The expression “living like a queen” is associated with the luxurious and exquisite lifestyle of those who have everything – but not in the case of Elizabeth II. It’s not that the longest-living queen in history did not live among privileges, but rather that she chose not to display great ostentation in her day-to-day life.
In the book Long Live the Queen: 23 Rules for Living from Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch, Bryan Kozlowski reveals some of the habits of Her Majesty, and what helped her maintain good health and physical fitness.
EXERCISE: When it came to exercising, the Queen did not have an intense workout routine. However, for many years her daily exercises were walks with her beloved corgis and horseback rides. When it comes to exercising, it’s important to not only do something that makes you move, but that you truly enjoy and love doing. This way, the exercise won’t feel like a punishment, and you will look forward to doing it again.
SKIN: Elizabeth II took care of her skin very well. She was always shading herself from the sun and has stayed away from it for decades. This is one of the best pieces of advice we can take from the Queen, given that 80% of wrinkles and age spots come from UV rays. Read more here.
NUTRITION: The Queen mentioned she loved eating sandwiches with tea and would sometimes eat cake as well, but her secret was portion control. She would have a small bite of a sweet – just a taste, but wouldn’t eat the entire thing. This meshes well with the advice of many nutritionists; it’s not about cutting ALL sugars or carbs cold turkey, it’s about having small and controlled portions. No food is bad when it is not in excess. She also wouldn’t say no to having a few cocktails. Remember, moderation is key.
MENTAL HEALTH: Mental stimulation is associated with a lower rate of mental decline and as head of state of the UK and 15 other Commonwealth countries, the Queen had many things on her mind. She received government documents from countries all over the world. She read and wrote her correspondence, prepared for hearings, and talked to all kinds of people. Staying busy and having an active social life are two key components of aging well.
As we have seen, the Queen seemed to be doing everything we ALL should be doing to live to a ripe old age. The only question we have is…was Her Majesty receiving massages? Now THAT would have been the cherry on top!
As we mentioned in last week’s blog, some of the many benefits of massage include:
- Better blood flow
- Increased flexibility
- Relaxation for mind and body
- Lower stress, tension, and inflammation
- Improved immune function
- Relief from pain and muscle soreness
If you follow Elizabeth II’s tips to longevity, make sure to add regular massages to the list! Come visit us at Healing Hands.