5 Simple Habits For A Healthier You Over 50

When it comes to staying fit and healthy over 50, it’s the simple habits done consistently that make the biggest difference

. You don’t need to partake in extreme exercise regimes or difficult diets to be in good shape!

If you’re keen to be the best version of yourself by prioritising your health and well-being as you get older – you’re in the right place. Here, we explore five simple habits that will help you feel full of life after 50.

1. Mindful eating for optimal nutrition

As the saying goes – you are what you eat – and what you put in your body matters. To feel your best, you need to fuel your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive.

According to Healthline, “aging is linked to a variety of changes in the body, including muscle loss, thinner skin, and less stomach acid” and “some of these changes can make you prone to nutrient deficiencies”.

For this reason, you should concentrate on eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg, protein, and fiber-rich carbohydrates.

Try to avoid eating processed foods and refined carbs like white bread or pastries – as you’re more likely to experience sugar crashes.

You may also benefit from introducing some vitamin and mineral supplements into your daily routine, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and calcium – but speak to your doctor before implementing any changes!

2. Self-care practices for emotional balance

Emotional health is often overlooked but can have a huge impact on your overall well-being. It’s important to tune into how you’re feeling and take care of your emotional needs as you navigate changes in your daily life as you age.

Find self-care practices that work for you, whether that’s writing a journal, taking a gentle walk in the park, or practicing meditation in the garden.

You may find that chatting with your nearest and dearest helps to process your emotions and take a bit of weight off your shoulders.

The key here is to choose activities that help you to process your feelings to avoid any unhealthy build-ups of emotional energy.

3. Organised spaces for an organised mind

Clutter can have a big impact on your stress levels. Not only does it give your brain more visual stimulation to process, but it can also make items harder to find – leading to frustration and anxiety.

A well-organised space leads to an organised mind, so prioritise keeping your home neat and tidy.

Get into good daily habits like clearing kitchen countertops, putting books and magazines away, picking up clutter from the coffee table, and making your bed.

Having effective and efficient storage is the key to achieving a clutter-free home, so it may be worth upgrading your storage solutions under the stairs, in the hallway, or throughout your living space.

By giving all your items a home, you can reduce the amount of mess on surfaces throughout your house.

4. Stress release for mental wellness

Stress can have a huge impact on your mental and physical health. It can “play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety”, says WebMD.

As you get older, it’s more important than ever to combat stress, so you can lead a healthy and happy life. Take some time to experiment with different stress-relieving techniques to see what works for you.

This could include taking part in a gentle yoga class, doing breathwork at home, listening to your favourite music, gardening, swimming, or relaxing with friends.

It doesn’t matter what you choose – as long as it works for you!

5. Quality sleep for restoration

When it comes to health, good quality sleep is non-negotiable. Without it, your physical and mental health can suffer – leaving you unable to perform optimally throughout the day.

Not only does good sleep make you feel more alert, but can help to improve your memory, keep your heart healthy, repair your body and support your immune system.

The key to getting good quality sleep is maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day and get sunlight in your eyes in the morning to help your circadian rhythm.

You may find that reading a good book in bed or having a warm bath relaxes you ready for sleep.

It’s important to avoid caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee in the evening and stop watching TV an hour or two before bed as this can stop you from drifting off.

There are many ways to stay fit and healthy as you age, but it’s the simple habits that can boost your well-being in the long run.

By prioritising good quality sleep, stress release, home organisation, self-care, and your diet, you can forge a path to a healthier and happier you over 50.