Quite often, one hears the phrase “getting older sucks!”  We complain of aches and pains, body changes, illnesses and lack of youthful energy. Often, a feeling of resignation that everything associated with aging is unavoidable takes hold. Yet, it is possible to age gracefully. It just requires that you be proactive, not reactive, with your body.

         Reactive means paying attention to the body only once pain becomes noticeable. Proactive means doing things that help optimize health, reduce stress, and increase feelings of well-being so that we do not move into a state of chronic pain.

Five Easy Ways to be Proactive

1. Drink Water. Most people are walking around in a chronic state of dehydration. When are tissues are dehydrated it causes a number of symptoms, such as fatigue, sluggish bowels, cloudy thinking and generalized compression in our tissues, which in turn can compress the spine, leading to neck and back pain. Sip water throughout the day, don’t chug it all in one sitting. Do your best to get a minimum of 64 ounces a day.

1. Move. Sedentary lifestyles are increasing risks for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. You do not have to work out like a fiend—just start by walking more or using a standing desk, taking the stairs, getting up and stretching every 30 minutes.

1. Learn to MELT. MELT is a revolutionary technique that can teach you step-by-step how to directly address your stuck stress. MELT teaches you to reconnect to your body so you can rebalance and quiet your nervous system, as well as rehydrate your connective tissue on a cellular level. MELT helps you stand more upright, have better balance, feel less stressed and have less pain.

1. More Touching. With our reliance on technology, people are becoming severely touch deprived. Numerous studies show the benefits on touch on babies and senior citizens, as humans, we thrive when we are touched with compassion and tenderness. Touch improves our feelings of wellness and enhances our immune function. Consider a session with a touch professional: massage therapist, light touch body worker, Reiki practitioner or even a professional cuddler.

1. Feel Your Feelings. It can be surprising to discover the root of physical pain can lie in the emotions. When feelings become buried, they can manifest in our body as pain and illness. SomatoEmotional Release (SER) work, can help you reconnect to your body, feel the emotions that have been stuffed and release them in a gentle and healthy way.

Taking care of your body, mind, emotions and spirit, is imperative for graceful again and good physical and mental health. So stay hydrated, be mobile, hug and touch more, connect with people, feel your feelings and support your body by learning to MELT. Here’s to you aging with grace!

Hilary D. Bilkis, LMT, MS, CST, is owner of Awakening Wellness, 14 Pine St., Suite 8, Morristown. 973-479-2229. Awakening4Wellness.com.