5 things to stop doing when you turn 50
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5 Things I Stopped Doing When I Hit 50 and Put Myself First

Turning 50 was a transformative milestone for me, and there were 5 things I stopped doing when I hit 50 that completely shifted my perspective. It felt like stepping onto a new path where I needed to make deliberate choices to prioritize myself.

I vividly recall waking up on my 50th birthday with a mix of excitement and introspection. It was as if the universe was gently nudging me to take a step back, reassess my life, and approach this new chapter with intention and clarity.

As someone who practices in the lineage of Siddha yoga, which emphasizes inner transformation and self-mastery, I knew these changes had to come from a deep place within.

Drawing from yoga philosophy, which emphasizes balance, self-awareness, and personal growth, I realized these 5 key things I needed to stop doing were essential for putting myself first.

These changes weren’t just about letting go of old habits but embracing new practices that align with the principles of yoga, guiding me toward a more fulfilled and balanced life.

Let me share these shifts with you and how integrating the wisdom of yoga has helped me navigate this transformative stage of life with greater awareness and purpose.

white peonies, cup of coffee, opened book - Putting myself first at 50, 5 things I let go

1. Stopped Overcommitting

As my children were growing up and I was establishing my career, my life was a whirlwind of commitments. I was constantly saying “yes” to work projects, social obligations, and helping others.

Driven by a desire to be of service, I found myself perpetually busy, which ultimately took a toll on my energy and well-being.

I came to realize that yoga teaches us important principles like Svadhyaya (self-study) and Ahimsa (non-violence), which include being kind to ourselves.

Overcommitting wasn’t serving my highest self; it was a form of self-neglect. I needed to practice self-compassion and set boundaries to protect my energy and well-being.

Now, I embrace the principle of Satya (truthfulness) by evaluating each commitment through an honest lens.

I ask myself if it aligns with my values and if I can genuinely offer my best. By setting boundaries and prioritizing my time, I am more present and engaged in what truly matters.

For example, stepping back from organizing a large charity event was initially accompanied by guilt, but it allowed me to focus on my health and family, honoring my well-being in a true practice of Ahimsa.

2. Stopped Comparing Myself to Others

Social media is a breeding ground for comparisons, where we often measure our achievements, appearance, and lifestyle against others.

This constant comparison left me feeling disheartened and disconnected from my own sense of fulfillment.

The concept of Atman (the true self), in yoga philosophy, teaches us to focus on our own unique journey and purpose.

Constantly comparing myself to others was a distraction from embracing self-acceptance and finding inner peace. It was clear that I needed to shift my perspective.

Now, I incorporate the principle of Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) into my life by concentrating on my personal growth and celebrating my progress without comparison.

I’ve learned to appreciate my individuality and embrace my unique path without seeking validation from others.

A notable example of this shift was completing a yoga retreat—rather than comparing my experience to others’ achievements, I celebrated it as a personal milestone. This practice of self-compassion allowed me to see the true value in my own journey.

3. Stopped Ignoring My Health

In the past, I often ignored the importance of quality sleep and managed stress poorly.

Late nights and constant worry were my norm, leaving me feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

This neglect of rest and relaxation took a toll on my overall health and ability to handle daily challenges.

Understanding the principles of yoga helped me recognize that good sleep and stress management are crucial for maintaining balance within the koshas.

I learned that a well-rested body and a calm mind are essential for supporting my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Now, I prioritize restful sleep and effective stress management as key components of my holistic health routine.

I incorporate calming bedtime rituals, such as gentle yoga stretches and mindful breathing exercises, to promote better sleep.

By managing stress through meditation and relaxation techniques, I support a more balanced and rejuvenated state of being. This shift has significantly improved my overall health and vitality.

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4. Stopped Putting Off My Dreams

I used to have dreams and goals that I kept postponing, telling myself there would be time “later.”

However, that elusive “later” never seemed to come, and my aspirations remained unfulfilled.

Yoga emphasizes the concept of Dharma (duty or purpose), and I realized that waiting for the perfect moment was merely procrastination.

It was preventing me from pursuing my true purpose. Following my Dharma meant taking actionable steps toward my passions, including starting this blog and moving towards a more holistic approach to healing.

Now, I focus on taking small, actionable steps toward my dreams. For example, starting my blog allowed me to combine my passion for holistic living with my desire to share healing practices with others.

By setting clear goals and dedicating time to this project, I’ve aligned more closely with my purpose.

This practice of Karma yoga (selfless action) has helped me stay motivated and fulfilled, allowing me to make meaningful progress in my journey toward holistic healing.

5. Stopped Seeking External Validation

I’ve often sought validation from others — whether through compliments, approval, or recognition.

I believed that external affirmation would enhance my self-worth and provide a sense of fulfillment.

Yoga philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-realization and inner contentment.

Constantly seeking external validation was distracting me from discovering true self-worth within. I needed to shift my focus from others’ opinions to my own sense of value and inner contentment.

Now, I embrace the principle of Santosha (contentment), which teaches finding happiness and satisfaction from within.

By trusting my judgment and valuing my worth, I have developed a stronger sense of self.

For instance, when I received less-than-enthusiastic feedback on a project, I chose to view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a blow to my self-esteem.

This shift in perspective has made me more resilient and self-assured.

Conclusion

Turning 50 was more than just a milestone for me; it was a chance for transformation and self-discovery by letting go of five key habits—overcommitting, comparing myself to others, neglecting my health, postponing my dreams, and seeking external validation.

I’ve used the principles of yoga to put myself first and create a more fulfilling life.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what you might need to release or change in your own life.

Remember, it’s never too late to make choices that align with your true self and support your overall wellness.

Here’s to living authentically and celebrating this beautiful stage of life!

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4 Comments

  1. I am also in my 50’s, and I agree it’s definitely is a time of transformation. All 5 points are spot on, Santosha is where I am today- it took a big life event for this to really hit home.