imagined. So yes, I keep an eye on it. I don’t stress or fret about it (stress is still, in my view, at the root of all evil!) but I do try to include some every day, with a preference for fish, eggs, white meat and liver where possible.
Resistance training – a decade back it was believed that aerobic activity was the most important activity for ageing well. This idea has been dramatically overturned. The older we get, the more we need to lift! I use hand weights or a resistance band a few times a week – but only for 10-15 minutes. I also do two minutes of squats every day. I don’t want to be plagued by fractured osteoporotic bones as I age! I’ve also been spurred on by my decision not to take HRT, which would probably have given me stronger bones (so I now have to work at my bone mineral density all by my self!)
HRT – after extensive research I decided that HRT wasn’t for me. As many of my friends went on it (some simply for fear of missing out, and others who have benefitted enormously), I often wondered if I was making a terrible mistake. It’s very hard to go against the grain. But I’ve learnt – during the last decade – that listening very closely to our bodies is absolutely critical to how we age. HRT is a medical intervention for those who really need it, not a supplement to be taken ‘just in case’. I stuck to my guns. I didn’t need it and I feel fine … each to their own! But please listen to your body and not to social media or Big Pharma.
The power of green and blue space (that’s nature and water to you and me) – who knew just how extraordinary these were?! I think we probably knew it in our hearts but now science has shown our heads that greenery and water are non-negotiable. Being in nature changes us at a cellular level with those spending more time amid greenery having longer telomeres. I make it a rule to spend at least ten minutes daily somewhere green or blue. I aim for longer, of course, but sometimes that’s not possible. And I don’t stress or fret when it’s not.
Plastic and air pollution – a decade back very few of us knew just how deleterious microplastics and Particulate Matter are to ageing well (or our health and wellbeing in general). I’m ashamed to say that I drove a large gas-guzzling car and regularly swigged from plastic water bottles or via the plastic lids of takeaway coffee cups. I also walked beside slow-moving traffic, not knowing the damage that would cause, and I frequently used plastic cling film. Not any longer. I now (occasionally) drive a Mini but I opt for public transport or my own two feet wherever possible. I carry my own coffee cup and my own water bottle, including a Grayl filter bottle that allows me to drink river water. Cling film hasn’t been in my kitchen for the last five years – but waxed cloths have. I’ve got a long way to go but accept this will be a lifetime work-in-progress. It’s also been the most difficult-to-do of all the things in this (long) list. Thank goodness for legislation that has propelled us in the right direction – hasn’t it been wonderful to see the end of plastic bags in supermarkets? You can read about why plastic is so damaging in a post I wrote here.
The gut – I was already aware of the microbiome and its needs, a decade ago, thanks to my own condition. But my gastroenterologist wasn’t. He thought probiotics and prebiotics were largely nonsense (one day I’ll share some of our discussions from back then). I’ve not changed my thoughts in a decade. But he has… and this is perhaps the most remarkable shift of all: many doctors, medics, scientists are much more open-minded than they were in 2014. I salute them, because publicly changing your tune isn’t always easy. Seeing academic studies of probiotics, yoga nidra, meditation, grounding shoes, lavender oil and other things once thought plain ‘weird’ or woo-woo has been enormously gratifying. Research continues.
So. Keep moving, keep lifting, keep learning, keep smelling, eat vegetables and protein every day, go outside every day but stay away from traffic fumes, rest when you need it, spend some time in nature, take a multi-vit., sleep in darkness, eschew throwaway plastic. Above all, listen to your body. Oh – and probably a good idea to keep an eye on your blood pressure as that’s one of the few things that our body can’t really tell us.
And to celebrate our 10th birthday we have two book bundles to give away, one right here on the blog and one on our Instagram channel (@agewellproject). Two winners will receive signed copies of The Age-Well Project, The Power Decade and 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time.
