As we navigate through life, it’s easy to fall into habits that serve everyone but ourselves.
Especially if you’re over the age of 50, you might find yourself constantly prioritizing the needs of others above your own. But let me tell you, it’s time to rethink this approach.
Today, I’m going to share seven behaviors you should reconsider as you journey into your golden years. Because, remember, it’s never too late to start putting yourself first.
We’re not talking about becoming self-centered or neglecting our loved ones. We’re simply suggesting a healthy balance.
After all, as they say on airplanes, “put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others”. So, let’s dive into some of these behaviors and see how a few changes can make a world of difference.
1) Saying yes to everything
As we reach our fifties, there’s a tendency for many of us to say “yes” to every demand or request that comes our way. It’s as if we feel obligated to please others, even at the expense of our own well-being.
The truth is, this habit can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled. And if we’re not careful, it might even lead to burnout.
Believe me, I understand the desire to maintain relationships and keep peace. But it’s important to remember that saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person. On the contrary, it’s a sign of self-respect.
So, the next time you’re asked to do something that you don’t want to or can’t handle, consider politely declining. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with time and practice, you’ll realize that it’s okay to prioritize your own needs.
And who knows, people might even start respecting your boundaries more. How we treat ourselves often sets the bar for how others treat us. And there’s nothing manipulative about valuing your own time and energy.
2) Neglecting self-care
I’ll admit, this is something I’ve been guilty of in the past. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner. Especially when you have a family to look after, a job to fulfill, and a myriad of other responsibilities.
There was a time when I would wake up early, work late into the night, and barely find time for a proper meal. It was as if I was running on an endless treadmill, constantly trying to keep up with the world.
But then one day, my body gave me a wake-up call. I fell sick and it wasn’t the usual flu. It was exhaustion, plain and simple. It was my body telling me that I couldn’t continue this way.
That’s when I realized the importance of self-care. It’s not just about spa days or indulgent treats. It’s about basic things like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and taking time off for relaxation.
If you’re like me and tend to put self-care last on your list, let me tell you, it’s time to rethink this behavior. After all, we can’t pour from an empty cup.
3) Living in auto-pilot mode
As we age, it’s easy to fall into a routine and start living life in auto-pilot mode. You know, going through the motions without truly being present in the moment. But this lack of mindfulness can lead to us missing out on the joys of life.
I’ve personally experienced the transformative power of mindfulness. It’s a journey I embarked on a few years ago and it has changed my life for the better.
Now, you might ask, “What does mindfulness have to do with putting myself first?” Well, when we’re mindful, we’re more attuned to our needs and feelings. We can recognize when we’re overworked or stressed, and take immediate action to address these issues.
Remember, every moment is an opportunity for awareness and growth. Let’s not let them slip away unnoticed.
4) Brushing off compliments
There was a time when I would dismiss compliments with a wave of my hand or a self-deprecating remark.
If someone praised my work, I’d respond with something like, “Oh, it’s nothing special” or “I could have done better”. It was as if accepting compliments was synonymous with being arrogant.
But over time, I realized that this behavior was doing me more harm than good. Instead of boosting my confidence, it was eroding it. And it was also belittling the person who had taken the time to express their appreciation.
So if you’re in the habit of brushing off compliments, I urge you to rethink this behavior. The next time someone praises you, try to accept it graciously. Smile and say thank you.
There’s nothing wrong in acknowledging your accomplishments. In fact, it’s an essential part of self-love and growth.
5) Avoiding solitude
It might sound counter-intuitive, but being alone doesn’t always equate to loneliness. In fact, solitude can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting you become a hermit. Relationships and social interactions are crucial for our mental well-being. What I am proposing is to embrace moments of solitude.
In our culture, we’re often made to feel that being alone is something to dread or avoid. But spending time with ourselves can help us understand our needs, thoughts, and emotions better. It can also boost our creativity and problem-solving skills.
Whether it’s a quiet walk in the park or a few minutes of meditation, these moments of solitude can bring about a lot of clarity and peace in our busy lives.
6) Overcommitting
In our quest to be helpful and reliable, we often end up overcommitting ourselves.
Whether it’s agreeing to bake cookies for the school fundraiser, taking on extra work projects or volunteering for community events, we find ourselves juggling too many balls at once.
While it’s great to be involved and contribute, overcommitting can lead to stress and burnout. We might end up delivering a sub-par performance or neglecting our personal needs.
So it’s important to evaluate our capacity before saying ‘yes’ to every request or opportunity that comes our way. It’s okay to decline if we’re already stretched thin.
Remember, quality trumps quantity. It’s better to commit to fewer tasks and do them well than to take on too many and struggle to keep up.
7) Ignoring your intuition
Our intuition is a powerful guiding tool, but we often ignore it in favor of logic or societal norms.
Yet, our gut feelings are rarely wrong. They are our subconscious mind’s way of telling us what’s right for us.
So, start tuning into your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Trusting your instincts can save you from unnecessary stress and guide you towards choices that truly serve your well-being and happiness.
The takeaway: It’s about balance
Reflecting on our behaviors and habits is an essential step towards leading a fulfilled life, especially as we journey into our golden years. It’s about striking a balance between caring for others and caring for ourselves.
You see, there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to this. Each of us has unique needs and circumstances. But the underlying principle remains the same: We need to respect and prioritize our well-being.
As you reflect on these 7 behaviors, remember that it’s not about completely rewriting your life. It’s about making small, mindful changes that can lead to a healthier, happier you.
After all, you deserve nothing less.
