I’ll share with you my favorite tips on how to practice self-care.

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The term “self-care” is everywhere these days (and for good reason, darlings!). Self care important because it helps maintain overall health, mental resilience, and well-being, especially after 50. The idea is to make sure to fill your own cup and that you are doing things for yourself and for your mental health. Self care means being aware of your needs and taking proactive steps to support your physical and emotional well-being. As women over 50, we can’t lose sight of this. I know we love to do for others and I know much like me, you are so busy you are dizzy! So, are there quick ways for you to care for yourself and give yourself a respite to decompress while accomplishing a goal? And how can we accomplish self-care and improve our emotional health?

Why Mental Health Matters After 50

As we move into our 50s and beyond, our mental health becomes more important than ever. This stage of life often brings significant changes—retirement, shifts in family dynamics, or even the loss of a loved one—that can deeply affect our emotional and mental well-being. Practicing self care and prioritizing mental health is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for living a fulfilling life. The World Health Organization highlights that self care is essential for promoting health, preventing disease, and managing illness. By taking care of our mental health, we can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, support our physical health, and enhance our overall well being. Remember, darlings, nurturing your mind is just as important as caring for your body, and it’s never too late to start.

How to Practice Self-Care — Do it Your Way

If you ask me, caring for your precious pooches and pets is a way to practice self-care! They make everything better!

Personally, I like to take long showers (with these shower steamers) and long walks. I enjoy taking America out around the town and coming home to make coffee and breakfast for myself and my Ultimate Concierge. That, to me, is self-care. It’s important to remember that self-care routines should fit into your daily life and personal schedule. However, self-care looks different for everyone. For example, some people might find reading a book or doing a puzzle to be a relaxing self-care activity. You should find simple ways to practice self-care and focus on what makes you feel more at peace, more relaxed, and more ready for the next challenge in your life.

The exploration of self-care is not an easy one, especially when faced with unforeseen trama like what we experienced during our time in Elsewhere. We’ve all experienced moments of lethargy, loneliness, and sadness, but it’s precisely during these times that self-care becomes paramount. It’s the lifeline that will help us not just survive, but thrive with gusto, even when the world turns upside down.

What Self-Care Should NOT Look Like

Here’s what we need to understand, if something does not bring us personal joy and peace, it is not self-care, no matter what influencers or people we know swear by. Me included! If I suggest something, it’s because it works for me. If it doesn’t float your boat, then skip it, darlings! We are all different, thank God for that!

That being said, here are some things that could benefit everyone:

• Getting enough sleep (here are some tips for better sleep for women over 50)
• Going to bed earlier on work nights
• Choosing healthy foods as part of your daily routine
• Deep breathing
• Physical self-care (have you considered a pedometer?)

The Importance of Self Care in Your 50s and Beyond

Self care is the foundation of good mental and physical health, especially as we age. Engaging in self care practices like regular exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and increase your energy. Prioritizing a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and keeping up with regular health check-ups are all vital steps to maintain your physical health. Self care also acts as a safeguard against burnout, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions that can arise during this time of life. By making self care a priority, you’re taking control of your mental health and well being, setting yourself up for a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life. Remember, every small step you take to care for yourself adds up to a big difference in how you feel each day.

Creating a Self Care Plan That Works for You

Creating your own self care plan is a powerful way to support your mental health and overall well being. Start by identifying activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental health—perhaps deep breathing exercises, gentle yoga, or creative outlets like painting, writing, or gardening. It’s important to recognize and address negative emotions as they arise; don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or mental health professional for support. Set realistic goals for your self care plan, and remember to practice self compassion and forgiveness along the way. By tailoring your self care plan to your unique needs and preferences, you’ll be better equipped to take care of yourself, manage your emotions, and create a life that feels balanced and fulfilling.

What About Spiritual Self-Care?

When I talk about spirituality, I’m not necessarily referring to religion. There are so many spiritual connections that can bring us a sense of calm, like nature and even a connection with our pets! Spiritual self-care can help you feel supported during challenging times, whether through a sense of connection to something greater or through a supportive community. It can also involve focusing on inner peace or personal values to maintain balance and clarity. Take it from me, darlings! We must always be open to spiritual serendipity!

Emotional Self Care: Nurturing Your Inner World

Emotional self care is a cornerstone of mental health, especially after 50. It’s about honoring your feelings, allowing yourself to experience emotions without judgment, and finding healthy ways to process them. Simple pleasures—like reading a good book, listening to your favorite music, or indulging in a relaxing bubble bath—can help reduce stress and promote emotional well being. Practicing self compassion is key: treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a dear friend, especially during difficult moments. By making emotional self care a regular part of your routine, you’ll build resilience, reduce stress, and support your mental health, allowing you to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease.

My Best Tips for Practicing Self-Care

Reading a favorite book or journaling are two of my most-loved ways of practicing self-care. Engaging in leisure activities is another enjoyable way to practice self-care.

#1 Start Small

Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. You can begin with simple self care tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Start with small, achievable steps. Dedicate a few minutes each day to deep breathing exercises or a short walk in nature. These small moments of self-care can have a profound impact and help prevent disease over time.

#2 Prioritize Yourself

No matter our stage in life, we women often find ourselves juggling numerous roles and responsibilities. Self-care requires setting aside dedicated “me” time, without guilt. It’s not selfish — it’s self-preservation. Taking good care of yourself is essential for maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health, and should always be a priority. Not to mention, when our own cup is full, we are better able to care for those around us.

