SLEEP PROBLEMS, MELATONIN, & MORE....

Here it is, a New Year, 2009! Are you feeling the allure of new beginnings, or renewed vigor, of rejuvenation? I sure am! I have good feelings about this year, despite the turmoil around us, despite another birthday, despite the negatives of life itself, I feel that 2009 will be awesome and divine!!!

I have aged a bit since my last post, as I have been burning the candle at both ends and in the middle too, and it shows on my face, that is for sure. Getting enough sleep is not always easy, especially for women with natural hormonal changes going on. I have read that part of the reason is that we lose a significant amount of Melatonin: Melatonin, also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine , is a naturally occurring hormone found in most animals, including humans, and some other living organisms, including algae. Circulating levels vary in a daily cycle, and melatonin is important in the regulation of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions. Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors while others are due to its role as a pervasive and powerful antioxidant with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA..

The use of melatonin as a drug can entrain (synchronize) the circadian clock to environmental cycles and can have beneficial effects for treatment of certain forms of insomnia. Its therapeutic potential may be limited by its short biological half-life, poor bioavailability, and the fact that it has numerous non-specific actions. In recent studies though, prolonged release melatonin has shown good results in treating insomnia in older adults...

The recommended dosage is 300 - 500 mcg. daily. It also acts as an anti-ager, in that, while you are sleeping, it increases the levels of the growth hormone which aids in repairing skin cells, as well as other tissues. You can also be helped with a multivitamin which contains 250 mg. of magnesium, at least 25 mg. of B5, and 50 mg. of B6. The B vitamins hinder the overstimulating effects of stress hormones. I, for one, really need to try something, as, I have had many, many, sleepless, or almost sleepless nights, regardless of how relaxed, or tired, I feel...

Of course, Yoga and meditation, and relaxation techniques will help as well. I am getting ready to get back into basic Yoga for the stretching, as it helps to build the core, plus, strengthens it for life. I use relaxation techniques frequently, and while I do not meditate, per se, I am in a meditative state in my relaxation techniques. Exercise, like walking and such, are also great attributes to both energy and relaxation. Just find a time which fits your metabolism. For instance, I am considered an owl, I am not an early to bed, early to rise, person, so, my ideal workout time is between 6 & 9 p. m., and a lark, an early riser, is between 4 & 6:30 p. m. . Our body clocks determine a lot about how we should be doing things, and suffer if we go against them, and so, we see lots of tired people, all resisting giving in to the natural rhythms of their internal clock, based on necessity, lack of knowledge, or simply because they like certain times of the day/night better. At any rate, when sleep problems interrupt our lives, we are going to suffer in more ways than we might imagine....

BEAUTY AFTER YOUTH, TONY BENNETT...

82 year old Tony Bennett is a fine example of 'beauty after youth', in more ways than one. Famous for his voice, one which is rich, sultry, and certainly highly acclaimed, he is also famous for his charm, style, and gentlemanly qualities. I have adored him for a long time, even my Daughter does, and I didn't know her generation knew about Tony!

His latest work, a Christmas collection (A Swinging Christmas) with the Count Basie Band is wonderful. I bought it as soon as it hit the shelves. Great work, in which his children have contributed in various ways, and some fine arrangements. It will rise to the status held by other greats such as Bing Crosby, and the rest of the old school genius', I am sure of that...

Look at how great he looks. He is full of life, vitality, and confidence. His aging has not stopped him from being the best he can be, and that is what aging gracefully is about, think? He is also a talented painter, working under his real name of Anthony Benedetto. His painting acclaim has flourished; he followed up his childhood interest with serious training, work, and museum visits throughout his life. He sketches or paints every day, even of views out of hotel windows when he is on tour. His paintings have been commissioned by the Kentucky Derby, and the United Nations, plus there are works of his in permanent residence in Art Galleries and Museums throughout America...

Tony was once so addicted to cocaine that after a nearly fatal overdose, he had to turn to his sons to help him recover his life, and they have done a fine job, I would say...

You see, it is true, no matter what we have gone through, if we keep active and pursue our dreams, longevity graces us....

WHAT WOMEN OVER 40 SHOULD WEAR...

I wonder what the top 10 things we SHOULD wear as women over 40 are??? Well, I went searching and found just a few things from a site called Fabulous after 40

We should wear color from one color family from head to toe to appear taller.
We should wear heels.
We should create a continuous vertical line, like a row of buttons, vertical stripes, zippers, a long scarf, etc..
Do put your hair up, and up-do elongates the neck.
Do wear long flowing pants.
Do wear tailored clothing.
Do wear shimmer make-up, but only on select parts of the eyes, face, and lips.
Do wear belts, but not too thick or wide.
Do wear sweaters, but in fine materials.
Do wear makeup, just learn how to make it minimal.

