It pains me to write this, but I'm in my late 30s. Yep. I can't stand it. And the realization that I'm getting older has never hit me as much as it has this year. I've started to notice those little things that make me realize I'm getting older. If I go out with friends late at night, I need a nap before. A nap! And a couple of days to recover. I've done a huge personal inventory and have been taking lots of steps to ensure that my life in the future is healthy, active, and overall a good life. I've seen how stress really ages people, and I want to do whatever I can to eradicate that from my life.
The first thing I've been doing is focusing more on myself. I'm notorious as the One Who Is There For You. Had a bad day? Call me. Need a shoulder to cry on? I'm on my way over. Need someone to rant to? A voice of reason? You get the picture. Taking care of others and neglecting myself started to really wear me down. I've been making sure to have a "date" with myself, such as cuddling up with a good book, going to a movie that only I would like, or a DIY Spa Day.
I've also been focusing on hobbies that are passionate to me, and that's one of the reasons I took up blogging. I really needed this outlet to share my beauty knowledge and to find other fans. Unfortunately, my family and friends aren't as into beauty as I am--I could talk about mascara for 30 minutes--and I felt really alone in that aspect. Doing something that's so fun to me--creating looks, reviewing products, sharing my tips, gives me such satisfaction and helps me feel younger.
Making sure I stay socially active is truly beneficial for me. If left to my own devices, I'll gladly stay on the computer or watch movies all day. While being alone is nice sometimes, it's just not healthy for me. I've really been making the effort to call a friend to go with me to the mall instead of shopping alone, for instance. Or having a Girls' Night In. Also, having a dog not only offers companionship, but it has been great at keeping me physically and socially active. Charlie is a great ice breaker!
If I could give you any advice, it would be that it's so important to make these changes now, so that it will make tomorrow that much easier. And I've surely noticed a difference. I want to have as healthy and as happy of a life as possible, especially now that I'm getting older. It's never too early to start bettering yourself for tomorrow. I highly encourage you to do the same.
- Get Old is an initiative developed by Pfizer to challenge people of all ages to rethink what it means to Get Old and take a more active role in their health and quality of life at every age. Whether it’s through watching what you eat, physical exercise, spending time with family and friends or participating in an activity you’re passionate about -- each of us has the power to decide for ourselves how we want to Get Old. It’s not just about living longer, but living better.
- What are you doing to Get Old well? Tells us at GetOld.com and join the conversation on Twitter.com/GetOld and Facebook.com/GetOld.
I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Pfizer and Get Old. I received compensation for this post. All opinions stated are my own.
I think you are so right about taking to time to care of yourself. My greatest strength is also empathy, so I am always the first one to take care of people. However, after awhile, I internalize the problems and it starts to bring me down. I had to learn (the hard way, of course) to take time for myself. I learned it is ok to ask for help, not just to give it. That last one is something I am still working on!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you're taking steps toward ensuring good health into the future, and I 100 percent agree with your approach. I just turned 30, and over the past year, I've already been able to sense some differences in my metabolism and the way my body feels. Time to make some adjustments to make sure I'm staying on track for a healthy future!
ReplyDeleteLove this! It is always a good idea to take good care of yourself :)
ReplyDeletethis is so wonderfully and honestly writhed Elle, It made a a lot of sense, we really need to make more time for ourselves and do the things we love.
ReplyDeleteyes to all of this!! we are our architects of our own (un)happiness so make the decisions now to stay happy and positive!
ReplyDelete-kathy
Vodka and Soda
Thank you, Elle, for always being so honest and open with your posts. We're about the same age, and totally hear yah.
ReplyDeleteI've always believe that age is just a number, and that it's more important to focus on feeling well and happy:)
This is such a great post.
ReplyDeleteWe all need our 'me time'.. :)
-Ru
Glitter And Blush
u r so right!
ReplyDeleteSo... not that age should really matter. And not that we should be obsessed about always looking young. I mean, I try and fight against the obsession with looking young and the ridiculous standards of female beauty.
ReplyDeleteBUT I totally thought you were in your 20s like I am.
graet post! i would tell my younger self DO NOT go tanning! it ruins your skin and can give you skin cancer! i went tanning for a few years (as a teenager and in college), i stopped when i turned 23 but now im really careful in the sun and i get my moles every year and skin checked (i have had 3 moles removed, all not cancerous but it is SO scary that it could be something bad). i'd also encourage myself to go to the doctor when my stomach issues started happening, and not to wait YEARS to do it!
ReplyDeleteAll this time I totally just assumed you were about the same age as me! I never think of myself as being the age I am (which is going on 30) because most of the things I like are still very child-like. I mean I did just get a Pokemon game a couple of weeks ago, so I think that says a lot about my Peter Pan syndrome lol.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful post and I totally think it is really important to take care of ourselves and give ourselves some me time. I just turned 26 and can no longer pull an all nighter like I could when I was 19-20 or deal with less than 8-9 hours of sleep on any given day so I know what you mean by how our bodies change with the aging process. Have a wonderful week :)
ReplyDeletexx
www.JuneWantsItAll.com
Great post! And you look great as always! I definitely think staying socially active is really healthy to do. Also, I've learnt years ago that even when I'm on holiday I take time out to enjoy the people that I am with and my surroundings. Sometimes we get too caught up in technology so it's nice to unplug as well. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's very important to take care of ourselves. I know as a mom, sometimes I put my needs on the back burner. That's not good. A little pampering and "me" time is good for everyone.
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome - you really look incredible. Never would I have come CLOSE to guessing your age, lovely! Your advice is fantastic, and necessary. I think I take my youth for granted and think I'll always have time. I definitely need to get off my ass a little more and be more active physically!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are getting so "me" time! I have tend to forget sometimes!
ReplyDeletexo,
Jacqueline
stylinsntlouis.com
It's good that you're focusing on you! It's always nice to help others, but sometimes you need to recuperate and do the things you want to do!
ReplyDelete~Sara
Sincerely, Sara
Check out my two year blogiversary giveaway!
Oh yes soooo true, I use to be so embroiled in other peoples issues and drama to the point of ridiculousness. But I nipped that in the bud and those days are long gone.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
Elle, I'm 51 and couldn't agree with you more. Taking care of ourselves--body, mind and soul is key to living well. Fab post! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I'm almost 30 and I think this is really great advice! I've been in such denial about me getting older but I think there are things that I really need to do to make me happier and thing these are some great things I can try to work on for myself! :)
ReplyDeleteNina
http://curvymod.blogspot.com/
Girl. You don't look anywhere NEAR your late 30's. I would've thought you were my age (I'll be 29 in March). Getting "older" is so hard for women. I feel you on that. I'm not sure why but it just IS!
ReplyDeleteWhoa, you don't look like late 30s at all! But you're right hun, my priorities has changed ever since I hit the big 3 0 mark and like you, I am concentrating more of what really matters!
ReplyDeleteI must add that I thought you were in your late 20s, you really look good for your age!
ReplyDeleteHey girl, I thought you were in your 20s! Not that it matters anyway ;) You've got the right mindset. What I am trying to work on? Stressin' less...less anxiety and all that.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing! No way you are in your 30s!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm definitely trying to get back on that road again too. Selfcare in all ways possible is so important!
ReplyDeletep.s. Sorry for the absence recently. Blogging and commenting just hasn't been on my agenda for awhile.
Thank you Elle for sharing this, what a great post! You have really touched on such important points. Sometimes its takes a while for the realization of getting old to kick in and sometimes it just hits you one day and no longer can you say ah I've got plenty of time to be healthy! I think even if its just one small change or step out of your comfort zone each day really makes a huge difference. Sometimes I don't want to see anyone and just hide away but its important to make that effort even if its just a cup of coffee :)
ReplyDeleteThere is no way you could be 30 something! You look like your still in your twenties! I will be 30 years old next year. And well since last month I've already been feeling like I definitely need to make a few changes here and there to help me prepare for that big Three Zero. =) One thing for sure, I do want to live a drama free life, stress is not healthy at all, it is not good for the skin, for my hair and it is not good period. I've started practicing the art of positivity and gratitude last year, I do believe that these things are the key to happiness. Hopefully I can still continue doing my daily grateful journal when I'm thirty and have a baby. =)
ReplyDeleteI love your words and I agree with you my babe, love your honest <3
ReplyDeleteXxx
Carolina
www.the-world-c.blogspot.com
i love this...for me, to stay young, i pretend i am. i know, and never lie about how old i am, but in reality, i feel like i am still in my 20s.
ReplyDeleteHi, Elle! I must agree with you on many levels - the multiple-day recovery after late nights, the naps required, the putting everyone else first and being okay as a hermit. :) I think you're ahead of the game by being aware of the need to be social and to take the time for yourself! Great post.
ReplyDeletePs, I'm 35 and I think we make the mid/late 30s look good!!
Elle, this is shocking, SHOCKING!! I had to reread the first line--I can't believe you are a day older than 27. You are incredible. I am in shock. Anyway, this is very refreshing post about aging and being gracious towards yourself. I've recently started to be aware of the fact that I am aging and need to start with more proactive preventive measures now--green shakes in the morning, staying away from all the treats out there, exercising much more regularly, and moisturizing like lotion and oil will make me ten pounds thinner! Thanks for the fresh perspective and being so kind to yourself so you can share with us.
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Faerl Marie
You look amazing, however old you may be. It can be hard to push ourselves, but so necessary to grow and have fun. I am glad you continue to do that!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
Elle, I thought you were much younger! High five for looking young :) The older I get, the less desire I have to go out and I'm totally fine with that!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
I thought you were a loooot younger!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I'm right there with you. I think it's natural as we get older to take stock as to the things that are truly important in life. Stuff that seemed so important in your twenties now seems trivial. And it's so important to take care of yourself. I actually think this chapter (I'm in my late 30's, too) has been the best so far and I know it's only going to get better!
ReplyDeleteWow, Elle! I really thought you are much younger! You look great. I am also 37 BTW and this was the first birthday that I hated. This was in July but by now I do not care that much anymore. Thank you so much for your honesty! XOXO, Sissi http://www.beauty4free2u.com
ReplyDeleteGreat post! And late 30s? Really? I had no idea. You look much younger.
ReplyDeleteElle, you are beautiful inside and out. I still find it hard to believe you're in your late 30s, because your skin and hair always look flawless! You are aging beautifully, and this was a great reminder to take care of yourself and be happy with who you are. I've found that even at 26, I'm already starting to feel exhausted and not want to go out with friends, so I'm proud that you actually make an effort! I need to try harder. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat?? Your late 30s?? Wouldn't have guessed in a mlilion years, you look so much younger! That was a surprise!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I remember napping before going out in college... so maybe you're actually reverting? haha
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, I loved this post.
Well for starters, something you're doing is working very well, because you look about ten years younger than your real age! So kudos to you! I think you're so right about needing to take time to pamper ourselves. I'm learning the power of saying "no" when my plate is full instead of feeling obligated to take on one more thing. Having that time for myself has made a huge difference in how I feel, mentally and physically.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! If left to my own devices i can easily become a hermit, so I have to make an effort to call, go out and be around other people. And I require so many more naps now than I did even 5 years ago.
ReplyDelete