As the years go by and we move into the "midlife" stage, it can be easy to get into a rut in our routines.
From what we wear and where we like to go on holiday, to what we have for dinner, we can often take the path of least resistance when we have caring for kids, grandkids and ageing parents, working, and running the household to worry about, too.
This is especially true when it comes to our health and fitness. We find the classes we like and we stick to them. Yoga on a Wednesday; a walk with the dogs every morning.
However, with recent research demonstrating that the stress associated with pushing ourselves is beneficial to our health especially as we age- it can be a good thing to step out of our comfort zone every once in a while.
This is something the following women know all about, as they've completed challenges that pushed physical and emotional boundaries, to come out of the other side with feelings of accomplishment, confidence and pride in their achievements.
Here, they show us why it's never too late to try something different.
DIANE EVANS
"I know I'm stronger than I think"
Until recently, I had no feeling of self-worth. I never felt I was good enough, and so when I was challenged to do the Great North Swim a few years ago, even though I knew it would be out of my comfort zone, I had the urge to do something for me.
"I'd always fancied climbing a mountain, too, so when I heard about the Three Peaks Challenge, I knew I had to do it. I had the realisation from my earlier challenges that I am capable of achieving things if I set my mind to it, and my increased confidence spurred me on.
"I have bouts of anxiety and so I was nervous and a little unsure of what to expect, but I knew I had to feel the fear and do it anyway. The adrenaline rush and feeling of achievement are always worth it.
Denne historien er fra August 01, 2023-utgaven av My Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 01, 2023-utgaven av My Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
I Can't Wait To Play The Queen Mum
Gracing screens, treading boards, royal roles much-loved actress Dame Penelope Wilton has done it all!
TAKING CANCER TO THE CATWALK X
Teacher Mary Jones reflects on the extraordinary way her breast cancer diagnosis challenged her view on womanhood and ultimately led her to a London catwalk
Fighting For All Women
Diagnosed with breast cancer aged 36, Jessica Parsons is raising awareness of the disease in younger women
The Fall Guy
Surely Caitlin’s boyfriend had nothing to do with all the drama going on at the jeweller’s...
The Widow At Number Ten
There were many secrets to unpack in this old house
Old Habits Die Hard
Even for our lively suburb, gunshots were pretty unusual and was curious to find out what was going on
A Wedding To Remember
Surely nothing would spoil this special day.
Distinctly Feline Flavour
Desperation forces Chris to add something unusual to his cup of tea!
The Old Burgundy Book
Within its ageing pages Rosie found a story of fading romance and a fresh chance for love to bloom...
The Haunted Ballroom
Mysteries swirled around this magical place...