Today is National Relaxation Day which has me thinking… how do you take care of yourself? Self-care is essential at every age, but after 50, I feel it is more important than ever!

So, how you give yourself the treatment you deserve, today, on National Relaxation Day, and every day? Start with my list of five essential ways to take care of you.

Eat Well on National Relaxation Day

Eating well is essential to self-care. Take the time to ensure that your food provides you and your family all that you need to live a happy + healthy life. Spend some time preparing and enjoying healthy meals as a way to care for yourself.

Feed body, mind, and soul with vegetables, fruits, lean meats and perhaps whole grains. Here’s a tip: Start off each meal by eating the green stuff before the protein or carbs. When I do this, it keeps me from filling up on the main course and will even help you eat less overall when you get to the other foods on your plate since the fiber in vegetables is filling.

Read more of my healthy eating tips here.

Sleep Well with Relaxation Techniques

The key to resting well is getting in sync with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Here are a few ways you can do this:

• Go to sleep at the same time each night.
• Don’t “sleep in.” Your body will awake when it is well rested and if you need an alarm clock to wake up, you may need an earlier bedtime.
• Nap occasionally if you lose sleep but if you often feel the need for a nap, try adjusting your sleep/wake times so that every day you get enough rest.

Reading a good book before bed can also help you unwind and prepare for restful sleep.

Play Well with Soothing Music

Playtime isn’t just for your Grands, darlings. In fact, there are many different ways to relax and play as an adult… you may just have to conjure up that elusive imagination of yours!

Playtime as an adult might mean learning a new skill, such as a second language, or learning a new ballroom dance! It may even mean mentoring someone who you see a lot of yourself in or simply sitting down to read that novel that’s been sitting on your bookstand. Other ways to enjoy playtime include practicing yoga, going fishing, or engaging in a relaxing activity with a friend. Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that can help a person unwind. Each person may have their own preferred form of relaxation, and trying out other ways to play can help you discover what works best for you. Use playtime as a way to stretch your mind, exercise your heart and enjoy the little things around you.

What new skills or hobbies have you taken up lately?

I love this article via AARP that lists 50 fun, playful things to do in the PRIME of your life.

Laugh Often

Have you ever heard someone say laughter is the best medicine? Well, it’s true!

Laughter can improve your overall feeling of happiness and help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. Did you know laughter can actually decrease stress hormones and increase immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies? Actually, a good chuckle with your girlfriends over something silly might even lead to the release of endorphins, or the body’s “feel-good chemicals,” which can even temporarily relieve pain.

So the next time someone tells a joke, truly soak it in… it’s good for your health!

Here’s a funny little story about how I learned to laugh over a little-spilled gas.

Know When to Hit Pause to Reduce Stress

I hope you are getting the idea that honing in on who and what is actually worth the investment of your physical and emotional time. Failing to take breaks can lead to burnout, increased anxiety, and a more stressful life. Only you can truly know when things are too much or not right for you. Respect your body. Respect yourself to leave relationships, a job, a lifestyle, or a friendship that is no longer healthy.

Schedule Your Relaxation

In our busy lives, it’s easy to let relaxation fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But making time to unwind is just as important as any other commitment you have. By creating a relaxation schedule, you can ensure that you regularly set aside moments to reduce stress and recharge your mind and body. Start by noticing when you tend to feel most stressed—maybe it’s first thing in the morning, during a hectic afternoon, or after a long day. Then, block out a specific time for relaxation, whether it’s a quiet 10 minutes with a cup of tea, a peaceful afternoon walk, or a dedicated relaxation day on the weekend.

Treat your relaxation schedule as non-negotiable—just like you would a doctor’s appointment or an important meeting. Use a planner, calendar, or even a reminder on your phone to help you stick to it. By prioritizing these moments, you’ll not only celebrate National Relaxation Day, but you’ll also make relaxation a natural and essential part of your daily routine. Remember, taking time to relax isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for your mental health, overall well-being, and a happier, healthier life.

Tune Into Your Relaxation Response

Did you know your body has a built-in way to help you relax and recover from stress? It’s called the relaxation response, and you can activate it with simple techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, or listening to soothing music. When you tune into your relaxation response, you can lower your blood pressure, improve circulation, and bring your stress levels down—benefits supported by organizations like the Mental Health Foundation, Sport England, and even the US Army.

To get started, find a quiet spot where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and focus on the gentle rise and fall of your chest. Try progressive muscle relaxation by slowly tensing and then releasing each muscle group, or let calming music or nature sounds wash over you. As you relax, notice how your body feels—lighter, calmer, and more at peace. Practicing these techniques regularly can help you manage stress, boost your mental health, and make every day feel a little more like National Relaxation Day. So, give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and enjoy the soothing benefits of true relaxation.

How Will You Celebrate National Relaxation Day and Take Care of YOU Today?

I would love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts with me via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this story, please subscribe to my email list. Once a day, when I post a new story, you will receive it in your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE.