18 Things You Should Reconsider Doing Once You Hit 50
Reaching 50 is a milestone; you’ve gained a wealth of life experience and gotten wiser in the process. But here’s a thought: what if this is also the perfect time to revisit your habits and beliefs?
As we age, we become set in our ways, from our daily routines to our personal preferences. It’s time to break free and explore new possibilities.
To spice up your journey, we’ve collated things worth reconsidering now. Be open to these changes and step into the next phase of your life feeling more energized and fulfilled.
1. Wondering What Others Might Say
Fear of people’s opinions can make you feel like you have to please everyone to avoid rejection. According to a CNBC report, worrying about others’ judgments negatively impacts creativity and innovation and can slow down decision-making.
While some opinions hold significance, it’s important to take care of your own well-being and focus on your life goals. Stop fretting over societal judgments and others’ perceptions. If you want a piercing or tattoo at 50, go ahead and do it. It’s your life to live authentically and without fear of external judgment.
2. Stressing About Small Stuff
Stress has been a constant companion, especially at work, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. It tends to affect those aged 50 and above more than younger adults, potentially leading to inflammation and muscle weakness.
To combat stress, let go of trivial concerns and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. These methods trigger the body’s relaxation response, which offers various health benefits, from battling high blood pressure to getting better sleep.
3. Saying No to Adventures
Remember the events you often decline because of other priorities? It’s time to start saying yes to your friends’ invitations and be open to new experiences. If worries about your children or other responsibilities at home hold you back, stop saying no; just plan it well.
Whether it’s an international vacation you’ve been dreaming of or trying out new activities like skydiving, create a schedule that aligns with your free time. Communicate your plans in advance with your partner or children so everyone is on the same page.
4. Limiting Your Career Ambitions
When you make career decisions, you’re more likely to make practical choices even when it’s not as fulfilling. At 50, though, it might be time to get a little selfish and reach for the stars.
Dreaming big does not necessarily mean you have to fight for something impossible. Make it a habit to write down your short-term and long-term goals. Every day, try to tick a box on the list one by one.
5. Avoiding Trying New Hobbies
The old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” couldn’t be further from the truth. Research shows that older adults improve their cognitive function when they dedicate around 15 hours per week to learning new skills.
So, if you’ve been eyeing a new hobby — whether it’s crocheting, painting, woodworking, or anything else — don’t let age hold you back. At 50, there’s still so much to discover and enjoy, so embrace the opportunity to try something new.
6. Neglecting Self-Care
As life progresses and you prioritize work and family, it’s easy to neglect self-care. At 50, prioritize self-care to improve both your physical and mental well-being.
By making time for yourself, whether through nutritious meals, occasional massages, or personal indulgences, you can reduce stress, increase energy levels, and enhance your overall quality of life. Self-care habits allow you to recharge before you face more challenges.
7. Following Fashion Trends
If you’re into fashion trends, you might want to step back. Trends come and go; it can be costly and time-consuming to keep up.
Instead, focus on timeless pieces that make you feel confident and are versatile, like classic white tees and jeans, rather than chasing after styles that may not last.
8. Delaying Medical Check-ups
Are you one of those people who believe ignorance is bliss? You may find it scary to visit your physician and get checked, but it’s essential to do so as you approach 50.
Schedule a colonoscopy and a comprehensive check-up for your gut and heart to make sure everything functions well. These steps can provide peace of mind and early detection of any health issues.
9. Putting off Working Out
Adults need about 150 minutes of exercise every week to stay in good shape and keep the heart healthy. 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will help you stay healthy.
From aerobics to tai chi, choose a workout you enjoy so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Add some muscle-strengthening activities using weights or resistance bands. A simple trick is to make walking a habit and spend less time sitting.
10. Not Getting the Hair Color You Want
Remember the blonde hair you always wanted when you were younger but never had? Now’s the perfect time to try it out.
Head to your favorite salon and get the hairstyle you’ve always dreamed of. Choose the perfect shade of blonde, and maybe even get a different cut if that’s what you want. The idea is to be playful and adventurous with your style.
11. Having Vices
Smoking and other vices can put your life in danger. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco causes 8 million deaths worldwide every year. Your health begins to improve just 20 minutes after quitting smoking.
If you’re still smoking at 50, it’s time to stop. While it would have been better to quit earlier, the best time to quit is now. Stopping can prolong your life and help you enjoy the great years ahead.
12. Being Camera-Shy
Pictures make you remember the wonderful times you had. If you want proof of your life for your family and friends to remember you by, start getting comfortable in front of the camera.
If you don’t have a camera phobia but feel a little embarrassed, take a deep breath to get over the jitters. Find your best angle, look straight into the camera, and capture those memories.
13. Not Traveling
Take those travel plans you’ve been discussing with friends out of the group chat and hit the road. Whether you want to travel solo or with your group, make it happen. Stop delaying and planning — just do it.
At 50, it’s crucial to live without regrets. Talk to your friends and plan whether you want to travel locally or internationally. The most important thing is to start moving and make those adventures a reality.
14. Feeling Bad About Your Face
Be confident about your face and start treasuring yourself more. At 50, you should have a skincare routine, but if you don’t, now is the time to create one.
Your skin’s needs at 50 differ from when you were younger, so choose skincare products that address aging concerns. Make sure to include a good moisturizing cream to keep your skin hydrated.
15. Suppressing Your Inner Child
As you take care of your family, it’s natural to feel the need to take care of them and repress your inner child. By the time you reach 50, it’s time to start healing that inner child.
Your inner child is the young part of your psyche tied to childhood memories, feelings, and experiences. Healing this part of yourself means doing what makes you happy, even if it’s not traditionally something that people at 50 would do. Each person heals differently; for some, it might be about learning the violin or something else you’d wanted to do forever, while for others, it may be more complicated.
16. Suffering in Silence
Keeping everything inside despite the stress you experience can be harmful. If you’re suffering in silence and can’t open up to anyone around you, seek professional help.
If you need an outlet and can’t access mental health services, start a journal. It may not be the same as talking to someone, but it can help you express your feelings privately.
17. Procrastinating on Your Projects
Do you have existing projects you need to go back to? Unfinished tasks hover in your mind, so you can’t help but think about the task over and over again.
Whether you plan to finish a task or cancel it, make sure that you make a decision. Just like you hate cliffhangers in movies and TV shows, your brain dislikes unfinished tasks.
18. Getting Shy to Thank People
Gratitude makes you feel positive emotions and builds strong relationships. Throughout your life, you’ve met plenty of people who have added value to your journey. Thanking these individuals will make sure that they know how big their impact on your life has been.
Take a moment to write a thank you note to those who have changed you for the better. If you’re not ready to share it, you can write it in a journal or simply reflect on it for now.
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