13 Things Women Over 50 Do to Unwind That Should Count as Therapy for Stress Relief
Let’s face it, after 50, “relaxing” sometimes means hiding from your family in the bathroom with a chocolate bar and pretending you’re on a spa retreat. But hey, stress doesn’t care how old you are or how many candles were on your last birthday cake. The good news is, there are plenty of fun and sneaky ways to unwind that don’t require a couch, a therapist, or explaining to your neighbor why you’re doing yoga in your backyard wearing pajamas.
Joining a local crafting club
Ever tried to knit a scarf and ended up with something that looks more like a potholder? Welcome to the club—literally. Local crafting clubs are the perfect place to let your creativity run wild and your perfectionism take a nap.
Not only do you get to play with yarn, beads, or paint, but you also get to gossip about who’s still using dial-up internet. Crafting with others makes you feel like you belong, and there’s always someone who knows how to untangle that giant ball of yarn you’ve been hiding in the closet.
Practicing gratitude journaling nightly
You know that moment right before bed when your brain decides to replay every embarrassing thing you’ve ever done since 1973? Swap that out for gratitude journaling. It’s like giving your mind a warm cup of cocoa before sleep.
Jot down three things that didn’t make you want to scream into a pillow today. Was your coffee hot? Did you find matching socks? Celebrate it. You don’t need to write a novel—just a few lines will do.
Stuck for ideas? Prompts are your new best friend. They’ll keep you from writing “I’m grateful for Wi-Fi” every night. For more prompts and tips, check out gratitude journaling ideas.
Taking long nature walks barefoot
Ready to unleash your inner child? Kick off your shoes and go for a walk outside. Yes, really. Walking barefoot in nature is like a free foot massage from Mother Earth.
You’ll feel the grass, the dirt, and maybe even a rogue Lego if you’re not careful. Your feet will thank you, and your neighbors might finally stop calling you “that lady who wears slippers everywhere.”
Start slow and pick places without too many surprises underfoot. Feel the textures and enjoy the moment. Learn more about the benefits of walking barefoot in nature at barefoot walking benefits.
Hosting weekly phone calls with close friends
Remember when talking on the phone was the highlight of your week? Turns out, it still is. Schedule a weekly call with your favorite people, bonus points if you both pretend you’re on a secret mission.
A quick chat can turn a blah day into a good one. You don’t need to FaceTime unless you want to showcase your new “I woke up like this” look.
Mix things up by swapping stories, planning imaginary vacations, or just laughing about the time you tried to cut your own bangs. Your friends will love it, and so will you.
Trying beginner yoga classes specifically for 50+
Yoga isn’t just for people who can bend like pretzels. There are classes made just for women over 50, where touching your toes is optional and falling over is considered “interpretive movement.”
Gentle poses help with flexibility and balance. You can even use a chair if getting on the floor requires a search party.
Find classes online or at your local gym. Try a few and see if you can finally master downward dog without scaring the cat. For more ideas, check out this 45-Minute Gentle Yoga Flow.
Listening to guided meditation podcasts
Ever tried to meditate and ended up planning dinner instead? Guided meditation podcasts are here to save the day. All you have to do is listen—no chanting required.
There are podcasts for every mood, whether you need to chill out or just want someone to tell you it’s okay to take a nap. Listen while lying down, sitting up, or hiding from your to-do list.
Check out the Meditation for Women podcast or browse other guided meditations for a little peace and quiet—with zero effort.
Engaging in gentle swimming sessions
Swimming is the only exercise where you can’t hear your phone ring and no one expects you to answer emails. The water supports your body, so you can float, paddle, or pretend you’re a mermaid.
Even slow laps can help you feel relaxed and strong. Plus, you don’t have to sweat—unless you’re doing synchronized swimming, in which case, please send videos.
Attending community art workshops
Art workshops are like kindergarten for grown-ups, but with better snacks. You get to paint, draw, or glue things together and call it “abstract.” No one is judging your stick figures here.
Being around other creative people is good for your soul, and you might even make a new friend who also can’t draw a straight line.
