My Four Fabulous Secrets to Living Your Best Life: From a 61-Year-Old Yoga Guru
Ever look at someone and think, “Wow, how do they do it?” Well, as a yoga practitioner who’s been bending and twisting for almost 40 years, let me let you in on a little secret: there’s no magic potion or secret handshake. I’m a vibrant 61-year-old, practicing yoga daily, and still cartwheeling through life with vigor. Curious about how I do it? Grab a green juice, put on your comfy leggings, and let me guide you through the four fabulous practices that have kept me feeling radiant through every fabulous decade of my life.
1.Doing the Spine Twist and Shout
I’m all about shaking, rattling, and rolling my spine—in all six directions, no less. I make sure in my classes and my own daily yoga practice, all movement directions of our spines get the ultimate dance party with forward bends, back bends, side bends, and left and right twists. This joyful spinal jam session keeps posture on point, back pain at bay, and mobility in the realm of a sprightly spring chicken, because Yoga Master BKS Iyengar once said, “You are only as young as your spine is flexible”.
2. Being a Lean, Green, Leafy Machine
Want to know what’s always on my grocery list? Lots and lots of green veggies! Little green wonders like spinach, kale, celery, cucumber and chard are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. At a minimum, I enjoy them in a big high vibration salad and a refreshing green juice every day. Think of it as sipping on a cocktail of health and vitality—only sans the hangover.
3. Hitting the Sleep Jackpot
Want to live life in the fast lane? Then you need to park in the garage for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Hitting the sleep jackpot every night isn’t just a beauty secret—it’s a brain-booster, heart-helper, and stress- soother all wrapped into one cozy package. Plus, you won’t find a more enjoyable way to ward off chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
4. Splish Splash, It’s a Hydration Bash
My fourth and final secret is simple but oh-so-crucial —drinking lots of water. This liquid gold is vital for virtually every function in our bodies, and it does everything from boosting your mood to enhancing physical performance. However, did you know that multiple studies report that 75% of adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic dehydration drinking only 2.5 cups a day on average?! For those who want the science, men should aim for about 3.7 liters (or about 13 cups) a day, and women for 2.7 liters (or about 9 cups). For those struggling to keep themselves hydrated, start each day drinking 16 ounces of water within 1 hour of waking up and before eating or your morning coffee. Not only will this help with your hydration, but it will also help boost your metabolism & prevent overeating! Remember, staying hydrated isn’t just a summer fling —it’s a lifelong romance.
And voilà, there you have it—my four fabulous secrets to sailing gracefully and joyfully through each decade of life. Remember, it’s not about nailing the perfect yoga pose or following a rigid routine—it’s about finding the balance that makes you feel like your best, most fabulous self. So go ahead, bend and twist, sip on that green juice, catch those Z’s, and always keep a water bottle on hand—you’re on your way to living your most vibrant life!
In wellness, laughter, and a touch of fabulousness,
Stacy McCarthy
(Instagram/Tiktok: @yoga_namastacy)