To enter, please leave a comment telling us your biggest lesson of the last decade for ageing well. The competition will close at midnight on May 10th. We can’t wait to read all your ‘lessons’ and please do share this post with anyone who might like to enter our competition (you have to be following the blog to win) or who might have some good age-well tips picked up in the last ten years. Sorry – champagne not included (that’s for us!)
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. This blog would be nothing without our wonderful community of age wellers.
Here’s to another ten fabulous years – for us all!
Annabel
Giving up sugary foods like cakes, chocolate and ice cream – my gut feels the benefit and it keeps my weight down
In the last decade I have learnt work life balance. I worked at a very stressful well paid difficult job. I gave up 7 years ago trained as a yoga teacher and business coach and now work freelance allowing time for exercise dog walking friends family and healthier and balanced life. I live off a lot less money but am way happier and healthier. Thank you for your blog I have found it useful fascinating and inspiring. Here’s to another few decades. Best wishes Mandy cooper
I firmly believe that ageing well begins with me ( not the doctor or hospital),and it’s something I have to think about and act on. That what I do now will benefit future me.
Thank you for the last 10 years and for the excellent help and advice. I have learnt SO much over the last 10 years, probably everything you’ve said above as I’ve followed you and listened to podcasts such as The Doctor’s Kitchen, Zoe, Feel Better Live More etc but what I’ve learnt most overall is to stick to my guns and believe in myself and all I am learning and to keep reading and learning as the research evolves. Years ago my family laughed at all my talk of the gut microbiome linking to SO much, including mental health (or 20 years ago when I wouldn’t let my kids have fizzy drinks and avoided things with sweeteners for us as a family). Yet the research is now becoming so much more into the mainstream public eye that my 22 year old daughter posted on our family WhatsApp chat last month “So mum was right after all”! I shouldn’t need that vindication but boy did it feel good 🙂
I have been a reader for practically the whole ten years of your existence. My own discoveries and research have chimed with yours and my own thoughts and feelings are very similar. You are right that ten years ago the World was a very different place and shunning plastic and HRT had you characterised as a throw back hippy! Thankfully some of us didn’t mind that and ploughed on anyway.
I am always trying to tweak and improve. I would say my biggest advantage now is a considered diet. I now thoroughly enjoy loads of veg and a steak with cheese and fruit for dessert. I virtually never eat out, even on a road trip I take my own food with me. Also my supplements and improved sleep are making a difference.
The Age Well Project has been so informative, interesting and encouraging. I have particularly appreciated all the research papers you have uncovered. They make such interesting reading and once again provide back up to our own instinctive direction of travel. Thanks for it all and keep on keeping on xxxx
You mention stress as a contributing factor to bad ageing.
I now wonder why I let so many situations stress me as over the past couple of years as I move towards retirement I realise just how insignificant all these have been. How I have wasted so much of my time, energy, & thoughts towards levels of anxiety that must have done me great harm physically. Not to mention the effects on my sleep for many years. Those situations were incidental, momentary and, quite honestly, meaningless for most of the other people involved. I now cannot imagine that these people have even registered what my anxiety or stress was.
So, I’m grateful to learn the lesson that life moves on and what I had felt as crucial and vital is, unless life threatening, quite meaningless in our pathway through life.
So lets now learn , when stressful situations arise, to take a moment to wonder how, in a few years time, we will consider the intensity and stress being felt . There will always be stresses in out life but rarely do they last, unless we allow them to dominate.
One disclaimer: I haven’t lived in a war zone, nor a country that suffers from climate or economic disasters, nor have I been in a violent or abusive relationship. My stress has often been self-inflicted, and is now regrettable.
PS. Love the books but hate having to return them to the library.
Over the last decade l’ve learned the importance of listening and learning whatever your age, being open to the new and less fearful of doing things differently.
Congratulations and thank you for passing on so much thought provoking information and some great recipes.
