\Happy Friday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful week!Today I am excited to share with y'all a bit more about the #ADK50falls challenge and specifically about the Upper LaChute Falls, a waterfall that we visited several weeks ago. We visited the Upper LaChute Falls after we had seen The Falls of Carillon (also located in Ticonderoga).
If you are doing the challenge then I would highly suggest planning to see both at the same time as they were located less than a couple of miles apart. If you aren't familiar with the #ADK50falls challenge, you can read about the places that I have been going as part of the challenge HERE (I started last year) or read about the entire challenge HERE.
Simply put there are 50 waterfalls that you hike and visit (5 require proof with photo that you were there) to complete the challenge. For those of you who love hiking and being outdoors this can be a great suggestion during this time with the COVID restrictions of hiking certain mountain trails. It also can show you unique parts of the Adirondacks that you may have never discovered. I definitely have been feeling that with the waterfalls that we have visited and explored the last several weeks and look forward to sharing more!
If you would like to know just basic facts about the falls please just scroll down to the bottom of the post where I will be sharing basic information to help those who want to know more specifics about each of the falls in the challenge.
Similar to The Falls of Carillon, the Upper LaChute Falls are part of the LaChute River. As I shared in my post about The Falls of Carillon, the river hosts several different waterfalls that drop over 230 feet in the course of the river. It is located right in the heart of Ticonderoga in upstate New York and is approximately and hour and 15 minutes southeast of Lake Placid and about an hour north of Lake George.
Ticonderoga is the home of Fort Ticonderoga which was originally known as Fort Carillon. The town of Ticonderoga was originally named Carillon so the falls get their name from this French heritage. Something that might be a bit confusing about this waterfall is that The Falls of Carillon are also known as the "LaChute Falls", but if you are completing the challenge you want the Upper LaChute Falls!
Please note that the original place that the challenge takes you - you can't currently get to so this is the one section you can get to. You can see the rest of the falls in the distance, but this is the technical place where you are now allowed to park and walk to see.
I have to be honest... this wasn't my favorite waterfall in this challenge. Similar to Anderson Falls (that I shared about last week), it was interesting to see, but if you are looking for a "nature/woods" adventure this would not be the waterfall to go to see. It left us wanting "more" and curious at why this specific waterfall was chosen.
I think also it was disappointing to see so much trash, litter, and junk in the falls and on the surrounding banks. I tried in my pictures to avoid showing this but it was impossible. If you care about the environment like we do this will be disappointing.
PS- If you are interested in reading more about each of the waterfalls - I recommend reading Adirondack Fifty Falls (click HERE to purchase) which lays out all of the falls in a concise and easy manner. It also groups the falls in the challenge by area so that you do not have to do that research!
When I was extremely sick I used to grieve not being able to be outside in nature as much as I wanted to be and if this is where you are at due to health reasons I hope that the information I provide about each of the falls in this challenge will encourage you to explore as you are able.
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......UPPER LACHUTE FALLS INFORMATION......
......UPPER LACHUTE FALLS INFORMATION......
LOCATION:
Located in the heart of Ticonderoga (approx. 1 hour north of Lake George // 1 hour and 15 minutes southeast of Lake Placid)
TYPE OF FALLS:
TYPE OF FALLS:
cascade falls
KEY LANDMARKS:
KEY LANDMARKS:
less than two miles from The Falls of Carillon in Bicentennial park in Ticonderoga
COST:
Free
PARKING:
A small gravel turnout where you can park and then walk through the grass to get to the falls.
CROWDED?:
No. In fact one person asked us why everyone came to see these falls...*smiles*
DISTANCE TO FALLS FROM PARKING AREA:
Approximately 100 feet away
DISABILITY FRIENDY?:
Yes... if you can walk a short distance. If you are wanting to see some of the other #adk50falls that are also disability friendly I would check out my page dedicated to the waterfall challenge by clicking HERE!
Thank you so much for reading today friends! Please let me know if you have any questions about the challenge or the Upper LaChute Falls! I am happy to answer and can't wait to hear about your waterfall adventures! And again, if you would like to read about other #adk50falls that I have written about on the blog click HERE!
