The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition Apr/May 2025

DINING OUT HEALTH & WELLNESS

PAGE 60

SLICE OF LIFE Building the Flexibility Muscle By Ellyn Mantell

Wellness Made Simple

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f aging has taught me anything, it is that not only does my body need to be agile and flexible, but so does my mind. Looking at mental flexibility as a muscle to be strengthened may just be the key to aging gracefully. Recog nize that bending easily is an incredible strength, not a weakness! As a younger woman, I thought that determination and drive were intrinsic to success. Mentally, physically, and pro fessionally, I believed that they made me strong and tough. Little would stand in my way of completing whatever task was set before me. If I set my alarm for 5:00 a.m. to run six miles before work, then getting out of bed and on the road was going to happen, period. Flexibility was not an option even if I awakened with a sore throat, aching back, headache, or had been up all night with a crying child. I dug in my heels and laced up my shoes. Snow, ice, rain, or wet leaves did not deter me from my goal. If the opposite of being flexible is being rigid, then I was the post er child for rigidity. It kept me on my path to whatever success I needed to achieve. The more I eschewed flexibility, the better about myself I felt. My running

mind. Exercise, eating healthy, getting enough rest and deep sleep, even chat ting with friends and enjoying a meal to gether are all essential to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. There are no rewards for overdoing it in the gym, starvation, punishing regimens, or the like. As I have aged, however, I realize that there are more variables presented in life than what I have prepared for in many ways. How do we embrace that flexibility at any age positively and begin to build that muscle? Perhaps reframing a “must” to a “maybe I will” is the key. By looking at a situation from a different vantage point, we can impart a more positive view. Rather than feeling tethered to an ac tion, which may cause untenable stress, perhaps we can weigh other options. Recognizing that success or failure is not a line drawn in black magic marker on

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white paper. It is more likely to be drawn in shades of gray. Building this muscle of flex ibility, like all of our mus cles, takes time and intention. The good news is that it can be done muscle of flex of our mus

clothes were at the foot of my bed, shoes unlaced, dar ing me to even think about being flexible. No, the run must be done or I was a failure, and that was not an option.

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throughout the day while walking, con versing, or dining with friends. The goal to set may be as simple as “I will enjoy this evening with my family” with little expectation that things need to happen in a certain way. In reality, as a newly minted flexible person, you may find the ride to be as much fun as reaching the destination! throughout the day while walking, con

As I have aged, however, I realize that there are more variables presented in life than what I have prepared for in many ways. Being sick requires attention to my body. Power comes from taking charge and giving in when it is the better choice. Lots of things all working together nur ture my soul as much as my body and

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