Self-care is a buzzword you’ll hear across the internet and social media. Still, while you may be tired of hearing the phrase, you can get something out of the concept if you dig a little deeper. While self-care trends often focus on beauty secrets or spa services, taking care of yourself is much more than just treating yourself, especially as you get older.
As you enter your 50s and beyond, prioritizing your health, happiness, and overall wellness becomes increasingly important. You’ll want to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health to ensure you feel and look great for as long as possible.
If you’re looking for a refresh to your self-care or wellness routine, this guide has some suggestions for you.
Chapter Overview
Prioritize Heart Health
While self-care does entail things that bring you enjoyment and feel luxurious, it’s also about the less glamorous side of health. Long-term care for yourself involves doing the hard or annoying things that make you feel better in the long run.
The older you get, the more critical it is to take care of your heart. Heart disease is a significant concern for older individuals, regardless of gender.
It’s wise to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and manage them. It’s essential to exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and eat heart-healthy foods.
Change Your Sleep Hygiene
Sleep is crucial for everyone, no matter how old they are. Lack of sleep has many negative impacts on your mind and body. But, as you get older than 50, your body might not be able to adjust as quickly when you don’t get proper rest. If you’re having issues with insomnia, it’s best to speak to your physician.
Still, for improved rest, work on your sleep hygiene. Experts recommend going to sleep and getting up at about the same time each day, whether it’s a work day or the weekend. It’s also wise to keep screens to a minimum for at least half an hour before getting into bed.
Find Stress Management Techniques You Like
While some amount of stress isn’t necessarily harmful, too much anxiety will harm your mental and physical health. Of course, it’s important to take control of your mental health, especially if you notice concerning symptoms. But, beyond getting therapy or working with your doctor, you should also find some great stress-relief outlets that you love.
Some people like to do yoga. Others prefer to meditate. If neither of those options sounds good to you, find another hobby that helps you relax, such as gardening or coloring. There are many ways to reduce stress levels, so work with your healthcare team to find what’s best for you.
Update Your Wardrobe
While many of the tips on this list are more practical, self-care can still be about fun. While you don’t want to treat yourself so much that you ignore essential tasks or spend too much money, an occasional shopping trip or spa day is rejuvenating.
If you’ve been feeling less energetic or not as good about yourself, adjusting your wardrobe can give you a boost of self-confidence. You can even adjust in an affordable, eco-friendly way by shopping secondhand.
The Importance Of Self-Care
Self-care means a lifelong commitment to your health and happiness.
As you get older, adjusting your routines and health approach will make a big difference in how you feel. With these tips and help from your physicians, you can feel great, no matter your age.