Maintaining Good Mental Health in Late Middle Age

1. Get in shape: Start by talking to your doctor, then start slow. Take a walk in the woods, without your phone, and just listen to the sounds around you.
2. Turn off your phone for a few hours during the day and savour the privacy.
3. Start a food and drink diary. That was an eye opener for me. I've been tracking my booze consumption for 2 months. I drink very little, well within safe limits, but I was surprised to see the patterns: Wednesday night band practice: a beer, weekends, a few drinks. It turns out I have a drink 1/3 of the month. Fast food consumption was up this past month due to rising commitments. The result? I gained 5 lbs. Yikes! I've got some work to do. 
4. Clean up the clutter in your music studio, or if need be, your home. 
5. Cut the friggin' sugar. The perils of over consumption of sugar is well documented. Explore the world of low glycemic foods. This will help regulate your moods by reducing sugar crashes. Don't diet, just start eating healthy by reducing sugar bit by bit. And, cooking your own food.
6. Set time aside for practicing your instrument. We are musicians, musicians live to practice.
7. Fix your sleep. This is something I'm currently working on. The cpap machine is helping, but I've more work to do.
8. Stay hydrated. This really helps me, stay alert and eager for the day's work. 
9. Date nights with your spouse. Leave the phones at home. 
10. Journal, a great way to reflect and makes plans for change.

​Now, a caveat I must bring up. If you are being treated or need treatment for mental health issues this blog is not a substitute for medical attention. I'm not a doctor. Be smart, stay safe, take care of yourself.

Best, 

​David Story