Thriving: Adding in Sleep

I discovered from my dentist, I had bone loss. This was confirmed when I had a DEXA scan. Well shoot!

How did this happen? I run, walk and move a lot. Who knew, a trip to the dentist would take me on this journey. After some exceptionally strong and frustrating feelings, I decided, I can't go back, so what is possible from here?

I did what I do, I started researching and experimenting. One of my first aha moments was from the book Gnar Country- Steve Kolter. 60 % of your longevity health can be related to strong legs.

 "In the elderly, leg strength is the single most important factor for longevity. Thigh muscle mass inversely correlates with mortality. Strong legs maintain physical functionality, boost overall health and levels of social activity, and protect against a common killer of older adults: slipping, falling and breaking a bone." page 212 Gnar Country

It's been 1 year since I got my DEXA scan. I won't qualify for another scan until summer of 2027- as Steven would say...Game on! What is possible for our health? What do we need as we age? How can we thrive as we get older? What do we need to know?

In my coaching, I work with a lot of women who are my age or older. Most of these extraordinary women, are trying to unclutter, downsize or simplify their homes/lives. They are creating space for the lives they dream of.

In order to do that, we need our energy, focus, strength, agility, stamina, & balance! We need our health to thrive.

How many other women are in the same boat as me? Blindsided by the effects of menopause and aging. I'm 60. I feel young and healthy but deep inside, there is something else going on.

So, beyond my normal posts, I'm going to add in more on thriving, on being strong and vibrant. Because, as I'm learning, I'm realizing just how much we don't know...but should!

This week, I added in more sleep.  Deep nourishment, stress reducing, mental clearing, good old fashioned, everyone needs it, drumroll please..... sleep!  Making sleep a priority. Sleep is a common problem in our society. We don't sleep. We need to sleep.

There are lots of places to start to regain your health. Sleep is as good as any, the benefits are long and yummy.

One of the lessons I'm learning is, yes I need to strength train and eat more protein- absolutely! And I need to rest, to replenish and recovery. The main way I can replenish is by sleeping!

The Health Benefits of Sleep.

 From the sleep doctor- medically reviewed article:

"Getting enough quality sleep is essential for both mental and physical health. Key benefits of sleep include:"

• Improved memory, focus, and learning

• Better mood and emotional regulation

• Stronger immune response

• Balanced appetite and metabolism

• Reduced risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes

• Faster muscle recovery and tissue repair

• Increased energy and daytime alertness

This article is worth a moment or two to explore.

If you are like me and want thrive at any age, give a little extra care to your sleeping habits. Nourishment is good for the soul. Recovery isn't optional. It's possible to thrive but it doesn't happen without some care.

More to come,

       Denise