Rediscovering Calm

Rediscovering Calm: 5 Uncommon Practices Every Woman Over 50 Should Try

Let’s be real: calm doesn’t always come easy—especially when you’ve spent years juggling caregiving, careers, relationships, and the invisible weight of being "the strong one." But just because you’ve always handled it all doesn’t mean you have to carry it all, all the time.

If you’re a woman of color over 50, you’ve earned the right to redefine what calm looks like for you. And while meditation and deep breathing are great, let’s talk about five lesser-known (but deeply effective) ways to bring more peace into your everyday life.

1. Put Your Phone on Silent (or Airplane Mode)

Yes, for real. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Constant notifications—texts, news alerts, emails—can keep your nervous system on high alert. By intentionally silencing your phone, you’re sending your brain a signal: You are safe. You are not on call. You can rest. It’s a small act of resistance...and restoration.

2. Practice Mindful Eating

This isn’t about dieting or cutting carbs. It’s about honoring your body with presence. Next time you eat, slow down. Notice the colors, textures, and flavors. This moment with your food can be a grounding ritual—especially when life feels like it’s rushing past you.

3. Let the Laundry Be a Meditation

Yes, the laundry. Or dishes. Or organizing your bookshelf. Doing something simple, repetitive, and physical gives your mind a break from overthinking. It creates space for stillness. So light a candle, play some music, and let a mundane task become a mindful one.

4. Laugh Like Your Life Depends on It

Because sometimes it does. Laughter resets your nervous system and lifts your mood instantly. Rewatch your favorite feel-good shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Living Single, or The King of Queens. Let yourself laugh out loud—those joyful moments are healing, not frivolous.

5. Use Art as a Reset Button

You don’t need to be an artist. You just need to look. Whether it’s a painting that inspires you, a photo of your family, or a vibrant street mural—let your eyes rest on something beautiful. Let it remind you that calm and creativity go hand-in-hand. If you want to create art but don't have the skills of Van Gogh, try an adult coloring book. Create your own unique work of art.

The Takeaway

You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to explain your need for stillness. Calm is not a luxury—it’s a birthright. These practices aren’t about adding more to your to-do list. They’re about reclaiming something that’s been yours all along: peace.

What’s one calming practice that’s worked for you? Share it in the comments—let’s build a healing list together.