The useful bit here is the absence of punishment. A reset after travel is usually boring: sleep, walking, normal meals, fewer late drinks, and no grand speech about becoming a new person by Monday. Adults need a return path, not a courtroom.
My biggest reset is to absorb way less daily news. Just PBS and Heather Cox Richardson (who lives in Maine). Glances at headlines in NYTIMES which I try (often w/o success) not to let myself get too absorbed in and worked up over. I'm not "head in the sand" and do what I I can do - inaction is not an option - but it's about balance. Being away from the news while on vacation is renewing. Reentry is a challenge.
At 80 and 97, the cruises and road trips we loved are no longer an option for us. So our 'vacations' are eating dinner out once a week, eating anything we want, and not having to plan and cook dinner, a kitchen vacation for me. Try not to stray to far from my exercise schedule because I never know when my chronic pains will keep me from doing it. Loving the book. Gave a copy to a doctor friend and, of course, he checked out your creds before starting it.
Lucy, sooo exciting about your new book! I agree; it’s got legs because your approach is a very important message and it’s such a good read! As for healthy habits, you could be Jiminy Cricket on my shoulder (maybe you are!); I am practicing all these things, esp. getting good sleep. Trouble is, the stubborn 10 extra pounds around my middle don’t seem to budge. Maybe this is just the “new” me at 74? I am eating much less overall than I used to, focusing more on protein, have cut way back on alcohol… but still have a sweet tooth.
I am like the spelling rule "I" before "E," except after "C." WEIRD! By that I mean that I have not been one to follow rules, others' practices, or prescribed procedures. Won't bore you and readers with examples except that I once was chastised indirectly by the spouse of my boss for not wearing a necktie at work all the time in the late 70s; went back to my practice after what I thought was too long a period of complying.
Since taking a stress management course at Vermont Community College in the early 80s, I accomplished as routine some of your prescribed lifestyle actions; I almost always slept well and kept moving from an early age (The great Satchel Paige is quoted as saying "Keep moving. Something might be gaining on you." I took that to mean age and deteriorating physical condition.). The class taught me how to take care of my mind through a number of practices - including progressive relaxation, meditation, yoga. My wife is a great cook and has taken care of a nutritious diet, which I have learned to supplement with nutritious snacks. While I limit alcohol, and caffeine, I continue to enjoy my almost nightly glass of cabernet sauvignon and morning coffee.
This is a long way of saying that this is my lifestyle, which almost never varies. I have been retired from remunerative work for 18+ years. Every day is a vacation and I luxuriate in most of them in my own way. At this point, I do not know how to live differently.
Great (and compassionate) advice. I notice that I crave healthy food after a time of indulgence.
Bought your book out of gratitude for your guidance during the pandemic. Have begun reading it and ( no surprise) your guidance continues to be spot on
This is stellar advice! Thank you for always being the voice of reason in health. You’ve helped me so much with my own health anxiety since I found you. I just received my copy of your book and am looking forward to reading it!
I’m so happy your book is doing so well! And that you had fun promoting it!
I’m taking my time dipping in and out, and it stays on the bookshelf beside my reading chair.
I’ve been thinking about signing up for yoga at our senior center this fall. Or a tai chi class with my husband (it would be a good addition to his Parkinson’s exercise plan)
The useful bit here is the absence of punishment. A reset after travel is usually boring: sleep, walking, normal meals, fewer late drinks, and no grand speech about becoming a new person by Monday. Adults need a return path, not a courtroom.
Congratulations on your book Lucy.
My biggest reset is to absorb way less daily news. Just PBS and Heather Cox Richardson (who lives in Maine). Glances at headlines in NYTIMES which I try (often w/o success) not to let myself get too absorbed in and worked up over. I'm not "head in the sand" and do what I I can do - inaction is not an option - but it's about balance. Being away from the news while on vacation is renewing. Reentry is a challenge.
Big congrats on the book launch! Any idea when those of us who preordered will receive our copies?
