“Busy.”
If that’s your response to the question, “How are you?”, keep reading.
Let me guess: You find it hard to sit down, you can’t ever find the time to read the book that’s been on your nightstand for months, and you don’t remember the last time there was a day where your kids, friends, or coworkers weren’t texting or calling about one more thing.
Why? Because we come from the generation that taught us constantly doing was the only way to live — that if you weren’t working, you were failing.
We are resilient, self-reliant, and go-getters. “Self-care” was never a phrase in our dictionary.
It’s important to prioritize self-care at any age, but it’s especially important as we get older.
Remember, self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. Taking care of yourself can help you feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can also improve your overall quality of life.
Here are 11 ways to make time for self-care in your 50s — even when you’re busy.
1. Schedule Time: Block out the time in your schedule just as you would for a meeting. Use this time for activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies or exercise.
2. Focus on Quiet: Your nervous system can go haywire if you’re stressed. Make time for relaxation, such as picking up that book, enjoying a cup of your favorite drink, or taking a warm bath.
3. Curate Calmness: Practice mindfulness, such as through meditation or yoga.
4. A Sanctuary for Sleep: You know how important sleep is for brain function and your overall wellness. To get the best sleep of your life, turn your bedroom into a sanctuary for sleep. Keep your bedroom free of clutter. Treat yourself to a set of new sheets, a fluffy duvet, and soft pillows. Keep your room dark and cool. You’ll drift off to dreamland in no time.
5. Eat Well: Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Next time you know you’ll be running from one errand to the next, bring along a washed apple, your favorite hummus, cut veggies, and some dried fruit for your sweet tooth. Skipping the fast-food drive-through will benefit you in so many ways.
6. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water — especially if you add a dash or two of Celtic Sea salt. The minerals in Celtic Sea salt will replenish the calcium and magnesium your body is likely lacking, which can come from drinking cup after cup of filtered water. This type of sea salt will help to keep you hydrated and offers relief of joint pain, promotes healthy cell growth, and will improve your sleep. Celtic Sea salt should not be confused with Himalayan pink salt or table salt.
7. Press Pause: Take breaks throughout the day to stretch and move your body. Keep a timer on your desk or set your phone’s alarm to 30 minutes. Stand up, walk around the office, or step outside for a “sunshine break.” Remember: Palms up to soak up that Vitamin D!
8. Feeling Social?: Even if the last thing you want to do is go out with friends after work or a long day, you need to make it a priority — at least every few weeks. It’s critical we seek social support by spending time with friends and loved ones. You’ll be glad you did.
9. Stay Mentally Healthy: Seek professional help, such as therapy, when needed. Toss out those stigmas you may have attached to talk therapy. Releasing stress or trauma is critical to a healthy, functional life.
10. Shower… or Spa?: When you’re busy, a spa day doesn’t seem practical. Instead, turn your five-minute morning shower at home into a personal spa. Add fluffy towels, your favorite body products, and a soft robe. Add a towel warmer to your bathroom to kick it up a notch.
11. Check In with Yourself: Take time to reflect on your goals and priorities. Make changes as needed.
Make time for self-care in your 50’s a priority. Consider it as important as any other obligation or task on your to-do list. And don’t be afraid to say “no” to things that don’t align with your self-care goals. That book isn’t going to read itself!
