Bathing Suit Shopping March 29, 2012

There I said it. Some of the most dreaded words women hear, “Bathing Suit Season”

followed by,” Bathing Suit Shopping”.

If you are over 45 you may have noticed that gravity has brought some of your body parts closer to your ankles. Also you may notice you are a wee bit wider in the back -side. It appears swimsuits have not been re-fashioned for the more mature woman.

 

Why in mid winter would I even broach this subject?  Why would I venture all pale skinned to a fluorescent lighted dressing room?

I hurt my back Thanksgiving time and part of my rehab is swimming. I have been wearing bike shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top. This cumbersome ensemble does not dry quickly and is falling apart. It is also not a good look. In my drawers I found 3 swimsuits in 3 different sizes. None of them could be worn for anything more than a controlled sit on a beach chaise. Swimming would be out of the question! I have to buy a functional swimsuit, one I can actually wear to swim.

 

I went shopping with a friend who although she weighs the same as she did 30 years ago, which is skinny, she also has to look at the cut of a swim suit for appropriate coverage. This friend goes on cruises and vacations in Hawaii frequently so she knows her way around swimsuits. Since skinny is never an adjective used to describe me and functionality is important, we had our shopping challenge.

 

Front views, side views and back views were scrutinized.  While trying on some suits I walked, I moved my arms overhead, I twisted and I did some lunges.  The results were: straps fell down, butt elastic rode up, and a Brazilian was needed!

 

I found a sports bra and some jogging shorts on sale. They don’t go that well together but everything stays put and affords the functionality I need!

 

Do you have any swimsuit stories you would like to share?

3 Things that may be Keeping you Awake at Night March 29, 2012

1.Night Sweats

Night sweats can be caused by a variety of things. A clamminess or dampness to a full body soaking wet, have to change the sheets and take a shower feeling. It all means that you are waking up uncomfortable and often cold.  As always you may want to check with your doctor.

 

What to do?

If you have a dog or cat sleeping with you and a partner, they are all producing heat so some one has to leave the bed!

Wear moisture wicking sleepwear like from Haralee.com.

Do not wear cotton to sleep. You will only wake up wet and cold.

Keep the room as cool as possible.

Run a fan near your feet.

 

             2.Insomnia

Insomnia affects many people from a host of reasons.  Is it heartburn or acid reflux? Muscle pains or leg spasms? Have you considered Menopause side effects or side effect from medications? As always you may want to check with your doctor.

 

What to do?

There are sleeping drugs prescription and over the counter to help.

There are relaxation and breathing exercises that may work for you.

If you have a partner that is a very restless sleeper or snorer, you may want to sleep in another room.

Suggestions like earplugs, wave or surf music, very dark curtains and a cool room may also help you stay asleep.

 

3. Wired Brain

You just cannot turn off your brain. You are stressed to your eyebrows. You are tired but a thought or activity from the day comes across you mind and before you know it you are making lists and writing emails in your head.

 

What to do?

There are sleeping drugs prescription and over the counter to help.

There are relaxation and breathing exercises that may work for you.

Some people find it beneficial to get up and do an activity like a crossword puzzle or word jumble or Sudoku or walk the dog or brush the cat out of the bed!

 

What keeps you up at night and what tips do you want to share on getting a better night sleep?

dogs in bed March 29, 2012