Thanks for a wonderful and inspiring blog. The biggest thing that I have learned is getting up on time, not laying in bed and starting each day in a positive way underlies all of my activity. Don’t waste time.
Thank you. I am 85 and have enjoyed and learned fro your blogs.
My biggest learning for the last decade for Ageing Well is to not put off those bucket list experiences that require a certain level of physical and/or mental fitness. My grandmother died at 100 and my mother (who swims in the ocean every day ofthe year) turns 95 in 2 days. Soi have had really life models of ageing well as defined in your wisdom filled book.
I have developed an autoimmune syndrome in the past 6 months and am now 75% through my second reading of your book ( the first reading was @2020).
It is so important to do those things your heart desires whilst you can train and do them well. So in my mid to late sixties I began to tick off my list of senior goals
I completed 2 ocean swims PalmBeach & Bondi (Australia) 2018 &2019 ✅
Diploma Family Studies 2020-22✅
Expedition to the Subantarctic islands ✅
My reread now is to age well within the parameters of my autoimmune disorder and be the best that I can be.
But
I am so very pleased that I completed those bucket list items while I could
Thank you for The Age Well Project
My maternal aunt, my mother and (now) my sister all had / have dementia. I am 70. So you can imagine with what interest I read your blog…My lesson is to keep trying new things. I sadly had to stop work in December as made redundant but since then I have started to learn Chemistry (it’s very difficult)!, begun keeping fit with a video game, which I love, and am practicing Wicca / Paganism which includes celebrations every six weeks or so. Great fun and puts me in touch with natural forces. I’m happier than ever before and feel great. Being curious and full of wonder at the magical world we inhabit is my lesson. Thank you for all you do. X
Thank you so much for all of this wonderful, informative research.
So many lessons to share but that is the gift of wisdom that comes with age.
I started by cutting out stress when I left the BBC newsroom to go freelance. I work when and how I want for people with purpose and doing good in the world.
I’ve been obsessed by gut health for the last 6 years, make my own kefir and kombucha. Tried Zoe to address high blood sugar issues.
I cook every day – mostly plants. Get outside daily to garden, walk and teach Qigong which is fantastic. Ww see friends often and we laugh. Lots.
The icing on the cake is to be a doting Granny, still working and always learning. I feed that addiction by going on courses … rather a lot of them … and am living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks 🤣
I love reading your posts, so very informative. Over the last few years I’ve moved away from running 4-5 times per week, to just twice per week (and this is more of a nature jog!). I’ve started strength training with weights instead, plus play walking rugby. I like the variety and it feels better for my body. I definitely feel stronger!
At the age of 56 I underwent a horrible, stressful and wholly unexpected divorce. Finding myself ‘alone’ ie without a partner after 35 years was hard to negotiate and felt very difficult.However 15 years on I’ve embraced it : I reorganised the finances, developed a plan for retirement and really focussed on my health ( the Age Well project also very influential!) I’ve always loved nature & walking so now work as a dog sitter both in UK and abroad ( Spain, France, Portugal) Pay is minimal but with careful management I can travel and seek sun and wild places, with a cast iron reason to go out every day whatever the weather. I take a selection of supplements, eat carefully ( intermittent fasting) and have finally lost a great deal of weight I needed to for like,50 years! I force myself to do new and scary things such as travelling alone in South Africa- the buzz you get from a challenge met is fantastic. Health is so so important and I’m really grateful mine is good. No lessons,just carpe diem!
As I turn 45 today, my biggest lesson about aging well from the last decade is to stay up to date on the research as we are learning more every day. Luckily I can rely upon experts like the Age Well Porject to make that easy for me!
