10 Ways to Thrive after 50

Focus on these daily

1. Positive Attitude – this could also be 2, 3, 4 etc. Always choose the sunny side of life. Forcing yourself to smile in a mirror or just saying “I feel good!” can lift your mood.
2. Keep moving! – You don’t have to run marathons or pump iron – however if you do, you can eat more cookies! Find something that you enjoy like gardening or walking. Even cleaning your home can give you satisfaction and help keep you in shape. When I don’t find time to go to the gym, which is most days, I do a 5 minute yoga or Pilates workout from YouTube. Just google 5 or 10 minute YouTube video from your favorite passion. Always check with your doctor and check in with yourself when trying something new.
3. Meditate – Meditation can cure anxiety, the blues, and a host of other ailments. YouTube is your friend for this activity too. Pick your time goal and any particular focus like anxiety, and plug your wish into google. Viola! Find a speaker who’s voice relaxes you. I’m a fan of Deepak Chopra, but just about every accent and inflection is available.
4. Keep finances in order – Put bills on autopay and send a portion to savings automatically. Even if you haven’t managed money well in the past, start now. Even a small nest egg can reduce anxiety and give you a sense of wellbeing.
5. Indulge on small things – or large ones if you can once in a while. Skip the Oreos, unless they’re favorites, and go for a fresh baked slice of pie or cake. Or head to the mall for a couple of gourmet chocolates. Buy a beautiful dress in the spring and a new sweater in the Fall. Better to buy a few things you love, than a bunch of things that are mediocre. If it isn’t exquisite, leave it. Wait until you can find and afford what you love.
6. Rest – If you find yourself waking up at 5 am, just go to bed earlier to get 8 hours of sleep. You’re a big girl and no longer need to impress your sleepover friends…unless you:
7. Throw a party! – At least once a year host a special event for family or friends. Make it wacky if you choose. A Hawaiian party in February can blast the winter blues. No friends – no problem! If you’ve moved away or moved on from friends, or when heaven forbid the inevitable at our age occurs, make new friends in your area at meetup.com. Most areas in the United States have groups for every age and interest. I’ve even seen groups for introverts – which I’ve heard can be quite loud ironically. Don’t worry; most people are just like us trying to connect with fellow humans. Too far from your comfort zone? Find a volunteer organization to serve the community and meet new people or join a senior center.
8. Eat well! – In between indulgences find wholesome foods. Myriad websites have recipes for clean eating or balanced diets. You can also now get home delivery for just about anything. An anti-inflammatory diet is my favorite and slows signs of aging. In my experience it drastically reduces aches and pains. Don’t forget your multivitamin and specialized supplements like calcium and vitamin D when the sun goes away.
9. Find a thinking hobby – like crosswords or even good conversation.
10. Keep a gratitude journal -Magic happens when you write things down. Include things that you will make happen in the future like your perfect new summer dress. Be sure to include your sisters on this site. You’re all on my list.