Have a wonderful day!
They hesitate... and then the questions start.
"Is that what happens when you get bit by a tick?" they ask.
"Yes" I answer.
"When did that happen?" they ask.
"2007. May 19, 2007 to be exact." I reply.
"Not to be rude or anything but you know that you can just go to the doctors and get antibiotics for that." They state.
"Yes, I am aware of that." I reply.
"Did you get the bulls eye rash? You just need to go get medicine and get better" they state (most of them very kindly, a few a little sarcastically, and one who accused me of "simply making it up to get attention").
"No seriously, if you had the rash you should go get medicine. My ___________(insert some long lost family member's sisters friends cousin's name here) had Lyme and they got better in a few days...maybe a week at most. Why are you waiting?" They state more insistently. I hesitate and then with a quiet sigh my reply comes.
"I was bit by a tick on May 19th, 2007 hiking in Great Falls, Virginia. I remember the date exactly because my ex-finance and I talked about marriage that day. The next day as I was training for a 1/2 marathon I noticed the bulls eye rash on my upper right arm. I received medication (yes, I finished the full dosage) and was seen at John Hopkins University Hospital Lyme Center. After completing the medication I was declared "Lyme free". Except I wasn't..." I calmly reply.
Absolutely silent they look at me. And some say what I am sure everyone is thinking... "So what the heck is Lyme Disease and how in the world is this making you so ill?"
To be frank it is a question that I have asked myself thousands of times as I approach the 13 year anniversary of contracting Lyme. While my health slowly declined over the course of 5 years until I became bedridden and housebound before obtaining proper treatment, the reality is that the past decade has been spent dealing with Lyme and its ramifications on my body. After 7 years intensely fighting this disease you would think that I would be an expert in sharing a quick and succinct version of what Lyme disease is, but the truth is that the answer is just as complicated as the disease itself.
And it is a growing and widespread epidemic...
At a recent Lyme Disease conference it was stated that "Lyme Disease is the growing epidemic and health crisis of the 21st century" and that "in the fullness of time the mainstream handling of Chronic Lyme Disease will be viewed as one of the most shameful episodes in the history of medicine."
And it is a growing and widespread epidemic...
At a recent Lyme Disease conference it was stated that "Lyme Disease is the growing epidemic and health crisis of the 21st century" and that "in the fullness of time the mainstream handling of Chronic Lyme Disease will be viewed as one of the most shameful episodes in the history of medicine."
Lyme Disease is contracted by a tick bite that has been infected and then infects the person that it has bitten. While a bulls eye rash is common in most cases, in recent years there are more and more cases that occur with the person never seeing a bulls eye rash. In addition to this in there are now numerous scientific studies that have shown that in addition to a tick transferring Lyme you can also contract Lyme through being bit by a mosquito, flies, fleas, etc.
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| property of Lyme Disease pictures |
Lyme Disease is considered (by most doctors- some would disagree) an infections Disease with the bacteria in Lyme called "Borelia Burgdorferi". The Lyme bacteria is unique in its shape (it has a spiral shape) and unlike most diseases it is able to burrow into not only into the blood stream but into vital organs, muscles throughout the body, the nervous system, and body tissue. (In addition to this studies coming out of Europe have proven that Lyme has the potential to drill into bones.) Due to the unique shape and properties of the Boreilia Burgdorferi Lyme has the ability to literally infect the entire body and travel throughout the blood stream (doing incredible damage to the organs and the cells that it connects with in its way). Over time Lyme also has the ability and capability of surrounding cells, killing them, and creating a "wall" that prevents antibiotics to "break" the barriers. In addition to this the bacteria commonly makes cysts that are also difficult for antibiotics to touch.
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| property of Lyme Disease pictures |
Due to these reasons a person with Lyme (whether mis-diagnosed, mis-treated, or not caught at the time of infection) can suffer for decades before being diagnosed and can suffer a confusing and wide array of symptoms that might or might not look like other "lymies" fighting the same battle.