I love this very concise list – thank you
I’m on HRT, I started it as I has experiencing very low mood but no other symptoms and would love to understand how you came to the decision to not take it. I note Liz Earle has just released a new book about aging and cannot praise HRT enough – it’s very confusing. I’d much rather not be taking it but am scared my symptoms would come back, I’d be more prone to osteoporosis and get dementia! You’re thoughts would be greatly appreciated
Well, I never needed HRT – so I started from a good base. I guess Liz Earle was badly affected by hormonal change, like Davina McColl and some of the other HRT poster girls. And while the clear evidence of stronger bones was tempting, studies also show that HRT can increase the risk of blood clots. Having had my genes analysed (and coming from two families with varicose vein issues) i knew that i was at an above average risk of thrombosis and blood clotting. So it was a no brainer – why would I increase my risk by going on something I didn’t really need? I would urge everyone to do careful research before taking medication of any sort, including HRT, as all the other studies (HRT and dementia, for example) are very conflicted. Blood clotting and bone density seem to be the only clear outcomes at the moment. And bone density we can improve with a bit of work (I hope!)…
I never took HRT because I had a symptom free menopause. Well I thought I did, recollections may vary!! But seriously I felt fine and still do in my mid sixties.
Keep moving. Now matter how or where, our legs and circulation are our treasures and transport plus fuel.
I seriously injured my shoulder a while ago and for a while could do precious few tasks. ‘what can I do to help myself?’ was the question I asked myself.
My legs are what still moved safely and must be kept strong at all costs. Before I could walk out side unaided, it was five miles per day up and down a tiny kitchen, around a tiny house, and traversing tiny stairs. Whilst listening to Radio 4 to keep the mind working.
I had that to thank for strength when at last I could get free, get outdoors, and make plans for fresh air wellbeing.
I’ve always tried to eat healthier but often gave in to my chocolate addiction. Due to this weakness I could have been described as chubby. However since eating more protein and swapping my chocolate for 85% cocoa chocolate . My weight is controlled and find eating more protein keeps me fuller for longer. So I’m not snacking in between meals.
Loving your work for the past 10 years. Happy birthday- and thank you. My biggest change has been how I exercise: like you, no longer running but lifting weights and getting outside walking as much as I can. The benefits of nature aren’t really a surprise but it’s great to know it helps (just need to get the teenagers to embrace it especially for exam stress!!). Really interesting about the huge impact of stress on dementia risk. My mother in law was very anxious and sadly inflicted. Yoga and mindfulness are two things I really couldn’t get 10 years ago and have now totally embraced
The research on stress and dementia is interesting. My father in law and my mother were both in marriages where there was infidelity by their partner, repeated and at times scandalous. Their deep sense of betrayal, grievance and disappointment lasting right into their later years and didn’t ever moderate with time. They both, sadly, developed dementia, my father in law now dead and my Mother in residential care. The daily stress they never escaped from, literally, drove them mad as the old saying goes.
Firstly I would like to thank you both for your voice on all these issues over the last 10years – you have not only been an inspiration but also hope to so many of us. No longer do we have to put up with all these changes but you have also informed us we are not alone, we are not abnormal! I will continue to read your blogs, I love the backing up of scientific papers on your recommendations and look forward to be the best version of the changing me & to share with all what you continue to teach and preach thank you.
For me the most important learning has been learning to meditate on a daily basis. Always notice if I miss my twenty minutes.
Thanks for all your posts! Congratulations on your decade of aging-well. I always learn from your advice!
One of the best things I find help me to age well aside from hillwalking, a good diet and keeping my brain active is regular Pilates. If you can find a good Pilates class it does wonders for posture, strength, tone and balance, all really essential as we age.
Listening and being true to my own body – in my late 50’s, I’ve been trying to be kind to me!
Using/investigating some of your advice, finding other women (online, in person) to glean what is working for them & sharing what we are all going through at this time of our lives.
Not being afraid to try new things, learning a language, going back to play an instrument, spending quality time doing satisfying things with family and friends. Yoga, cold baths, being creative, walking the dog in all weathers, eating seasonally, dancing in the kitchen, getting good sleep (even enjoying a 10 minute shut eye mid afternoon!)
