A Few Habits I’m Working On at 50

I’ve never been someone who wakes up one morning and completely reinvents her life.

New Year’s resolutions? Nope. They don’t work for me.

Change usually happens a little at a time. A better habit here. A healthier choice there. One small change that eventually becomes something I don’t have to think about anymore.

The older I get, the more I’ve realized that quick fixes just aren’t my thing. I may go all in for a while, but I rarely stick with it. Small changes, on the other hand, seem to have a way of becoming part of my everyday life.

So these are a few of the habits I’m working on right now.

Moving More

For the last seven years or so, I’ve had desk jobs. Which means a lot of time indoors, in front of a computer, or on my phone… sitting. A lot.

I’m trying to be much better about getting up and moving throughout the day, even when work is busy.

Nothing extreme. I’m aiming for at least 7,500 steps a day and trying to spend less time sitting. I’ll walk around the house during work calls, take a morning walk, work in the yard, or some combination of all three.

I’m also trying to change the way I think about exercise. Walking counts. I don’t have to run to be healthy.

As a former collegiate runner many, many moons ago, that last part is still a little hard for me to accept.

Strength Training and Pilates

You hear a lot about losing muscle as you get older, so I’m making more of an effort to include strength training than I have in the past.

I’ll be honest. I still don’t love it.

Pilates, though? That I’ve really enjoyed.

I love the combination of core work, stretching, and just feeling stronger afterward. So for now, I’m trying to keep both in the mix and, more than anything, be consistent.

Starting My Day Without the News

This one has probably made the biggest difference in my mindset.

I stopped turning on the news first thing in the morning almost two years ago, and it’s a change I’ve actually stuck with.

I do like being informed. I’m oddly interested in politics, and I like knowing what’s happening in the world beyond my little corner of it. Just… not at 7 a.m.

The news isn’t going anywhere.

Instead, I let my mornings start with coffee, a little reading, and some time outside. I can catch up on everything else later.

And honestly, my mornings are much more enjoyable because of it.

Morning Sunshine

This is probably the easiest habit on the list.

I like getting outside for a few minutes soon after I wake up. Fresh air, a little sunshine, and a quiet morning just seem to put me in a better frame of mind.

If the weather cooperates, you’ll usually find me on our porch with a cup of coffee, a book or devotional, and the dog nearby.

It’s one of my favorite parts of the day.

Eating More Real Food

Over the past year, Shawn and I have become more aware of what we’re eating.

Definitely not perfect. I should probably mention that I had Chipotle for lunch yesterday.

But when we’re cooking at home, we’re trying to choose less processed foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, and pay more attention to the ingredients we’re buying. We’re also trying to avoid seed oils.

We don’t always get it right. You don’t have to twist our arms to enjoy a great glass of wine. We’re just trying to make better choices more often than not.

More Protein

This one is still a work in progress.

I’ve realized I don’t naturally eat enough protein, so I’m making more of an effort to add it throughout the day.

It’s a pretty simple change, but one I’m finding easier to stick with when I don’t overthink it.

Small Changes Really Do Add Up

One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits, and the idea that has stuck with me is pretty simple: small, consistent actions can eventually become habits.

That’s really what happened with my mornings.

I started with one small change- no news or TV first thing. Then another change followed. And another.

Now I have a morning routine I genuinely enjoy:

Coffee.

Reading something encouraging.

Sunshine.

A short walk.

Nothing complicated. Nothing I had to force myself to keep doing.

That’s the approach I’m taking into my 50s, too. I’m not looking for a complete overhaul. I’m just paying attention to the little things that make me feel better and seeing which ones stick.

I’m curious- what’s one habit you’re working on right now?

I’m always looking for ideas worth trying.