Lyme is considered the "Great Imitator" and is known to imitate over four hundred different diseases including CFS/ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Fibromyalgia, IBS, Lupus, MS, Autoimmune Disorders, Alzheimer's, ALS, Migraines, Depression, Meningitis, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and hundreds of others.
Patients in "late stage or chronic stage" Lyme Disease are fighting a complicated and complex battle as many (including myself) are fighting not just the Lyme but co-infections, additional diagnosis', and issues that have occurred due to the fact that Lyme has waged war on their bodies. Due to the fact that the bacteria from Lyme Disease can not only travel but multiply patients are dealing with multiple issues and symptoms. The bacteria with Lyme Disease does not like the fight and will literally "fight back" which causes a "herxheimer reaction" that can be worse than the disease itself. Due to this the "horror stories" (as the news has sometimes labeled it) are true, as some patients have died and many patients end up in the hospital and are fighting for their lives.
Patients in "late stage or chronic stage" Lyme Disease are fighting a complicated and complex battle as many (including myself) are fighting not just the Lyme but co-infections, additional diagnosis', and issues that have occurred due to the fact that Lyme has waged war on their bodies. Due to the fact that the bacteria from Lyme Disease can not only travel but multiply patients are dealing with multiple issues and symptoms. The bacteria with Lyme Disease does not like the fight and will literally "fight back" which causes a "herxheimer reaction" that can be worse than the disease itself. Due to this the "horror stories" (as the news has sometimes labeled it) are true, as some patients have died and many patients end up in the hospital and are fighting for their lives.
The symptoms of Lyme Disease vary but most people struggle from many of the following symptoms: debilitating fatigue, heart issues, heart palpitations, arthritis, facial numbness, blood pressure problems, extreme pain, autoimmune disorders, malnutrition, hair loss, vision problems, skin issues, rashes, panic attacks, adrenal failure (or fatigue), memory issues, food allergies, unexplained allergic reactions, insomnia, inability to absorb vitamins and nutrition, hormonal issues, circulation issues, dizziness, seizures, body numbness, blindness, migraines, paralysis in extremities, heart attacks, inability to handle temperature change, lung function, shortness of breath, menstrual issues, and the list goes on and on and on. I have just listed a few but here are hundreds more.
In addition to the physical aspects of fighting Lyme Disease patients are in for the FIGHT of their life not only physically but mentally, financially, and emotionally too. Most Lyme Disease patients have seen dozens of doctors (I personally saw 273-including some of the top hospitals throughout the US-before I was correctly diagnosed) and after the diagnosis can introduce the most difficult battle that is never expected.
Lyme Disease patients are warriors as they have had to push through hundreds of "all knowledgeable doctors" stating that it is "in their heads" or "they just need some meds". (I had a specialist in 2013 -after we had spent 4 hours in a snowstorm to get to his office-tell my mother (in front of me) that she was "enabling" me to continue to set a "destructive pattern" of desiring attention and that "absolutely" nothing was wrong with me. Within two months of seeing this doctor I not only had been correctly diagnosed with Lyme Disease, but aggressive skin cancer, and several other illnesses.)
Finding a doctor who is willing to treat a Lyme Disease patient long term is also another battle. Due to arguments with insurance companies, Congress, and medical limitations it is extremely difficult to find a qualified and competent doctor. This takes hours and hours and hours of research and it still doesn't guarantee you an appointment. Mentally this is absolutely exhausting for patients. And after the appointment that you have hopefully gotten there is still the treatment to fight through.
Lyme Disease patients are warriors as they have had to push through hundreds of "all knowledgeable doctors" stating that it is "in their heads" or "they just need some meds". (I had a specialist in 2013 -after we had spent 4 hours in a snowstorm to get to his office-tell my mother (in front of me) that she was "enabling" me to continue to set a "destructive pattern" of desiring attention and that "absolutely" nothing was wrong with me. Within two months of seeing this doctor I not only had been correctly diagnosed with Lyme Disease, but aggressive skin cancer, and several other illnesses.)
