FOR MANY OF US, these early January days prompt thoughts of embracing a healthier lifestyle. Eating better, exercising, losing weight, reducing stress and more top lists. But taking this from ideas to action requires determination and hard work.
If you live in a cold weather climate like me, getting motivated and active during the winter can prove challenging. Just the thought of bundling up to go outdoors makes me wish for warmer, sunnier days. This time of year, I’d rather snuggle under a fleece throw and read.
But I’m determined in 2024 to work harder at appreciating winter. I won’t be taking up downhill skiing or ice skating. But I am open to trying cross country skiing and snowshoeing decades out from my last attempt at either. I’ll leave ice fishing for the die-hard anglers. And I can certainly walk/hike, especially now that I have clamp-on Snow Trax with tungsten carbide spikes for gripping snowy and icy surfaces. I have not yet tested them to see if they actually work as promised. We’ve had only minimal snow and ice. Of one thing I’m certain. I can’t risk falling and breaking a bone. Not at my age, which is closing in on 70.
If I really want to play it safe and simultaneously stay warm, I can walk indoors. Shattuck-St. Mary’s, a private college prep school on Faribault’s east side, opens its dome to the public from 6:10 – 9:30 am weekdays for running and walking. Five loops around the soccer field perimeter equal about a mile, the distance Randy and I typically walk. It’s truly amazing that I can go this far given six months ago I could barely manage to walk a block due to the affects of long haul COVID.
On days when temps are not horribly cold and the wind is calm, I much prefer walking outside. There’s something about being outdoors, in nature, that is more relaxing, calming than in an indoor environment. I like the feel of sunshine on my face, even the crisp air, and the sight of twisting river and bare trees and a sometimes bold, blue sky. Last time walking at the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf campus, 10 deer stood statue still watching Randy and me as we stood statue still watching them. I felt such joy in seeing this wildlife in the heart of my community.
Walking and weight lifting, along with taking Vitamin D and getting sufficient calcium in my diet, are ways I am improving my health, too, specifically my bone health. Dairy has always been an important part of my daily food in-take given I grew up on a dairy farm. I like lifting hand weights. I feel empowered and stronger. With a family history of osteoporosis, my own diagnosis, two past broken bones and my tall, thin frame, I take bone health seriously.
Then there’s diet beyond dairy. If one good thing came from developing long haul COVID in 2023, it was losing 25 pounds. Granted, I wouldn’t recommend this weight loss plan. But I’m happy to have a current body mass index of 20.7, which is on the lower end of my “normal” weight range.
I find I no longer crave sweets as much as I once did. With the kids long gone from home, I seldom bake. I eat a bowl of old-fashioned oatmeal with fresh fruit added nearly every morning and have done so for many years. It took several weeks of eating oatmeal for the grain to grow on me. In the back of my head, I remembered how much my father-in-law disliked oatmeal, so much so that he stuffed oatmeal into his pockets at Catholic boarding school. Not quite sure how he managed that as a young lad under the watchful eyes of the nuns.
I try to eat smaller portions, avoid junk food and bread, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (which I love). Admittedly, I also love pizza, a grilled cheese sandwich, cheesecake, ice cream, etc. and don’t deny myself foods that aren’t necessarily “good” for me. It’s about portion control. Have a small scoop of ice cream, not several. On occasion, I’ve been known to devour a handful of dark chocolate chips when I’m craving chocolate.
Seldom do I dine out, for two reasons—cost and my inability to tolerate noisy environments due to sensory issues from long haul COVID. I’ve only eaten out a handful of times in the past year. Twice I left because I couldn’t manage the noise. While I appreciate restaurants, I recognize that such dining can lead to overeating and consuming calorie-laden foods because, who isn’t tempted by French fries?
Reducing stress is perhaps my biggest challenge. I tend to worry, to ruminate. And that is unhealthy. I’m getting better at letting go, at lessening demands on myself, on understanding that life never has been, and never will be, perfect.
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TELL ME: What do you do to stay healthy? What goals have you set for 2024?
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Not sure if you are open to consumer product reviews/notes . . . I hope the Snow Trax work well for you. Can you let us know? I had a product with a similar design several years ago and the spikes went AWOL very quickly, working themselves out of their rubber homes. I don’t know if the design was poor, if the rubber parts had dried out, if I used them on surfaces for which they were not designed– or all of the above. Since then, I’ve been acquiring various products by YakTrax, which at least haven’t fallen apart–yet. I haven’t actually been able to fully test them, as we fortunately haven’t had glare ice for a while. I rinse off salt residue to prevent rust. I store them in sealed bags off-season to protect the rubber parts. With any of these products, I tend to not trust them 100%, and try to “walk like a penguin.”
