Physical Resilience

What is physical resilience? 

Physical resilience allows the body to be fit and adapt to stress, and overcome the hurdles we face in our day-to-day living. 

As we age beyond 50, most people accept they are “going downhill.” Many believe being tired, stressed, and generally feeling down are part of life and live with it. BUT you have the power to keep climbing uphill!    

Research published in April 2016 in the Journal of Gerontology showed that physical resilience plays an important role in healthy aging, as people encounter medical issues and physical stressors.{source: https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/71/4/435/2605392}.

It’s important to improve and strengthen our cardiovascular system to get oxygen and nutrients into our muscles which are proven to give us more energy. First, take a look at activities you do that are physically draining, that you could adjust or avoid.

Here are four factors that you can begin with that play a role in our physical resilience as we make our daily healthy lifestyle choices.

1. Connect with others: Increases your happiness! In one compelling study, a key difference between happy people and less-happy people was good relationships. {source: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/241/4865/540}
2. Rest and recover: Quality sleep is important 7-8 hours each night. Quality rest is necessary so the muscles can repair, rebuild and strengthen. You will feel better. Rest helps you maintain a better balance between your fitness goals and home life.  
3. Be mindful of breathing: Focused breathing helps you relax and releases stress. Practice a breathing routine. A recommended breathing technique: In for a count of 4, hold your breath for 4 and breath out your stress for a count of 8 when you get in bed. Repeat as often as you feel you need to. 
4. Engage in activities we enjoy: take a hike, ride a bike, take a walk, learn a new activity/sport. Keep active daily. Exercise improves blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It also encourages the release of brain chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body– you will feel GREAT after your activity!  

Just because you are over 50, you don’t have to sit back and settle. Believe in your abilities. You can power up and keep moving forward–up the mountain. 

Take action for YOU and contact K Factor Coaching today.