The basic stuff is the most important and invigorating.
This should be such a rewarding time of our lives so thank you both for all your hard work in sharing all your knowledge to help us along the way.
Hi and thank you for writing this blog to help us navigate the elder season of our lives. I’ll turn 85 this year and ten years ago my orthopedic surgeon told me I’d be using a walker for the rest of my life, after he botched a torn Meniscus operation. At that time I was on six medications. My doctor said I had indications of many ailments, which we all part of growing into my 70’s. I am a veteran and was using both a private physician and a VA doctor to monitor my health. She was filling in for my regular VA doc, who was in Ireland attending his daughter’s wedding. She said you really don’t need all these meds if you’re willing to do some walking. I started one mile a day, then progressed to where I plateaued at one hundred miles a month. I three months, I was off all meds. I still walk the one hundred miles a month and feel pretty good. So thank you for your inspiration and yes, I shall gladly join your parade of wellness.
In the past years I’ve learned that working on your social connections and being kind is most important for ageing well.
Don’t think it can’t happen to you it can! Take all the support that’s offered and ask when you need help. Read as much as you can and talk to others about best possible ways to live a good life. Above all remain positive, listen to your body and practice gratitude and living in the here and now .
Biggest change? Understanding of my microbiome : I absolutely love trying to consume over 30 different plant based foods a week!
The importance of maintaining muscle mass and strength as we age 💪🏼
Over the past ten years I have cut single use plastic , recycled as much as possible and started looking after my gut health. Being outside, especially in sunshine is so beneficial for me . Love your blogs – keep up the good work!
Oh my,
So little time and so many lessons learned. Some small lessons (fresh local veggies are better than the market). Also large lessons like how important sleep and getting to bed at around the same time every night. Another big lesson for me was how important music is to my mental health state.
But the most important lesson was realizing how being outside and around plants and nature was to every part of my being! Because of this “aha” moment I became an herbalist. I am happiest when outside among the plants and trees. Even inside a plant nursery in a Lowe’s or Home Depot makes me feel happy.
I like to do something I really enjoy every day .
That is the most important part of living I think .
Thank you for your project I think you are doing a great job !
My greatest learning about wellness in the past ten years has been the huge importance of daily movement for our good health and longevity. I walk ( forward and backward), dance, do squats, walk up and down my basement at least 10 times per day. At 82, I never felt better,!! Thank you for all your wonderful books and blogs!! Happy walking!!
Stress management has brought about enormous change in my wellbeing. Allowed me energy to exercise – weights! Walking amazing benefits, walking with others allows conversation which gym walking doesn’t really. Fresh air – sea, sky, mountains bring zen.
And you, with your guidance and commitment to us all. Grateful forever.
The age-well project has been a constant companion since I subscribed when it was called Kale and Cocoa. I have followed so many pieces of wisdom taken from your posts and learnt so much. I sleep better and pass on your ideas to my family. My father, who is 80 next month, has started weight-bearing exercise. I will continue to look forward to your posts and thank you sincerely for them.
Having a routine of looking after yourself gives you more resilience to cope with life’s challenges
First , thanks for all your good work. The thing I’ve learnt over the last 10 years is not to do overdo things. I’m 69 and have had a blessedly healthy life, helped by good genes, an interest in organic food from my 20s, being a good sleeper, living in the country, and being active. My ‘active’ means yoga 3 times a week, a half-hour walk almost every day, and a bit of weights twice a week. What I’ve discovered is that if I get too enthusiastic about exercise it’s counter-productive. A 3 day yoga retreat holiday is wonderful, but 4 or 5 days and I get exhausted. Same with an 8 to 10 mile walk as opposed to a 12 -15 one. Every time I’ve joined a gym I’ve tended to to overdo things at the start, but have now settled into one visit a week, for some gentle weights and a sauna. My advice is – do everything but don’t go at it like a dog with a bone.
