Saying Hello to the 2025 Version of Me
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel tired of “hanging out” with myself, stuck in the same thoughts and stories. I also started to realize that these conversations within myself have been more or less vocal during periods.. During earlier times, especially when kids were smaller and career ambitions were high, I never felt I had time to really listen to my own internal “chatter”. Today, I hear it loud and clear most of the time 🔊.
Since I took a jump and started my” Vivante life”, I’ve looked for (and found!) a new rhythm in my (work-) life, and I think that’s partially why I hear myself more clearly now. I’m grateful for this period, but it isn’t always easy 🤔. For example, I listen to my body more, and it often tells me (relatively loudly) that it’s sore and tired…and that it needs other types of training exercises than a hard core intervall run😲.
But overall, I believe this is a good thing. I’m more present, I sense my gut feelings more clearly,and I’m keenly aware of how my energy impacts the people around me. Somehow, I feel compelled to do more “good stuff” 😍.
At the same time, slowing down can feel vulnerable. When life was a nonstop sprint, I simply didn’t have the headspace to question big decisions or notice subtle (but sometimes painful) shifts in my health and happiness.
I suspect this “slow-period” won’t last forever. I’m a true “life-runner,” probabaly forever a junkie for adventures, action and new challenges, so I’m setting up great routines now for the years when I might have less self-time.
These past years have passed insanely quickly, and this has made me realize how vital it is to optimize not just our lifespan but our healthspan. I want to meet menopause, midlife, and “elderdom” in the best possible shape.
I’m certainly not an ascetic (I live by the 80/20 rule) but here are some habits I’ve taken on in recent years, after reading about longevity, nutrition research, functional medicine and related topics.
1. No Need to Feel Half-Dead After a Workout🏋️
Twenty-five minutes of movement is still movement. I’ve always enjoyed exercise, but I used to dismiss anything under 45 minutes as “not serious. ”Now, whether it’s a Pilates or yoga session, it still counts. And I’m adding much more strength training, because after 40, we lose muscle mass at a staggering rate (and it won’t get better once menopause hits)😱.
2. Prioritize Protein First & Avoid Over-Processed Fats 🐟
I’ve learned it’s a great idea to start eating the proteins on your plate before anything else. So I make sure I eat the protein—eggs, fish, chicken—before the carbs. This actually slows the absorption of sugars from the carbohydrates, which helps keep blood sugar in better control. When I bake or cook, I avoid refined fats like margarine and use pure, minimally processed butter instead. Margarine often contains trans-fats and strange additives.
3. A Greater Interest in Supplements 💊
When I remember (and I don’t always), I take fish oil for brain health and magnesium for sleep and relaxation. I use vitamin D in winter, B vitamins for immunity and energy, plus amino acids and collagen to support muscles and joints. I’ve also started glutathione to support DNA repair and detoxification. Of course, I know not all supplements are well absorbed unless well formulated, so focus #1 should always be nutritious food!
4. Tame the Sugar Addict in Me
I’m not perfect, but I try to reduce refined sugar wherever I can. It’s not good for us. Basta.
5. Moderate the Alcohol
I love an evening glass of wine, but I’ve finally given up my belief in the so‑called“ French paradox.” The truth seems to be that each sip still costs us a significant amount of braincells. Sometimes I still think it’s worth it, other times less and then I try an alcohol free alternative.
6. Hanging Out with the Good Ones
I try to spend time only with people who give me good vibes and are kind. I’m kind of fed up with very self‑centered people, high on their own reflections 🧏♀️.
7. Redefine Success
I’ve loosened my grip a bit on performance metrics, titles, and trophies. I don’t have to run a marathon or earn cred for everything I do professionally. Now, I can almost get as excited by a handshake with a new inspiring colleague/person as I used to be by a promotion or physical challenge.
I’m glad these insights have come to me in recent years as I’ve had deeper conversations witht the "2025 version" of myself. I have to say, I like her most of the time these days.
I hope some of this inspires you to say hello to your own “new” self as well. It is refreshing and quite exciting to see that the internal chatter also changes and matures with time. It is worth listening in 😀!
With sunshine & love,
Åsa
