Wellness For The Aging Equestrian- Intro
As good horse owners we are always extra concerned for the older equine. We make sure they have proper nutrition, the correct exercise program for their physical ability, and plenty of supplements to aide their creaky joints and such.
But what about the older equestrian? We tend to forget ourselves and put all the focus on our horse’s care. The only problem with that is if we don’t take care of OUR aging bodies and minds, we won’t be able to take care of our horse. Maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely crucial to live a higher quality life. Wellness matters. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. In turn, our well-being directly affects our actions and emotions. It’s an ongoing circle. Therefore, it is important for everyone to achieve optimal wellness in order to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive interactions. That is where this program can help! This series will offer ways we, as older equestrians, can take care of us; mind, body and soul. How we can stay mentally sharp, physically fit and how we can connect on a deeper level with our horse.
As a former professional rider and now a lifestyle brand owner, it has always been a priority of mine to stay in shape. As I aged I realized my mental health was just as important as my physical, so I added mindfulness practices and meditation to my life. People frequently ask me about my program for good health, "What do you eat?" "How do you meditate.?" "Will yoga help me too?" So I decided to share my wellness strategies. Join me in this blog and over the next few weeks I will cover a variety of topics including:
- exercise options to improve cardio, flexibility, strength and balance,
- nutrition specifically for aging bodies that target energy and anti-inflammatory,
- natural supplements designed to address typical aging equestrian issues,
- ways to improve mental focus and to calm our minds,
- ways to connect on a soul-level with your horse through healing chakras and connection techniques.
- If you are setting goals – be SUPER SPECIFIC, write them down, and plan them out.
- If you are making new habits – add them to your calendar, set phone alarms or alerts, and do them EVERY DAY.
- This is NOT a quick fix, but a LIFESTYLE CHANGE.
Remember, it's a low, steady progress. So don’t expect overnight results or get discouraged and give up! I'll be here to cheer you on if you need it so just shoot me an email. Let's start with what I mean by "wellness". Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth. According to the - The World Health Organization, wellness is "...a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." The The National Wellness Institute expands that to say wellness is "a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential." With those definitions in mind, I wanted to create a series that encompassed Complete Wellness. This must include components that address all areas so this series is broken down into: A) Physical Fitness- cardio, strength, flexibility Click this link to start your journey to wellness with Physical Fitness for the Aging Equestrians. B) Nutrition- well balanced diet and supplements Click this link to be directed to Nutrition for the Aging Equestrians. C) Mental- challenge, meditate, connect Check back in two weeks for Mental Health for the Aging Equestrians. I hope to see you here each week and please let me know any questions you might have, and share your progress!
Peace and good rides,
Laura
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