Finding a doctor who is willing to treat a Lyme Disease patient long term is also another battle. Due to arguments with insurance companies, Congress, and medical limitations it is extremely difficult to find a qualified and competent doctor. This takes hours and hours and hours of research and it still doesn't guarantee you an appointment. Mentally this is absolutely exhausting for patients. And after the appointment that you have hopefully gotten there is still the treatment to fight through.
And both of these things cost an extreme amount of money.
Money that most patients (like myself) did "OK" with for the first several years of wandering the long trail of finding correct answers. But after that time period (and for some it is a much shorter time frame) money is not something that just continues to "come in". It has been spent (wisely, I would like to clarify) on finding answers, traveling to doctors across the country, treating one or two mis-diagnosis', and on numerous treatments (most alternative so insurance does not cover it). ALL of these things add up to thousands and thousands of dollars.
Like myself, most Lyme Disease patients are not able to work full time and those that have to struggle to survive day to day. Without a set source of income bank accounts, savings accounts, retirement funds, etc. are quickly depleted. I have been asked by hundreds of people- "didn't you save for a rainy day"? Or... "What about your savings account?". I am going to be incredibly honest here and share something very personal. I had a wonderful savings account (I was a Dave Ramsey's graduate *smiles*) that by year three of this "adventure" was being drained and then at years five and six was completely depleted. (Just to give you a slice of a picture I have spent in the last ten years approximately $200,000 on medical issues, supplies, supplements, travel to doctors, etc. desperately trying to get well!!) I, like most other Lyme Disease patients, have lost any "saved money", savings accounts, retirement accounts, etc in the desperate fight to get better. Many patients like myself have limited funds and to answer the questions that I am sometimes asked- no I do not know where the resources that I am going to need for today and the rest of this week let alone the months and years ahead (until I am able to work full time again) will come from. I am a christian who is madly in love with her savior and have learned to trust that He will always provide for me - each step of this journey.
Like myself, most Lyme Disease patients are not able to work full time and those that have to struggle to survive day to day. Without a set source of income bank accounts, savings accounts, retirement funds, etc. are quickly depleted. I have been asked by hundreds of people- "didn't you save for a rainy day"? Or... "What about your savings account?". I am going to be incredibly honest here and share something very personal. I had a wonderful savings account (I was a Dave Ramsey's graduate *smiles*) that by year three of this "adventure" was being drained and then at years five and six was completely depleted. (Just to give you a slice of a picture I have spent in the last ten years approximately $200,000 on medical issues, supplies, supplements, travel to doctors, etc. desperately trying to get well!!) I, like most other Lyme Disease patients, have lost any "saved money", savings accounts, retirement accounts, etc in the desperate fight to get better. Many patients like myself have limited funds and to answer the questions that I am sometimes asked- no I do not know where the resources that I am going to need for today and the rest of this week let alone the months and years ahead (until I am able to work full time again) will come from. I am a christian who is madly in love with her savior and have learned to trust that He will always provide for me - each step of this journey.
Lyme Disease patients worry about things that most people don't think about. I will debate for hours and hours each week on which supplement or antibiotic I should do "without" due to money. We have concerns and stresses that are impossible to explain. We have sold everything we can think of, have had to humble ourselves to ask for money and are embarrassed to admit we have done so, and have asked every family member, friend, and stranger for help. In the process most of our relatives and friends have depleted their savings accounts and bank accounts to help us. Let me say what most Lyme Disease patients are thinking about all of the time but are ashamed to admit:
We don't care about the battles of politics and insurance. We don't care about "which treatment" is supposedly the best. We don't care about "this or that". What we do care about is fighting for our lives and our health and most of us are so scared that we can never get better because we do not have financial ability to do so.