The Snow Trax are a YakTrax product, so says the label. Once we get snow, I guess I will learn just how well they work and how long they last. But I’m fine with waiting for snow and ice. I don’t really miss either. Thanks for your take on these types of products and for your tips on cleaning and storing. And, no, I haven’t done product reviews. But if I remember, I can write a follow-up post on Snow Trax after I’ve used them for a while. Here’s to walking like a penguin. I totally understand that and have semi mastered the cautious walk.
Sounds like you have some good plans in place Audrey.
Good for you!
I hope to restart my yoga practice in 2024.
Yoga is something I need to learn. Good for you to restart this.
like you, I have taken the initiative to work on my health and create positive habit in that direction again. I’ve signed up a balance, strength class, I can do online with my local rec and ed department, getting back to walking more frequently, really thinking about what I’m eating and vitamins and supplements as needed. wow, amazing how far you’ve come with your stamina and ability to walk a good distance. p,s.. that salad looks absolutely amazing
First, that salad from the Amboy Cottage Cafe in small town Amboy was probably the best I’ve ever eaten.
Secondly, yes, I have come a long ways in the past year in recovering from the affects of long haul COVID. I credit my vestibular rehab therapist, Ryan, for giving me the tools to get to where I am today and to manage my symptoms. Plus, a lot of hard work on my part got me to this better place of health.
Keep doing what you’re doing to live a healthy life style, Beth. I expect your little ones also play a role in all of this.
yes, we certainly do not make it through life without other people
I am working on letting it go more in 2024 – stress and cortisol is not a good mix for the healthy and happy whole being. I recently read a depressing article that on average you have 11 years after you retire – the math does not add up and seems unfair – work 30, 40 or maybe 50 years – geez! 11 years seems a rip. I have to find that mindset that works for me as well as what does not feel like a chore or work to have that healthy and happy whole being too. I love dance inspired exercising and have done it now for over 5 years. I still tap into Yoga as well and have been doing that since I was in my 20’s. Stretching and weight lifting is key too for balance, stability, strength, etc. A big game changer for me has been grocery delivery because I shop for what I need and not making those impulse buys while wandering the aisles.
Here is a great snack idea – cup of greek yogurt, add dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder, and maybe some fruit, nuts, coconut, etc. and happy eating. I have made this for dinner parties and mix the yogurt and cocoa powder and then add a bar of toppings and no one knows it is a healthier version of say pudding.
Here’s to 2024 and Being Open to the Adventures, Possibilities, Opportunities!!! ENJOY 🙂
Thanks for the snack idea. That sounds like a better option than simply eating a handful of dark chocolate chips.
Your math on work vs retirement and years lived thereafter is frightening in a way. I wish the retirement age was younger. By the time you’re full retirement age of 66 years and four months, most people have some health issues. And then there are people, who because they work in government, etc. can retire in their 50s. This discrepancy doesn’t seem fair. But then as my mom said, “Life isn’t fair. The fair is in August.”
Keep doing what you’re doing, Renee, to stay healthy.
Walking outside, core exercises with stretching, and meditation are my favorite things to manage stress and stay healthy. Sometimes, just sitting either in our yard or at the dining room table where I can look out the patio door when it’s too cold to sit outside, is just the thing. The practice of just sitting for a few minutes to breathe and re-group is one I’ve learned can be done anytime, no special prep necessary. It really works. Other than those things, I’m paying more attention to diet than I’ve ever done by eating less meat, getting more fiber, drinking less alcohol. My goal this year, as it’s been for a while, is to have a peaceful life.
Your goal to live a peaceful life is an excellent one. By living in peace, we reduce a lot of stress and the affect it has on our bodies. Thanks for sharing ways you are living healthy.
Your health views are similar to mine – I get outside as much as possible because nature is awesome, eat my oatmeal nearly every day, lift my hand weights… My biggest challenge is still pain flares from a 2022 back injury, it’s super-slowly getting better. I’m definitely looking forward to the day when I won’t have brace myself for sudden, unexpected pain. (P.S. I tried to comment on your 2019 Maplewood State Park post, but some unknown tech glitch wouldn’t allow it. It’s so neat to read others’ experiences of places I’ve been.😊 )
Rose, I hope your pain lessens. Pain is tough, especially when related to a back injury. I agree that getting outside and into nature is so important for our overall health. Here’s to a healthy 2024 for you and those you love!
Good for you for taking care of yourself. I am going to be more intentional about just about everything in my life including health.
I’m trying.