Sometimes, I think it’s amazing how a woman’s body adapts and changes through different seasons of life. But more often, I’m just frustrated when those changes cramp my lifestyle, and my middle-aged body struggles with activities that were easy in its prime. Adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause… the changes our bodies go through can feel both miraculous and maddening!
In my mid-30s, I started having aches and pains for no apparent reason. I could sprain my neck just by sleeping wrong, and an ambitious walk would leave my feet sore for days. A doctor recommended regular exercise to avoid chronic pain, so I started doing mild online workouts. But then COVID hit, and life as we knew it screeched to a halt.
By the time we recovered from the COVID era, I had gained weight, lost stamina, and struggled with daily activities. Erratic meals, lack of exercise, emotional eating, and irregular sleep patterns had wreaked havoc on my metabolism.
When I entered my 40s, I knew something had to change. It helped that God drew my attention to scriptures that nudged me in the right direction:
I felt convicted and decided to make a few changes that, by God’s grace, have helped me maintain a healthier lifestyle.
After a 40-day sugar fast in 2019, I eliminated sugar from my coffee. But I continued to binge on sweet treats. When the sugar cravings started to escalate, I knew I had to limit the amount of sugary snacks I consumed. I was ready to give up sugar, but never thought I’d have to give up my beloved coffee as well!
Last year, I realised I had developed an unhealthy dependency on caffeine. I needed a big mug of very strong coffee to wake me up in the morning, and another in the evening to keep me going until bedtime. Coffee also increased my anxiety, disrupted my sleep cycle, and made me jittery. When I started making dangerous mistakes in the kitchen, I knew coffee had to go. I stopped cold turkey and dealt with withdrawal symptoms, but I no longer need coffee to get me through the day.
A viral fever in 2021 left me with debilitating pain for almost 3 years. I could barely function, let alone go for a walk. Tired of feeling so helpless, I decided to start with gentle 15-minute workouts just three times a week. I chose online workouts with comments from people in their 60s and 70s because they were easier on the joints and didn’t wear me out. As my strength increased, I gradually moved to 20-minute sessions, then 25, and now 30.
When I’m not motivated to do a structured workout, I go for a walk or hop on the elliptical and watch/listen to something so the time flies by. The key is to keep moving, stretch regularly, build strength, and take enough rest between intensive workouts. I’d take sore muscles any day over the joint pain, random sprains, and constant fatigue that used to limit my daily activity.
Overeating or eating too late at night left me feeling bloated and uneasy, so I started being more mindful of my intake. When I discovered that we only need to eat until we feel 80% full, I reconsidered my portion sizes. I didn’t cut out any food group, just ate more intentionally—less carbs, more vegetables and protein, fruits for a midday snack, and fewer biscuits/murukkus when I have the munchies.
The key is to keep it sustainable. I’d never say no to ice cream, and we eat out at least once a week. But I’m more aware of what my body needs to feel healthy and active. If I under-eat, I’ll end up rummaging through the snack cupboard, and if I overeat, I’ll feel uncomfortable. Not restricting any food completely, but enjoying everything in moderation, has made a huge difference in how I feel.
The human body is a marvelous creation, and God designed it to serve us—so we can fulfill His purpose in the world. An awareness of how we nourish our bodies and how we move daily can help us make sustainable changes toward a healthier lifestyle—in midlife and beyond!
Photo by Patty Brito on Unsplash
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Thank you Sheena. 4 small meals instead of 3 large ones, a regular 30 min walk rain or shine and intentionally drinking lots of water have helped me a lot. More veggies, more fruit and no ice cream / chocolates have helped me feel better. I try to bake with less refined sugar because I love my cakes.
Writing a gratitude list daily and singing hymns before leaving to work remind me to focus of God and be grateful!