And I think it takes absolutely no explanation about why Lyme Disease patients also struggle emotionally. The rigor of this fight takes a courage that I never knew before. It takes bravery to face what is realistically going on in your body and the courage to fight for hope despite the odds. It takes courage to look around and realize that your life has been crushed, accept the loneliness of "friends" walking away, and to come to terms with giving up a job that you loved and to recognize that you might never be able to return to it, to find joy despite the pain, to hold on to Hope when it seems so dark, and to believe (against what you have been told) that you can fight this silent and vicious killer. While there are days of tears and darkness Lyme Disease can not silence love and that is what each and every person fighting Lyme is holding onto.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Will you please spread the word about this disease and give a BIG hug to those you know who are fighting it? Your kindness in recognizing and spreading the word will touch the hearts of ALL who fight each day.
I, like every "lymie" I know, longs to see a world where "Lyme Disease" are words that are understood by the medical community along with friends and family understanding it. We long to see knowledge that is spread so that someday we will have a cure so that no one else has to live this fight. Thank you so much for spreading the word during this month.
I, like every "lymie" I know, longs to see a world where "Lyme Disease" are words that are understood by the medical community along with friends and family understanding it. We long to see knowledge that is spread so that someday we will have a cure so that no one else has to live this fight. Thank you so much for spreading the word during this month.
Want additional resources on Lyme Disease? Check out "the Lyme Diaries" series on this blog! Interested in reading my personal story with Lyme (and other health issues) you can find it HERE in the notes to the porch section.
Are you a Lyme patient or do you have a loved one walking through this journey and looking for encouragement? You can find my Lyme Books where books are sold and on Amazon or by clicking the links below:
Curious on things you can pray for someone struggling with a Chronic Health Condition? Check out my book:
Do you have questions, or just want to talk? Please feel free to email me - I would love to connect with you!
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Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend!
Today I am excited to share with y'all a bit more about the #ADK50falls challenge and specifically about the Falls of Carillon, a waterfall that we visited several weeks ago.
Today I am excited to share with y'all a bit more about the #ADK50falls challenge and specifically about the Falls of Carillon, a waterfall that we visited several weeks ago.
If you aren't familiar with the #ADK50falls challenge, you can read about the places that I have been going as part of the challenge HERE (I started last year) or read about the entire challenge HERE.
Simply put there are 50 waterfalls that you hike and visit (5 require proof with photo that you were there) to complete the challenge. For those of you who love hiking and being outdoors this can be a great suggestion during this time with the COVID restrictions of hiking certain mountain trails. It also can show you unique parts of the Adirondacks that you may have never discovered. I definitely have been feeling that with the waterfalls that we have visited and explored the last several weeks and look forward to sharing more!
Simply put there are 50 waterfalls that you hike and visit (5 require proof with photo that you were there) to complete the challenge. For those of you who love hiking and being outdoors this can be a great suggestion during this time with the COVID restrictions of hiking certain mountain trails. It also can show you unique parts of the Adirondacks that you may have never discovered. I definitely have been feeling that with the waterfalls that we have visited and explored the last several weeks and look forward to sharing more!
If you would like to know just basic facts about the falls please just scroll down to the bottom of the post where I will be sharing basic information to help those who want to know more specifics about each of the falls in the challenge.
The Falls of Carillon (pronounced "carry on") is part of the LaChute River which hosts several different waterfalls that drop over 230 feet in the course of the river. It is located right in the heart of Ticonderoga in upstate New York and is approximately and hour and 15 minutes southeast of Lake Placid and about an hour north of Lake George.
Ticonderoga is the home of Fort Ticonderoga which was originally known as Fort Carillon. The town of Ticonderoga was originally named Carillon so the falls get their name from this French heritage. If you are looking for this waterfall you may also hear it called "LaChute Falls".
The Falls of Carillon stands at about 25-35 feet high and is right next to the Bicentennial Park. Similar to the way that many towns in the former days used the water to help power the town, this is the case with the Falls of Carillon. Do you remember me talking about the beautiful Rice's falls last year? You can click HERE to read more but both falls helped the towns that they are located in to have a nature source of power. In the case of the Falls of Carillon the power of water was used to help the power mills and factories that existed at that time.
The falls are very easy to find and you can see them when you cross the main bridge in town to head down into the Bicentennial park.
