7 Ways to Practice Self-Love For People Over 50

Why is it so hard for us to practice self-care or self-love? Most of us are too busy for our own good and caught up in running our lives and schedules for ourselves and our families. There is barely enough time in the day for the routine, let alone for something as selfish sounding as “self-love.” Sound familiar?

Simple Ways To Practice Self-Love

1. Take Care of Your Gut

You may laugh, but this is a very important thing to do for yourself. In fact, it could be the most important. The expression ‘you are what you eat' is true. According to Utah State University, women who are over 50 need 21 grams of fiber per day, while men need 30 grams daily.

If a person’s colon does not work properly, that person does not feel well, energy is lower, and overall health begins a gradual decline. Eventually, this can lead to bowel obstruction, partial removal of the bowel, and possible cancer from toxic exposure. Seriously, take care of your gut.

2. Stay Active

Exercise every day as part of your self-love practice. We know that exercise is good for everyone not just for seniors. But it’s more than a key to weight reduction. You'll be glad to know that there are a number of core exercises that people over 50 can do.

Exercise is great as a mood booster, reduces anxiety, and helps to get rid of stress. We know anxiety and stress cause numerous health problems. Anything you can do to reduce those is a form of self-love.

3. Drink Water

Your body needs 8 glasses of water every day. You need more if you are exercising in the heat. Keeping your body hydrated helps to keep your vital organs running in top form. Proper hydration keeps your skin looking healthy and your blood moving swiftly.

4. Watch Your Diet

The food we eat has the potential to either keep us healthy or contribute to weight gain and diseases such as diabetes. Eating the right foods can help prevent short term memory loss and inflammation, both of which can have long-term effects on the brain and the rest of the body.

Some of the best self-care foods for people over 50 include fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, green leafy veggies, and broccoli. Eating correctly is self-love.

5. Learn to Say No

Learning to say no is really hard, especially if you feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for your time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability.

It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you'll start to feel more empowered, and you'll have more time for your self-love. Remember, this is not selfish, it’s a form of self-care.

6. Go Out and Enjoy Mother Nature

Spending time outside can help you reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and be more mindful. This will also increase your intake of much-needed vitamin D.

Studies have shown that getting outside can help reduce fatigue, making it a great way to overcome symptoms of depression or burnout. Getting outside can also help you sleep better at night, especially if you do some physical activity, like hiking or walking, while you are outside.

7. Socialize With Friends and Family

Socializing with your friends and family is a great way to practice self-love. Did you know that socializing can even lead to a longer lifespan?

While it is advised to practice social distancing during this time of the pandemic, there are plenty of ways to socialize. In fact, socializing can be done online. It's about time to catch up with your children or perhaps a friend who's also excited to talk to you.

People often confuse self-love and self-care with selfishness. Those descriptions are not the same. Self-love and self-care mean that you are taking care of yourself and in turn making sure you are fit enough to care for your children or other loved ones who may need you.

Self-care means you are doing what you need to do to live a long and happy life. Self-love means you love yourself enough to take care of yourself so you can live freely and love others as well. The first person we have to be able to love is ourselves.

If we are able to love ourselves, we can then learn to love and care for others.

Self-care is so important. Taking a moment to take care of yourself will allow you to better serve everyone around you, as well as the day's tasks. There are many things we can do to practice a little self-love without feeling selfish. Here are a few to help you get started.

What's your favorite way of practicing self-love? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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