Well, this is not so bad, however, some of the stuff does not work well with certain body types, shapes, or styles. Should we really have to change our signature style to fit our numerical age? I just do not think that it is necessary. I don't really care what the fashion experts in Hollywood say, I think that Goldie Hawn looks great in her signature style, and as long as she has the body, and the personality to pull it off, she should do it. Now, I am going to say that Dyan Cannon way over does it, and she looks way eccentric in her style sense, BUT, she still has a body which she feels is worth is exposing, and so, if she has that kind of confidence, I am with her, for truly, that is what aging gracefully is all about, think??? Or Not???

10 TOP THINGS WE SHOULD NOT WEAR AS WE AGE????

There is a lot to be said for being at this particular age, in this particular time. We have more going for us as women over 40, than any previous generation, and just a few generations ago, many women did not live much past 40, so, besides being physically superior, we are superior in other ways too...

The mentality of being older is wonderful, at least, I think so, don't you? I mean, come on, we are smart, savvy, sophisticated, sensuous, and soooo hip that we don't have to think too hard to figure out most things, which saves lots of wear and tear on the brain, and lots of time, think???

I am reading this article from Life Script Healthy Advantage, titled Top 10 Items You're Too Old to Wear. Hahaha. It begins by making reference to women who might have killer bodies at 40 and beyond, but, who wear clothes like from Forever 21, and mention Goldie Hawn early on in the article, stating that while she looks good, she looks like she raided her Daughter's closet. This stuff cracks me up, for various reasons, one of which is, who determines how an older babe should dress anyway?

Who determines? Well, according to this article people such as celebrity wardrobe stylist Ricci DeMartino, whose clients include Eva Longoria Parker, Patricia Heaton and Lisa Kudrow. “Living in L.A. like I do, you can go to Malibu and see this look any day of the week!” DeMartino says. “But trying too hard only calls attention to yourself – it’s overcompensating. You don’t need to dress like a teenager to look young"...

Top 10 items to discard of???
Message Tee's, Too-Trendy Denim, Costume Shoes, Micro-mini skirts, Anything Showing Excessive Cleavage, White Ribbed Cotton Tank Tops, Hair Gadgets, Over-Sized, Overly Decorated Hobo Bags, Cheap Unflattering Underwear (Panties & Bras), Loud Accessories...

Hahahaha, how many are you guilty of wearing? Me, quite a few, actually. While I can see the necessity for refraining from OVERDOING it, I cannot imagine retiring certain of my wardrobe items in favor of being correct simply because of my age. There are ways to wear these things without looking like you are 'trying' to look young, and if your body does not allow for certain of these things, I am sure you are aware of that fact, right? It just cracks me up. What about the woman whose partner LOVES her to dress a certain way, should he be deprived because someone decided that she should not look hot at her age??? Ok, give me a loose fitting shift, some flatties, and a tiny purse that doesn't hold much, some red lipstick, and while you are at it, give me a cane will ya??? Please, this stuff bugs the hell out of me...

THE FACTORS OF LONGEVITY...

There are several things I feel are necessary to aging gracefully; the first being, high self-esteem, confidence. The second is, maintaining great posture, standing and sitting straight. The third is, activity, for it keeps us busy, which means not enough time to think about things which might take us away from living in the moment. Then there is fitness, for fitness will add years, grace, and litheness to our bodies, our minds, our spirits. It doesn't have to be a tough regiment, just enough to keep the heart healthy, the bones strong, and the skin glowing. We have all read and heard of the importance of a fitness routine, and while it is difficult to cultivate and maintain, it is absolutely imperative; it is a gift to yourself, and to those who love you!!!

Cutting out certain things, such as sugar, salt, bad oils, smoking, and inactivity can do remarkable things for your body and psyche, plus, add years to your life, which makes these things seem trivial after all, think? I know I have a ways to go, but, I am working on it as much as I can. This is another important thing to remember, you cannot place time limits on certain things, such as giving up bad things or habits, for then you set yourself up for failure or disappointment. When you simply keep trying, simply keep quitting, eventually it becomes a part of your mentality, and finally it is done and over with, through persistence and logic...

Keeping busy should be easy for most of us, however, even busy people are sometimes not busy in the right ways. Like some of us sit at the computer for hours and hours, instead of visiting with people in the real time, or performing real time activities, and this, my friend, can catch up to you real quickly, so try to be out and about more than not...

Aging doesn't have to be a negative thing, not in any way! It was not designed to be a negative, it used to be respected and held with regard, and Lord knows, these days, most of us over the hill are still so youthful looking and acting, so, it should not be a big deal, for the most part. I can relate to the occasional discomfort of the aging process, indeed, but, try not to dwell upon it, it too, will pass...