I have to be honest... this wasn't my favorite waterfall in this challenge. Similar to Anderson Falls (that I shared about last week), it was interesting to see, but if you are looking for a "nature/woods" adventure this would not be the waterfall to go to see. On the other hand it was incredibly disability friendly and does allow for people who may not be able to hike to see this waterfall.
PS- If you are interested in reading more about each of the waterfalls - I recommend reading Adirondack Fifty Falls (click HERE to purchase) which lays out all of the falls in a concise and easy manner. It also groups the falls in the challenge by area so that you do not have to do that research!
When I was extremely sick I used to grieve not being able to be outside in nature as much as I wanted to be and if this is where you are at due to health reasons I hope that the information I provide about each of the falls in this challenge will encourage you to explore as you are able.
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......THE FALLS OF CARILLON INFORMATION......
......THE FALLS OF CARILLON INFORMATION......
LOCATION:
Located in the heart of Ticonderoga (approx. 1 hour north of Lake George // 1 hour and 15 minutes southeast of Lake Placid)
TYPE OF FALLS:
TYPE OF FALLS:
25 foot water falls
KEY LANDMARKS:
KEY LANDMARKS:
Bicentennial park in Ticonderoga
COST:
Free
PARKING:
Several places to park, including a special handicap parking area where you could see the falls without getting out of the car.
CROWDED?:
No.
DISTANCE TO FALLS FROM PARKING AREA:
None. If you park you can see the falls without getting out of the car or you could walk around the paved park. This area includes some benches to sit on.
DISABILITY FRIENDY?:
Absolutely Yes. You could even see the falls from the car if you did not want to get out. If you are wanting to see some of the other #adk50falls that are also disability friendly I would check out my page dedicated to the waterfall challenge by clicking HERE!
Thank you so much for reading today friends! Please let me know if you have any questions about the challenge or The Falls of Carillon! I am happy to answer and can't wait to hear about your waterfall adventures! And again, if you would like to read about other #adk50falls that I have written about on the blog click HERE!
Have a wonderful day!
Happy Saturday friends! Today I am so excited to share with y'all a new addition to the shop - this adorable and precious Bible Verse Junk Journal from the new Faith Collection Section of the shop!(click HERE to go directly to this item in the shop or HERE to go to the Faith Collection)!
I am so excited to share this with y'all because this is an example from one of the newest sections that has been added to the shop: the faith Collection! If you have been around this blog for even a small amount of time then you know that my faith is very important to me.
Adding in this section to the shop has been very special. I hope that in this season of uncertainty, fear, and loss that these junk journals will encourage your heart and those that you love.
This is a beautiful junk journal for you or an absolutely perfect small gift for a friend! I am so excited to share more of these that are going to be coming to this section of the shop soon!
If you would like to read more about this junk journal and see more pictures, please head on over to the shops blog by clicking HERE! You can go directly to the post about this junk journal HERE!
Thank you dear friends for all of your continued support of my shop, especially in the midst of the world situation right now! Small businesses, including mine, are so grateful for your continued love and support!
Aging is inevitable and can quickly sneak up on you. One day you’re young and vibrant, and the next moment you’re on your way to retiring and trying to plan for the future.
There are tips you can apply to ensure that the aging process is a smooth and successful process. Instead of trying to fight it, embrace this transition, and take measures that will allow you to live a satisfying and fulfilling life even though you’re growing older. Enjoy the fact that you have more free time and freedom to do as you choose. Take care of yourself, and you’ll feel better and be able to have more fun.
Live an Active Life
One tip for healthy aging is to live an active lifestyle. Regular exercise is going to help keep your muscles and bones strong and lift your mood. Commit to getting outside and enjoying nature while you get your heart rate up a bit. Focus on what you and your body can do instead of what you can’t. Physical activity also helps to fight off chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and arthritis.
One tip for healthy aging is to live an active lifestyle. Regular exercise is going to help keep your muscles and bones strong and lift your mood. Commit to getting outside and enjoying nature while you get your heart rate up a bit. Focus on what you and your body can do instead of what you can’t. Physical activity also helps to fight off chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and arthritis.
