“I’m a better mother, I’m a better wife, I’m a better leader when I can do those things for myself and start my day off in that way,” Minter-Jordan said. “It’s something that we all just have to find the space for. No one will give us … the time to do this unless we take it for ourselves, quite frankly.”
Studies have shown that mindfulness can improve cognition, lower blood pressure, stave off anxiety and depression, aid digestion and even support immune function. It speaks to the mind-body connection that links the way we think with how we feel and how our body functions.
Whether it’s a short walk through nature, a few deep breaths, a moment to journal or even some guided yoga or meditation, making the commitment to yourself to find time for reflection should be given priority in your routine, Minter-Jordan said.
2. Find time for movement every day
Exercise is another thing you’ll never see Minter-Jordan skipping. “I begin every day with a great workout,” she said.
Whether it’s cycling, lifting weights or doing yoga, making time for movement plays into a holistic approach to health that Minter-Jordan, a physician, knows is beneficial to the body and mind.
“I believe that our personal wellness is something that we are completely in charge of,” she said. “Making that commitment is hard to do, but we have to do it.”
Whether you choose to work out with someone or alone (as Minter-Jordan often does), think of it as a form of self-care instead of a chore.
It can be just minutes a day. A 2022 study in the journal Nature Medicine found that people ages 40 to 69 who were physically active for just one or two minutes, three times a day, significantly reduced their risk of death from heart disease or cancer.
‘The Washington Post’ hosts the 4th installment of the Global Women’s Summit.
Courtesy The Washington Post
3. Find (and set) new goals
As a recent empty nester, Minter-Jordan is thinking about this stage of her life as an opportunity. She’s looking forward to reclaiming her time and “really understand[ing] what it is that I need and want for myself.”
For many older adults, grown children, retirement or relocation to a different community can disrupt a routine, posing big questions about what happens next.
Reexamining values, exploring passions or finding the ability to give back can make these moments of big change feel exciting instead of overwhelming. That can also come from seeking new social connections, a key to happiness among older adults, according to AARP research.