Carve Out Time for Friends

As we age, social engagement and nurturing relationships become even more important. Midlife reminds us that we really aren’t meant to do it all on our own- as we get older, it is critical for our brains to have positive social engagement.

A lot of the clients I work with as a menopause coaching specialist tell me that they really miss time with friends. Parenting, careers, family commitments and putting everyone else’s needs first really fill up calendars and so many women feel that they put themselves and their relationships with friends at the bottom of the pile. We can’t! It is critical to continue to engage with friends that spark a right brain to right brain connection. 

Research has shown that people who engage with others, particularly through racquet sports, have more satisfaction in life and have less chance of rapid cognitive decline. It’s no wonder that pickleball participation is on the rise – it is an opportunity to engage with others while being active. 

Carve out time for friends who light you up. I hear that making friends as adults can be really hard so you have to be vulnerable to put yourself out there. Try taking new language lessons with others, join new fitness classes, cooking classes, start or join a book club, book a holiday floral arranging group, audit a university class or try out a couch to 5K running group. Your brain and your body both need to be around others as you age… our brains are meant to grow, learn and change until we die, and our hearts need to be tended to by people who nurture us. Make those connections and the time to engage socially as you age to live a longer, fuller life. 

 

 

Carol Peat is a woman's health advocate, Mum of three, wife to one, Nana of two and dog Mum to Piper, a golden retriever. She is passionate about you feeling your best, brave in your body.