Practice Prevention
Educate yourself on what to be aware of regarding changes to your mind and body as you age. For example, it may be time to visit an optometrist to get new glasses or an audiologist to test your hearing. Spend some time reviewing hearing loss facts so you can quickly recognize the signs if you’re experiencing any trouble hearing. Practicing prevention and knowing what to be on the lookout for and taking good care of yourself now will help you to age well.
Educate yourself on what to be aware of regarding changes to your mind and body as you age. For example, it may be time to visit an optometrist to get new glasses or an audiologist to test your hearing. Spend some time reviewing hearing loss facts so you can quickly recognize the signs if you’re experiencing any trouble hearing. Practicing prevention and knowing what to be on the lookout for and taking good care of yourself now will help you to age well.
Challenge Your Mind
It’s also essential that as you age, you attend to your mental health. Keep your mind sharp by challenging it daily with crossword puzzles or by reading a book. You may also want to take dance lessons, learn a new language, or sign up for an online course. Maintain your brain health so that you can recall facts and memories better and avoid any adverse effects that come from not challenging your mind. Slow cognitive decline by stimulating your brain through active learning.
It’s also essential that as you age, you attend to your mental health. Keep your mind sharp by challenging it daily with crossword puzzles or by reading a book. You may also want to take dance lessons, learn a new language, or sign up for an online course. Maintain your brain health so that you can recall facts and memories better and avoid any adverse effects that come from not challenging your mind. Slow cognitive decline by stimulating your brain through active learning.
Eat Healthily
Your diet also has an impact on your health and well-being. You must eat well and make healthy meals at home to stay fit in mind, body, and spirit. Some foods can improve and boost mental agility and your mood, while others can drag you down and contribute to higher levels of anxiety. Focus on your nutrition and consuming meals that will improve your health instead of making you feel sluggish. Avoid foods high in sodium and eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Your diet also has an impact on your health and well-being. You must eat well and make healthy meals at home to stay fit in mind, body, and spirit. Some foods can improve and boost mental agility and your mood, while others can drag you down and contribute to higher levels of anxiety. Focus on your nutrition and consuming meals that will improve your health instead of making you feel sluggish. Avoid foods high in sodium and eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Socialize with Others
As you age and stop working, you may feel more alone and isolated. You must commit to socializing with others and loved ones if you want to age well. Cultivate your existing relationships, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make new friends too. It’s especially important if you live alone or have lost a spouse. Maintain communication with family and friends and consider joining a local club or organization where you can frequently interact with others. Maintain a social calendar of events and try to get out of the house every once in a while. It’ll help you to stay busy and feel less lonely.
As you age and stop working, you may feel more alone and isolated. You must commit to socializing with others and loved ones if you want to age well. Cultivate your existing relationships, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make new friends too. It’s especially important if you live alone or have lost a spouse. Maintain communication with family and friends and consider joining a local club or organization where you can frequently interact with others. Maintain a social calendar of events and try to get out of the house every once in a while. It’ll help you to stay busy and feel less lonely.
Get Quality Sleep
Another tip for healthy aging is to get enough sleep each night. The truth is that older adults need just as much sleep as younger ones. Reducing your stress and anxiety is an excellent way to get better sleep. You can do this by meditating, practicing yoga, and getting daily exercise. You’ll have more energy the next day and will feel happier overall when you’re well-rested. While it may be tempting to stay up late watching television or playing on your electronics, remember how much better you feel when you make sleep a priority. Find a relaxing bedtime routine that helps to calm your mind instead of stimulating it.
Another tip for healthy aging is to get enough sleep each night. The truth is that older adults need just as much sleep as younger ones. Reducing your stress and anxiety is an excellent way to get better sleep. You can do this by meditating, practicing yoga, and getting daily exercise. You’ll have more energy the next day and will feel happier overall when you’re well-rested. While it may be tempting to stay up late watching television or playing on your electronics, remember how much better you feel when you make sleep a priority. Find a relaxing bedtime routine that helps to calm your mind instead of stimulating it.
