When Recovery Time is Not What it Used to Be

The fact that I never reflected on recovery time in my younger years leads me to believe it wasn’t something that stood out in any way and certainly never stood in my way. These days, I’m acutely aware of the fact that my bounce back time is slow. Whether it’s recovery from jet lag, changing clocks, or wine the night before, it takes me longer than in the past to feel like myself again after the fact. Jet lag and daylight savings time used to have zero impact on me but now either one can make me feel as though I’m slogging my way through quicksand. A single glass of wine with dinner leaves me feeling like I’ve been run over by a truck the next morning. Even post workout aches last longer than they did before. I’d have thought that the very fact that I work out regularly would eliminate these issues!

Physical Recovery is Harder

Slowing recovery time is not imagined. It’s a frustrating by-product of aging. And sometimes it feels as though the harder we try to reverse the effects, the worse the situation gets. As we get older, a number of factors contribute to longer recovery times when it comes to the way we feel physically, including:

1. Medication Effects: Certain medications common in older adults may delay healing or impact energy levels.
2. Slower Cell Regeneration: Older adults produce new cells more slowly, meaning wounds, injuries, and illnesses take longer to heal.
3. Reduced Muscle Mass and Strength: Loss of muscle and bone density can make physical recovery more difficult and prolong rehabilitation.
4. Weakened Immune System: The immune system becomes less efficient with age, slowing the body’s response to infections and illnesses.
5. Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis can interfere with healing and extend recovery periods.

Emotional Recovery May Get Easier

With adequate sleep, sufficient high quality protein and hydration (in addition to regular movement, time with friends, and resistance training), you can improve your recovery time to some extent though it may still not look anything like it used to. The good news is that not all recovery time is equal. Curiously, as much as my physical recovery time seems to have slowed, emotional recovery seems to be easier. I bounce back quicker and more fully when dealing with a crisis. I find I’m just not bothered as much. This would be another by-product of aging, one that’s more welcome.

Observation, Awareness, and Perspective

Emotional resilience builds with age when you give it the space to grow. When that happens, your emotional recovery time improves. And your perspective sharpens. Observation and awareness have the potential to increase as well. If you slow down long enough, you can give yourself the opportunity to observe the way you’re feeling and reacting. That kind of awareness is a prerequisite to dismantling the emotional monster that might otherwise get in your way and stall you. Observation, awareness and perspective have helped me to understand that in addition to emotional and physical recovery time, I also need recovery time after sensory overload and socializing in a way that didn’t seem necessary when I was younger. I suspect the pandemic experience is as much a cause of these changes as age. Regardless, awareness is essential for optimal functioning.

The key to any kind of recovery time is time. Naming what you feel and recognizing what you need are empowering kindnesses. Give yourself the time and space you need to recover from anything. No explanations and no apologies are required, not to anyone, including yourself. Recovery is always swifter in a “no judgment” zone. No “shoulds” about it!

Musical Playlist While You Ponder This Post

Recover by Natasha Bedingfield, Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine, Tubthumping by Chumbawamba, Back in Black by ACDC, Recovery by Jame Arthur, Recovery by Justin Bieber, One Day At A Time by Joe Walsh, One Day At A Time by Sam Smith, One Day At A Time by Gloria Estefan (theme song from the television show!)

Thinking and Trying

Something to think about: “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” — Lily Tomlin

Something to try: Next time you’re feeling knackered or sore, try the 4 Rs of recovery: Rehydrate, Refuel, Repair, and Rest.

1. Rehydrate with fluids (Maybe add some electrolytes)
2. Refuel (Consume carbs to replenish glycogen stores. Don’t be afraid to eat carbs!) 
3. Repair (Consume protein to aid in repairing and building muscle)
4. Rest (Prioritize sleep and relaxation)
   

Join Our Tribe

I always feel smarter and stronger when I listen to and connect with wise people. My friends and fellow coaches Maria and Lorin are among the wisest people I know. The three of us joined together to bring you the Unpacking Midlife With The Wise Women podcast. You can listen on Spotify or Apple podcasts. We share our thoughts, concerns, and joys relating to our journeys through midlife. Whether you’re seeking guidance, validation, or the comfort of knowing you’re not alone, this community welcomes you.

Coaching Can Help

It’s hard enough to feel emotionally or physically sore and tired. It can be so much harder when you find you’re not bouncing back as quickly as you think you should. If you want to incorporate exercise, mindfulness or healthy sleep patterns into your life but you’re feeling stuck, consider working with a coach. The process may be just what you need to live the life you really want to live. Contact me here to talk about how coaching can help you. The first session is 15 minutes over Zoom and it’s free.