Aging is a natural part of life, and with it sometimes comes a subtle shift in our physical care habits.

I know, I’ve been there.

You start skipping your workout here and there, your diet starts to slip, and before you know it, you’re not looking or feeling like your best self.

And the trickiest part? Often, we don’t even realize we’re letting go of our physical selves as we age.

But according to psychology, there are certain behaviors that give us away.

I’m going to clue you in on 9 of these behaviors – ones that most of us exhibit without even realizing it.

If you’ve been feeling a little “off” physically, or you’re just curious about the signs of aging, stick around. This might be the wake-up call you need.

1) You begin to neglect regular exercise

Aging can often come with a gradual decrease in our physical activity.

I’ve seen it happen.

It starts innocently enough. Maybe you’re too tired after work one day, or your joints are aching more than usual. So, you decide to skip your daily jog or workout session.

But then, it happens again. And again. Before you know it, exercise has become an exception rather than a rule in your routine.

This isn’t about pointing fingers or making anyone feel guilty, not at all. Life gets in the way sometimes and that is perfectly okay.

However, it’s important to recognize that consistently sidelining exercise is a common behavior among those who are unknowingly letting go of their physical selves as they age.

When physical activity becomes less of a priority, it’s a sign that you might be on this path without even realizing it. But don’t worry, recognizing this behavior is the first step towards making positive changes.

2) You rationalize unhealthy eating habits

We need to talk about something called “Cognitive Dissonance”. Sounds a bit heavy, right?

Well, it’s actually pretty simple.

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept that describes the discomfort we feel when our actions don’t align with our beliefs.

And here’s the kicker: to ease this discomfort, we often change our beliefs to match our actions.

I’m sure you’ve heard (or even said) things like, “I’ve earned this chocolate cake after a tough week”, or “One more slice of pizza won’t hurt”.

This is cognitive dissonance in action. We know these choices aren’t the healthiest, but we find ways to justify them so we can feel better about indulging.

This rationalization of unhealthy eating habits is another telltale sign of letting go of physical wellness as we age. Keep an eye out for it, not as a source of guilt, but as a cue to reassess your dietary choices.

3) You’ve lost interest in cooking

Now, you might think, “What does cooking have to do with letting go of physical wellness?”

Well, quite a lot, actually.

Unhealthy eating habits and a lack of interest in cooking often go hand in hand. When we stop taking the time to prepare our own meals, we’re more likely to reach for fast food or processed snacks.

You see, cooking isn’t just about putting food on the table. It’s about taking control of what goes into your body.

It’s about adding that extra serving of veggies because you know it’s good for you, or going easy on the salt to keep your blood pressure in check.

When you stop showing interest in cooking, it’s often a sign that you’re not prioritizing your physical health as much as you could be.

4) You’re frequently skipping medical appointments

Have you noticed that you’re skipping your regular check-ups or postponing medical appointments more often than not?

We all know that preventive care is crucial to maintaining good health as we age, but sometimes, it’s easier to ignore a potential problem than face it head-on.

And let’s be honest, no one enjoys medical appointments. They can be time-consuming, uncomfortable, and sometimes anxiety-inducing.

However, consistently avoiding them is a behavior commonly seen in people who are unconsciously letting go of their physical health as they get older.

Take a moment and reflect: Are you giving your health the attention it deserves? Or are you letting minor discomforts or busy schedules get in the way of prioritizing your wellbeing?

5) You’ve let go of personal grooming habits

Personal grooming might seem like a superficial aspect of physical health, but it’s more significant than you might think.

When you start to neglect your grooming habits, it’s often a sign that you’re not investing time and effort into taking care of your physical appearance. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Skipping regular showers or baths
• Ignoring dental hygiene
• Not maintaining your hair or nails
• Avoiding daily skincare routine

These might seem like small changes, but they can be a red flag that you’re slowly letting go of your physical well-being as you age.

6) You’re sleeping less than before

I think we can all agree that a good night’s sleep is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But as we age, our sleeping patterns often change, and not always for the better.

Perhaps you’ve started to wake up frequently during the night, or you’re finding it harder to fall asleep. Maybe you’re staying up late, sacrificing sleep for more screen time.

I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s a slippery slope.

Sleep is not just about rest. It’s about giving our body the time it needs to repair and rejuvenate itself.

If you find that your sleeping habits are changing and you’re not getting as much sleep as before, it’s a clear sign that you might be unknowingly letting go of your physical health as you age.

Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene is an integral part of maintaining our physical well-being.

7) You’re avoiding social activities

Picture this: It’s a sunny Saturday and your friends invite you for a hike or a game of tennis. But instead of lacing up your sneakers, you find an excuse to stay home.

Does this sound familiar?

Social activities often involve a degree of physical exertion, so when we start avoiding them, it might be an indication that we’re letting go of our physical selves.

Are you opting for less active ways to spend your free time? Are you frequently saying no to activities that require you to move or be physically engaged?

These could be clear signs that you’re unknowingly stepping back from maintaining your physical health as you age.

It might be worth taking a moment to reflect on your recent social choices and what they might be telling you about your physical wellness.

8) You’re experiencing a loss of strength

I remember a time when opening a jar of pickles was a breeze. But one day, I found myself struggling with it. It was a small change, but it made me realize that I was losing some of my strength.

Loss of strength is a common part of aging, but if you’re noticing it happening faster than you expected, it could be a sign that you’re letting go of your physical self.

This isn’t about being able to lift heavy weights or perform feats of strength. It’s about those small daily tasks that now seem harder than before.

These subtle changes in your physical abilities can act as a wake-up call. It’s your body’s way of telling you to pay attention and take action to maintain your physical wellness.

9) You’re feeling tired more often

And here we are, at the final sign: persistent tiredness.

You see, fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy. It’s a deeper kind of exhaustion that doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep.

This persistent tiredness can be a red flag that you’re letting go of your physical health as you age. Your body is trying to tell you it needs more care and attention.

And while it’s perfectly normal to have days when you feel more tired than others, if fatigue is becoming your constant companion, it’s time to take notice.

Because, at the end of the day, taking care of our physical selves is not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good too. And feeling persistently tired is a clear sign that something needs to change.

What can we do to keep ourselves physically active as we age?

Understanding the signs of letting go of physical health is the first step, but it’s just as important to know how to counteract this process.

Here are a few simple yet effective strategies:

• Establish a regular exercise routine
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Keep up with regular medical check-ups
• Prioritize sleep
• Engage in social activities that require physical exertion

Aging is inevitable, but how we age is largely within our control. By recognizing and addressing these behaviors, we can take proactive steps to maintain our physical health as we grow older.