5 Daily Habits Draining Your Energy After 50 and How to Stop Them
Simple Strategies to Regain Energy and Thrive in Midlife
Energy after 50 can feel elusive like it’s slipping through our fingers as we struggle to get through the day. We’ve all been there—waking up tired, dragging ourselves around, and wondering where our vitality has gone. While many of us blame aging, the real culprits are often sneaky daily habits that drain our energy more than we realize.
After turning 50, I experienced this first-hand. I found myself feeling sluggish all the time, so I took a closer look at the habits that were quietly pulling my energy down. Once I identified and tackled these habits, everything changed—I felt a dramatic shift in my vitality.
Today, I’m sharing these insights with you so you can boost your energy after 50 and live your fullest life. In this guide, you’ll discover five common daily habits that drain energy, especially for women over 50, and learn simple, effective strategies to regain that lost energy and feel more energized every day.
The Silent Energy Drainers We Overlook
When it comes to low energy, we often point to the usual suspects, such as poor sleep or a bad diet. But what if I told you that it’s often the subtle, seemingly harmless habits we engage in daily that leave us feeling exhausted? These habits become so ingrained in our lives that we barely notice them, but they deeply affect our mental and emotional energy levels.
Here are five everyday habits that may be draining your energy and what you can do about them.
Dwelling on the Past Holds Us Back
One of the most significant energy-draining habits is dwelling on the past. I’ve caught myself replaying moments I wish I had handled differently, particularly as a mother. Raising my older children as a single mom for 21 years, I often wrestled with guilt, thinking I could have been a better mom or provided them with a better life.
Reliving past regrets drains energy because we can’t change the past. All it does is sap our mental and emotional strength, leaving us feeling empty and unmotivated. Instead, we can choose to learn from the past and focus on the present. By letting go of what we cannot change, we free ourselves to move forward with more energy and purpose.
The Trap of Social Media Comparisons
Scrolling through social media might seem like a harmless distraction, but it can quickly drain your energy. With every swipe, we’re bombarded with images of perfect lives, perfect bodies, and perfect homes. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, believing that everyone else is doing better than we are.
For women over 50, this can be particularly exhausting, especially when we see younger women flaunting wrinkle-free skin or undergoing cosmetic treatments. I’ve caught myself wondering if I missed out on something or if I should be worried about aging.
But here’s the truth: Social media is not reality. People share their highlights, not their struggles. Limiting time on social media and focusing on your own life, with all its beauty and imperfections, can help you feel more grounded and energized.
Holding Grudges Drains Emotional Energy
Have you ever spent time replaying an argument in your head or remembering why you're still mad at someone? Holding onto grudges doesn’t just affect our mood—it drains our emotional energy. We waste mental energy trying to keep the anger alive, and that constant replay of negative emotions leaves us feeling tired.
I know letting go of anger isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for our well-being. Holding onto resentment is like carrying a heavy weight that pulls us down. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what someone did; it means freeing ourselves from the negativity so we can move forward. The moment you let go, you’ll notice a surge of positive energy and lightness.
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Stressing Over What We Can’t Control
Stress is another major energy drainer, especially when we stress over things beyond our control. I remember how much I stressed when my daughter, who had always dreamed of becoming a doctor, decided to drop out of college to attend a trade school. It crushed me. I wanted to control her choices and steer her back on track, but I had to learn the hard way that my stress wasn’t helping either of us.
The reality is we can’t control everything—especially other people’s choices. Accepting this fact and letting go of the need to control outcomes can significantly reduce stress and leave us with more mental and emotional energy to focus on what we can influence.
Skimping on Self-Care as We Age
As we age, taking care of our bodies and minds becomes more important than ever. Yet, too often, we skimp on the very things that can recharge us—sleep, exercise, and healthy eating. Getting older is a gift, but it’s one that requires care and attention.
When I think of aging, I don’t view it as something to fear. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to embrace the wisdom and experience I’ve gained and use it to continue growing. That means prioritizing self-care, from getting enough sleep to exercising daily. Even 30 minutes of walking can do wonders for boosting energy levels. It’s about treating this phase of life as an opportunity to thrive, not decline.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Energy Today
So, how do we shift from energy-draining habits to energy-boosting actions? Here are some simple, actionable strategies you can start using today:
- Let go of the past: Practice mindfulness to keep your focus on the present moment. When old regrets start to creep in, gently remind yourself that you can’t change the past but can shape the future.
- Limit social media time: Set a timer when scrolling or designate certain times of day to check your accounts. Be mindful of the content you consume, and avoid comparing yourself to others.
- Forgive and move forward: Start small—let go of minor grievances first, and notice how much lighter you feel. With time, it will become easier to forgive even the bigger hurts.
- Focus on what you can control: When stress starts to build, ask yourself if it’s something within your control. If not, practice releasing it and trusting that things will work out.
- Prioritize self-care: Make sleep, exercise, and nutritious food non-negotiables. Even small improvements in these areas can have a huge impact on your energy levels.
Embrace Midlife with Energy and Purpose
There’s no reason to accept that midlife is a time of slowing down or losing energy. With a few minor changes to our daily habits, we can reclaim the vitality we need to enjoy this amazing stage of life. After all, we’ve got so much experience and wisdom to offer the world. By recognizing and eliminating these five energy-draining habits, we open the door to living our best lives with purpose, joy, and endless possibilities.
Want more insights on how to boost your energy and thrive in midlife? Keep following along as we dive into more ways to help you become the best version of yourself.
And don’t forget—small changes today can lead to significant improvements tomorrow.
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Watch the complete episode here.
Additional Resources:
7 Effective Strategies to Transform Negative Thoughts
Thriving in Midlife: Transformative Secrets
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