#3 Create a Support System

I’ve talked about my love of women’s groups and support systems. Women need women! Whether it’s online, like the wonderfully supportive community of women in my private Facebook Group, or in real life. Connecting with family members can also be a crucial source of support and help strengthen your overall well-being. Maintaining relationships with friends is equally important, as friends provide emotional support and help reduce stress. Building and nurturing social connections in various forms is essential for your mental health and self-care. If you’ve come to realize that you don’t have women that you can turn to in your life, it’s time to make it a priority!

#4 Embrace Your Sanctuary

Your home can be a sanctuary. Nature makes me feel at peace, which is why I’ve filled my home with fauna of all types. Not only does looking at them make me happy, but caring for them, too! Letting in fresh air by opening your windows or spending time outside can also help create a peaceful and restorative environment. Make your home a place that soothes your senses, where you can find peace and inspiration. Remember to meet your physical needs—like getting enough sleep, eating well, and moving your body—as part of nurturing your well-being. Surround yourself with things that make you happy and create an environment that nurtures your well-being.

Building Self-Compassion as You Age

As we grow older, cultivating self compassion becomes an essential part of our self care journey. This means being gentle with yourself, accepting that everyone faces challenges, and understanding that it’s okay to make mistakes. Practicing self compassion can help lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote overall well being. Activities like meditation, spending time in nature, or simply taking a few moments each day to reflect and breathe deeply can help you foster a more loving relationship with yourself. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a preventative measure that helps you avoid burnout and maintain balance in your life. By embracing self compassion, you’ll not only support your mental health, but also create a foundation for a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

My Personal Favorite Self Care Products That I Use Every Day

Try out my favorite self-care products and let me know if you like them as much as I do!

Here are products that I personally use every day and most of them are very inexpensive and I get them from Amazon. (All but my beloved La Mer Cleansing Lotion, which I get from Saks.) I truly believe that you can find wonderful self-care items that don’t cost a fortune but are just right for you and your routine. In fact, research supports the effectiveness of some self-care practices and products, making it even more worthwhile to incorporate them into your daily routine.

L’Occitane Almond Delicious Hand & Nail Cream

L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate: 48 Hour Hydration

Tom’s of Maine Natural Beauty Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin With Aloe Vera

La Mer The Cleansing Lotion

These Self-Care Practices Promote Health

Fortunately, I think the beauty industry has caught on and has created products that not only make us stop and relax, but are good for us too. Bath bombs with nutrients, aromatherapy shower steamers, face masks that improve moisture or reduce oil all have those “self-care” properties while also taking care of something else. You can’t exactly run errands in a sheet mask! It forces you to sit down and think or read or watch a short television show while still accomplishing something else that is good for you. What is better than accomplishing two things at once? Self-care practices like these promote better health by reducing stress and supporting your overall well-being. Regular self-care can also contribute to a longer life by encouraging healthy habits and reducing risk factors. In fact, taking time for self-care can help lower your risk of heart disease, which is often linked to chronic stress. These routines also improve your ability to cope with challenges and recover from setbacks, making you more resilient.

Self-care for women over 50 is not a luxury; it’s a necessity! So let’s talk about some quick ways to accomplish self-care for women over 50. All of these things are relatively inexpensive and can support your wellness journey right in your own home. Self-care is especially important for those living with a mental health condition, as it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Remember, maintaining self-care routines is essential for the long haul to ensure lasting benefits and sustained well-being.

Essential Oils for Managing Stress

There are many ways to use calming essential oils in a self-care routine including compresses and putting them in a bath. Lavender, chamomile, and rose are good options for essential oils. If you feel overwhelmed, using essential oils can help you manage those emotions and promote relaxation. Essential oils can also be a helpful tool for coping during stressful times. Here are some products that incorporate them:

Indie Lee I-Recover Body Soak – Buy it, HERE.

Coach Soak: Muscle Recovery Bath Soak – Buy it, HERE

Everyday Shea Bubble Bath – Lavender by Alaffia – Buy it, HERE

Bath Bombs & Bubbles for a Soothing Soak

Bath bombs can add oils and salts to your bath which are great for your skin. Taking time for a soothing soak with a bath bomb is an act of self love, allowing you to nurture your well-being and prioritize yourself. Milk powder and olive oil are two ingredients to look for in a bath bomb. Here are some suggestions:

Lovery Bath Bomb Body Care 11 Piece Gift Set – Buy it, HERE

Lavender Bubble Bath Bomb – Buy it, HERE.

24 Handmade Organic & Natural Bath Bombs – Buy it, HERE.

Don’t Forget Tea!

Tea is full of calming properties. Instead of reaching for a glass of wine, try a glass of tea instead. Pay attention to all the signs that you need to slow down and take a break—sometimes your body and mind are telling you it’s time to relax. Make sure it’s caffeine-free so you don’t get jittery, and hop into a nice bath or watch a nice movie.

TAZO Herbal Tea Bags Soothing Hot Tea Dream Caffeine Free – Buy it, HERE.

Teavana Lemon Ginger Bliss, Herbal Tea With Citrus & Strawberry, Caffeine Free – Buy it, HERE.

Pink Stork Calm Tea: Lavender Herbal Tea – Buy it, HERE.

Take Time for Self-Care

More than anything I hope you understand how important you are and that you shouldn’t forget to care for yourself. I hope this story gave you a few ideas!

What do you do to enjoy self-care? Let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page. I want to hear from you! 

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