Gratitude

Gratitude has become a platitude, but I happen to believe it really works – especially when things aren’t going my way. When I find the positive side of whatever is making me grumble, suddenly that thing doesn’t hold as much power over me. Making lemonade as it were. I can’t say it always works, but I’ve gotten better at it with practice.

Meditation

I am 100% sold on it. Meditation calms me and makes me better able to deal with the lemons that do come my way. The Ten Percent Happier and Calm apps both have great guided meditations that I can fit into my schedule, even if I only have 5 minutes.

Sleep

It is the real anti-aging elixir, and maybe the essential thing for mental and physical health. Getting a good night is more challenging as we age, so I’ve taken steps to make sure I get as much sleep as I can. 

The best thing I’ve tried lately is a weighted blanket. It’s a game changer. The first one I purchased made me sleep hot, so now I’m using the Bearaby blanket. The open weave allows for more air flow and I can better regulate my temperature. 

Exercise

Would I be happier to lounge an extra hour in bed? You bet. But I would also not feel as good mentally and physically as I do when I exercise. I try to do something first thing in the morning, six days a week. It clears the morning fog and starts the day with an accomplishment, even if some days it is  just walking my dog. On the 7th day, I sleep as late as I can.

Infused Water

Everyone tells us to drink more water, but both the subject and the drink are dull. So when I have the time, I infuse water with different flavors – especially in the summertime. When I’m fully hydrated, I notice a difference in how I look and feel.

Here’s my favorite way to make it:

1 quart of filtered water

1 cup ice

1 cup mango, diced

1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced

A few basil leaves, bruised and torn

Put all ingredients in a pitcher and leave overnight.  

Strain out the fruit and serve over ice. 

TIP:  If the ginger is too spicy, remove it after a couple of hours rather than leaving it overnight. You can alter the fruits and herbs as you like, and you can add veggies, too. Some fun combinations are cucumber, mint, and strawberry, or try pineapple and jalapeno for a little heat!

Now that is taken care of, soft skin and little luxuries:

A soft, silk pillowcase

I thought silk pillowcases were silly and an unnecessary extravagance. Until I got one. They help control bedhead and tangles, and keep my hair softer and shinier.

A different hair towel:

When the texture of my hair changed after menopause, I became obsessed with hair products. That’s why I like the towels from Crown Affair. They are gentler than terry cloth, and dry my hair faster. They even have a nifty little elastic that keeps the towel in place while you get the rest of your ablutions done.

The ideal hair styling product

I am not really faithful to any particular styling product, with one major exception. The one that I always rely on is Kerastase L’Huile Original Hair Oil. Usually I pair it with a mousse for lift (I live in Texas, baby!), but when I travel, this is the only styling aid I carry. (BTW, it does not make your hair oily.)

Lush lipstick

Makeup is where I like to treat myself. I don’t wear a lot of it, so what I do wear I want to be luxurious. Tom Ford’s lipsticks are my fave. They slick on easily with just the right coverage, and they have a very delicate, almost vanilla-like scent. Spanish Pink is a flattering neutral – close to the lip color, so it goes with everything and never appears harsh.

Facial Cleanser

This is the perfect cleanser for me. It is easy to use and I can buy it almost anywhere. When I’m traveling and don’t want to carry as many products, I use it to remove eye makeup, too. It’s very gentle and doesn’t sting. (It won’t work on waterproof mascara.) It’s not fancy, but it works, and more importantly, it is what my dermatologist recommends for my fussy skin.

Body Lotion

As I said, my dermatologist recommended I dump all the expensive stuff and use simple products like Aquaphor, and Cetaphil. And the truth is, I really don’t see benefits from using fancier brands. The only body lotion I use is Eucerin Advanced Repair. It is rich and fragrance free and doesn’t irritate my skin.

Illuminator

There are loads of highlighters on the market, but I’m crushing on this one from Susan Posnick right now. It comes in several shades and the applicator sponge is a fun and easy way to dab on the sparkle exactly where you want it to go. A little glow adds up to a lot of anti-aging.

Root Concealer

In the spirit of telling some truths about aging, there is this one–I’m not yet ready for gray. I know it’s coming and I’ve started to make a plan for the transition, but for now I’m coloring. I think I’ve tried every root touch-up product on the market, and Style Edit is the one I like the best. It stays in until you wash it out and the spray applicator design gives you great control over the color.

Okay, I’ve shared my tricks for dealing with the decade. Now I want to hear what works for you!