I have been following you for eight years and have appreciate how you are careful to tell your audience about the changes in philosophy and why. The biggest change I have made that you didn’t mention was limiting or giving up alcohol. I went alcohol free 10 months ago and that act alone has greatly reduced my stress and improved my sleep. Alcohol does not serve us in aging well. Thanks for all you do!
Stay active! It’s a must.
I would highly recommend switching off the news on our televisions. Of course we all need to know what is going on in the world & there are plenty of other ways we can find out ourselves.
The constant drip of bad news does have an effect on our mental wellbeing daily & sadly the mainstream media forget to share all the wonderful things that are happening in our world. So I suggest switching off the blackness & seek out the colours.
First, thank you so much for your summary of the things you’ve “learnt.” Many of them I’m familiar with, many of them I’m successful with, but some are a “work in progress.” I’m a retired, 36-year physical education teacher, who in 2002, was honored as the National Middle School Teacher of the Year. With that honor I had a commitment to present at local, regional and national teachers’ conventions. Long before this, I had made the commitment to diminish pure athletic sport and competition in my physical education program and, instead focus more on the importance of wellness for all of my students. With that in mind, I had many opportunities to incorporate some of the healthy choices you share. I’m fortunate to live in New Hampshire, so we have some great opportunities to “opt outside” in all seasons and I would share with my students that “opting outside” is one of the least expensive ways to stay healthy. There is one concept that I would also encourage you to explore, as this became one of my messages when “on the road.” The Importance of humor and the power of positive thinking (check out the Norman Cousins story-humorous and so true) can so effect our quality of life and influences both our emotional and physiological health. Again, thanks so much for your work and your insight. It’s what life is all about, right?
For me it’s changing my diet so half my plate is vegetables (various colours and dark green leafy), one quarter is whole grain (or plant based carbs like sweet potatoes) and the last quarter is protein (nuts, eggs, fish or chicken). Also, eating smaller portions.
Get a dog, love it and let it take you for long walks in the country and on the beach. It will change your life.
Having been diagnosed with diabetes a few years back (which was infuriating as I thought I had a healthy diet (no UPF, lots of fruit & veg) & exercise) my biggest take home of recent years is how much hidden sugars there are in foods, so no more rice, potatoes, pasta or anything high carb & of course low sugar to keep that glucose line steady with no spikes. Also striving for that well needed work/balance, stress as you say is the biggest evil!
Another excellent article with a few pleasant surprises. Especialy the professional health workers changing their minds and endorsing more natural “remedies” and ways to live.
I am particularly interested in maintaining and enhancing my sense of smell. Remember when it was a rough and ready test for covid? Lost your sense of smell? You might have covid.
Anyway, my hobby is gardening and I always choose scented roses, shrubs and perennials. I do from time to time notice my sense of smell decreasing which is distressing, especially when my doctor is not sure why. So far, so good – it returns!
Not only is it pleasurable to be able to smell all of the beautiful scents out there, but it is also essential for our health to be able to do so. Is this milk off? Sniff and see. I am realising and learning how important this sense is.
Being able to smell is one of the five senses that I appreciate so much. Different smells bring on wonderful memories of childhood, adulthood and now old age experiences. The smell of pine needles brings memories of summer camping in the mountains. Baking smells of cinnamon and yeast brings back memories of my mother making cinnamon rolls on her day off of work. In our courtyard grows a beautiful lush jasmine that when it blooms is just heavenly to walk under in the spring. So grateful for the sense of smell.
Maybe more than 2 years ago you recommended a nighttime face cream. I think it had avocado in it. The smell was divine. I could buy it at my local health food store. But that store has gone out of business. I’d really like to buy another jar of this divine cream.Maybe you could tell me what it was called? Was it a Balmonds product?
Hi Ingrid, it was Antipodes, a New Zealand brand that i love. You’re thinking of the avocado night moisturiser – good luck finding it!
Annabel