Conclusion
Implement these tips and you’ll be on your way to aging more gracefully and feeling less anxious. These suggestions for healthy aging will put you on the right track to continuing to live a gratifying life without so many health issues and complications. Commit to taking charge of your health and well-being so that you can reap the rewards that come from you being an advocate for yourself and not allowing age to determine your destination. These days can be some of the best and happiest of your life if you remain positive and engaged.
Implement these tips and you’ll be on your way to aging more gracefully and feeling less anxious. These suggestions for healthy aging will put you on the right track to continuing to live a gratifying life without so many health issues and complications. Commit to taking charge of your health and well-being so that you can reap the rewards that come from you being an advocate for yourself and not allowing age to determine your destination. These days can be some of the best and happiest of your life if you remain positive and engaged.
*contributed post*
Happy Thursday friends! It is hard to believe that we are at the last day of April! In some ways the days seem to move so slowly, and then other times it feels like they fly by. Today I am so excited to share my book, movie, and TV review with y'all for April! Before I start though- if you have any suggestions for me for October please let me know! I am constantly looking for new ideas so please pass on your suggestions!
Books
{one}Becoming Us
I have shared so many times here on the blog about my love of Robin Jones Gunn's writings and so when her newest book was released last year. I read the book this summer and fell in love with it so deeply that I decided to read it again this month.
I am so glad I did because in my opinion this book was one of the best ones that Robin has ever written. I took away so many precious nuggets from the story, cried and laughed through it and was completely encouraged. My tender heart walked away full and I can't wait for more of the books in this series. You can find it to purchase HERE.
Similar book recommendations that I have read and would recommend to this book:
Also by Robin Jones Gunn, this series (not written in first person *smiles*) is incredibly sweet and encouraging. You can read the books in any order but they do loosely follow and build on each other if you want to read them in order. And guess what? Hallmark is releasing the first book in the series (Secrets) as a Christmas movie this December! I am SO excited!
{two} Reshaping it All
I came across this book and was curious to read something light-hearted and encouraging. I found the book to be both and a very easy read with some lovely easy recipes. I would say that if you are looking for a book that makes you feel that you are sitting down and having a cup of coffee with a friend this is the book to read. Candace's story (of which she is incredibly honest) was interesting and encouraging. If you want to check it out you can find the book HERE.
{three} Balancing It All
This book was a disappointment to me. After reading the book above I went in search of another book of Candace's and honestly came away disappointed and a bit bored. I tried it several times and just was left wanting more. I ended up skimming through the pages and just felt like the writing was a little ...boring. I hate saying that about any book because as an author I know how hard it is to put your words from your heart into writing, but I honestly couldn't recommend this one. Anyone else feel this way if you read this book? If you want to check it out you can find the book HERE.
{four} Choosing Life
I originally bought this devotional back in 2013 and have returned to it off and on over the years. I have always admired and appreciated Dodie's testimony of being miraculously healed of Cancer and her faith is so inspiring. This past month I decided to use this as my devotional again and I have been so gently encouraged. There is a devotional for each day and I find them to be simple and yet so full of truth! I definitely recommend this one! If you want to check it out you can find the book HERE.
{five} Choosing Life
I originally bought this book back in 2013 when I was first very very sick. It had a profound impact on my life then, but reading it through this past month ... after the loss of my dad was heart-wrenching and deeply healing. I took my time re-reading it and wept through it in many parts. Pete Greig expressed in more eloquent words than I ever could so many thoughts and feelings that I have had and struggled with and I can't recommend this book enough. I plan to do a whole post on it again but in the meantime - get the book. It is worth every single penny. If you want to check it out you can find the book HERE.
Movies & TV
Life has been so busy despite the quarantine that we haven't spent a lot of time in front of TV. When we have though we have been very purposeful to choose things that are light-hearted or funny or that are inspiring.We are still in the middle of somethings so I am going to save those reviews for next month y'all!
If you are curious about other book reading lists I have done in the past you can find those posts below:
Happy Thursday friends! Thank you so much for reading today! What about you- what have you been watching and reading that you would recommend?
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