Check local community centers for workshops. They’re usually beginner-friendly and always a good excuse to get paint on your clothes. Learn more about how art supports healing through community activities here.
Cooking new healthy recipes in small groups
Cooking healthy recipes with friends is the adult version of a playdate. You get to chop, stir, and laugh about the time you mistook salt for sugar.
Trying new dishes keeps dinner exciting and your taste buds guessing. Plus, you don’t have to eat kale chips alone ever again.
Look for small group cooking classes or invite friends over for a recipe swap. For inspiration, check out Flipping 50 for simple, healthy recipes made just for women like you.
Joining cooking groups also helps you stick to good habits. After all, it’s harder to bail on salad night when your friends are expecting you.
Scheduling regular therapy or counseling sessions
Sometimes you need more than a bubble bath and a good cry to your dog. That’s where therapy comes in. Booking regular sessions is like giving your brain a tune-up—no oil change required.
You don’t have to go every week, but sticking to a schedule helps you stay on track. Your therapist can help you decide what works best, and you get to talk about yourself for an hour without anyone interrupting.
Show up, be honest, and remember, therapy is self-care for your mind. If you’re curious about what schedule might fit your life, this guide on therapy frequency can help.
Trying deep breathing exercises before bed
Ever find yourself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and wondering if sheep even sleep? Deep breathing exercises might just be your new bedtime superpower.
Start by plopping down somewhere comfy. Breathe in slowly through your nose and imagine your belly inflating like a balloon that’s had too much cake.
Let the air out gently through your mouth or nose. If you want to feel extra fancy, count your breaths—maybe in for four seconds, out for four seconds. It’s like a secret handshake for your nervous system.
Deep breathing can help your body chill out. Your heart rate drops, your stress goes on vacation, and suddenly sleep doesn’t seem so impossible.
No need for fancy equipment or a yoga guru. You can do this in your bed, on your couch, or even hiding from your kids in the bathroom.
If you want to spice things up, try guided exercises like box breathing or the mysterious-sounding 4-7-8 method. You might just become the Zen master of your own bedroom.
Exploring adult dance classes like salsa or ballroom
Remember when dancing meant spinning wildly in your living room with zero coordination? Turns out, adult dance classes like salsa or ballroom let you do just that, but with fancier shoes and fewer stubbed toes.
You don’t have to be the next Dancing With the Stars champion. Most classes welcome beginners who have two left feet and a healthy sense of humor.
You’ll find people your age who are also pretending to know what a “cha-cha” is. Bonding over clumsy spins is basically a friendship waiting to happen.
Dance classes aren’t just about looking cool. They help with balance and flexibility, which is great if you’ve ever groaned while picking up a dropped sock.
Plus, moving to music can turn a bad day into a dance party. You might even forget you’re exercising.
If you’re curious, check out local classes and see which style makes your feet happiest. Who knows? You might just salsa your way into a new hobby and a few new friends.
Using magnesium supplements to relax muscles
Ever feel like your muscles are auditioning for a knot-tying competition? Magnesium might just be the secret weapon you need.
This mineral is like the chill friend who helps your muscles relax after they’ve tensed up. Without enough magnesium, your muscles can hold on for dear life, leading to cramps and awkward stiff walks.
When you take magnesium, it works behind the scenes to balance out calcium in your muscle cells. Calcium is the overachiever making your muscles contract, while magnesium is there to say, “Okay, time to let go now.”
If you’ve ever tried to stretch after a workout and felt like a rusty robot, magnesium might be your new best friend. It can help your muscles finally relax after all that hard work.
But wait, there’s more. Magnesium doesn’t just help your muscles—it also gives your nervous system a break by lowering stress hormones. Your body gets the memo to relax, making it easier to actually unwind after a long day.
If you’re over 50 and finding your muscles are holding onto tension like they’re storing it for winter, magnesium could help. Many women also notice better sleep, which is always a win.
Not all magnesium supplements are created equal, though. Some types absorb better, and if you add a little vitamin B6, your body becomes a magnesium-using machine.
So next time your muscles are throwing a tantrum, consider giving magnesium a try. Who knew relaxation could come in a supplement?