At 80 and 97, the cruises and road trips we loved are no longer an option for us. So our 'vacations' are eating dinner out once a week, eating anything we want, and not having to plan and cook dinner, a kitchen vacation for me. Try not to stray to far from my exercise schedule because I never know when my chronic pains will keep me from doing it. Loving the book. Gave a copy to a doctor friend and, of course, he checked out your creds before starting it.
🤣🤣🤣
Lucy, sooo exciting about your new book! I agree; it’s got legs because your approach is a very important message and it’s such a good read! As for healthy habits, you could be Jiminy Cricket on my shoulder (maybe you are!); I am practicing all these things, esp. getting good sleep. Trouble is, the stubborn 10 extra pounds around my middle don’t seem to budge. Maybe this is just the “new” me at 74? I am eating much less overall than I used to, focusing more on protein, have cut way back on alcohol… but still have a sweet tooth.
Totally agree life is too short to waste time beating ourselves up, we are humans and imperfect.
Shortage of physicians is dictated by the AMA. Infact from medical school spots to physicians- dictate pay etc etc
Congratulations on the book.
Love this!
Age old saying, "you just gotta get back up on the horse no matter how many times you fall off."
I am like the spelling rule "I" before "E," except after "C." WEIRD! By that I mean that I have not been one to follow rules, others' practices, or prescribed procedures. Won't bore you and readers with examples except that I once was chastised indirectly by the spouse of my boss for not wearing a necktie at work all the time in the late 70s; went back to my practice after what I thought was too long a period of complying.
Since taking a stress management course at Vermont Community College in the early 80s, I accomplished as routine some of your prescribed lifestyle actions; I almost always slept well and kept moving from an early age (The great Satchel Paige is quoted as saying "Keep moving. Something might be gaining on you." I took that to mean age and deteriorating physical condition.). The class taught me how to take care of my mind through a number of practices - including progressive relaxation, meditation, yoga. My wife is a great cook and has taken care of a nutritious diet, which I have learned to supplement with nutritious snacks. While I limit alcohol, and caffeine, I continue to enjoy my almost nightly glass of cabernet sauvignon and morning coffee.
This is a long way of saying that this is my lifestyle, which almost never varies. I have been retired from remunerative work for 18+ years. Every day is a vacation and I luxuriate in most of them in my own way. At this point, I do not know how to live differently.
I started working last year as an aide at a school. My Sunset career after a 30 year career with SF BART.
Look how I influenced the school (from the school newsletter this week):
About St . Catherine of Siena Lunch Program
This year, we are taking a fresh look at our school lunch program with a focus on
health, wellness, nutrition, and sustainability. Our goal is to provide students
with meals that are nutritious and satisfying while remaining affordable for our
families and responsible with our school’s resources.
We are making a few simple changes:
Introducing Protein Bowls (Mondays)
Adding Fresh Vegetables with Pizza – Pizza will remain a student favorite, but
we are pairing it with fresh vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Replacing Hot Dogs with Sandwiches – Our club sandwich will provide a
familiar, protein-rich alternative.
Focusing on Protein – Protein helps students feel satisfied and supports their
growing bodies, making it an important part of our lunch choices.
Our Goal:
We want our lunch program to reflect what we teach our students every day:
caring for ourselves, making healthy choices, and being good stewards of the
resources God has given us.
Healthy. Nutritious & Kid-f riendly.
Great (and compassionate) advice. I notice that I crave healthy food after a time of indulgence.
Bought your book out of gratitude for your guidance during the pandemic. Have begun reading it and ( no surprise) your guidance continues to be spot on
Soooo happy for you!!
Glad you are allowing yourself to celebrate and indulge!
This is stellar advice! Thank you for always being the voice of reason in health. You’ve helped me so much with my own health anxiety since I found you. I just received my copy of your book and am looking forward to reading it!
As usual so much great advice; most of us women are hard on ourselves !
I’m so happy your book is doing so well! And that you had fun promoting it!
I’m taking my time dipping in and out, and it stays on the bookshelf beside my reading chair.
I’ve been thinking about signing up for yoga at our senior center this fall. Or a tai chi class with my husband (it would be a good addition to his Parkinson’s exercise plan)
Thank you for writing!
Lucy McBride,
I've got two words for you: You rock!
:)