10 Self-Care Tips for Burnt Out Boomers

Key Takeaways

• Self-care is important and NOT selfish.
• We can all take five or ten minutes out of our day to make ourselves a priority.
• Simple acts, like stretching or setting boundaries, are acts of self-care.

Jump to our 10 self-care tips!

Boomers often prioritize caring for others and attending to various responsibilities ahead of their own needs. We answer calls and solve problems. We help our kids and grandkids when they need a little extra support. Yes, we Boomers often put others above ourselves. Noble? Yes. But the recipe for burnout? Absolutely? So, how can an older adult do it all without undoing their mental health? The answer: Self-care. Even those with the most hectic schedules need to carve out time for themselves. Whether it’s five minutes or fifteen, take some time to make YOU a priority.

What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?

Self-care is exactly what the name implies. It’s taking care of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The World Health Organization describes self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease, and to cope with illness – with or without the support of a health or care worker.”

Many things can be considered self-care, including:

• Taking care of yourself and your appearance
• Staying hydrated
• Getting enough sleep
• Going to therapy
• Avoiding negative news or people
• Choosing not to attend a social function out of obligation
• Relaxing in your bed or on the couch

Self-care is important because we live in a stressful world. Plus, burnout is a serious mental health condition that we sweep under the rug far too often. Whenever we ignore stress, it only gets worse and can escalate into burnout, which the World Health Organization describes as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It has serious mental health consequences, including:

• Exhaustion
• Feeling useless
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Stomach issues
• High blood pressure

You might also withdraw from your responsibilities and even isolate yourself from others. Worse still, you might lash out at others, projecting your feelings of frustration and uselessness on your friends and loved ones. Before you let your burnout get to that point, you need to address it.

10 Self-Care Tips for Burnout Boomers

1. Take a bath.

Showers are a convenient option, but when was the last time you tried bathing? For older adults, baths offer a myriad of health benefits, including lower blood pressure and a healthier heart. Run some water and use some nice bath salts for extra relaxation. Enjoy the warmth and allow your muscles to relax. This is your time, so use it to your best advantage and wash away all of life’s stressors.

2. Prepare for the next day.

Picture this: you jolt out of bed after hitting snooze one too many times. You hop into your pants, throw on a wrinkled shirt, and grab a piece of burnt toast on your way out the door. You don’t have time to stop for a cup of caffeinated goodness because you weren’t ready for the day. We’ve all lived that scenario I described, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Take time each night to prepare for the following day. Lay out your clothes and prepare your lunch. Go to bed early so you’re not overly reliant on the snooze button. Trust me—you’ll be way more relaxed as you head to work.

3. Do some stretches.

It’s been scientifically proven that stretching is great for the joints. Not only can it minimize the risk of falling, but it can also reduce lower back pain and arthritis. Roll out your yoga mat and take the time to really warm up your muscles. Be kind to your body. Don’t stretch it beyond its limit! Focus on your breathing and listen to your body’s cues. Make sure you vary up your routine, so you and your muscles won’t get bored.

4. Practice mindful eating.

We’ve all been guilty of scarfing down our food. Maybe it’s because we’re hungry, or maybe it’s because we’re too busy to enjoy it. Allow yourself to savor the taste and flavor. Take smaller bites. Put away the electronics, so you can focus on your food. And, most of all, be grateful for every morsel on your plate!

5. Set boundaries.

Kindness is a wonderful quality, but there’s such a thing as being too nice. Unless you’re a professional psychologist, you don’t have be the sounding board for anyone else’s problems. Lend a helping hand (or a listening ear) when it’s appropriate, but don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Bearing somebody else’s burdens all the time may negatively impact your health or mood. Be good to yourself!

6. Enjoy nature. 

Nature heals. In fact, it’s scientifically proven that spending time in nature can reduce irritability and lower cortisol (the stress hormone). Next time that life is just too much to handle, go outside. Feel the sunshine on your skin and listen to the birds sing. Try to find pictures in the sky.

7. Laugh!

Laughter is the best medicine. Not only is it good for your mental health, but it stimulates many organs, including your heart and lungs. It even boosts your immune system! Watch a funny show or movie. Or maybe visit an old friend. Even on the worst of days, you can always find something to make you laugh.

8. Take care of your feet.

Our feet go through a lot. We cram them into uncomfortable shoes and force them to carry us for miles. No wonder they sometimes protest! Take the time to rub your feet with lotion. You could even give them a massage. After everything they do for you, they deserve it.

Read Next: Toenail Trimming Tips for Seniors

9. Treat yourself.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to treat yourself. It might be something as simple as listening to a song that makes you happy. Or it could be swinging by an ice cream parlor for a double scoop of your favorite flavor. Whatever it is, make sure you’re not too busy to treat yourself every now and then!

10. Always remember that you are important.

In the iconic film It’s a Wonderful Life, the angel Clarence says, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” That doesn’t just apply to George Bailey. It applies to you, as well! You’re alive. You are special. And above all, you’re loved.

More Wellness Resources

Click here to visit our Health & Wellness Blog.

Get weekly tips on housing, retirement living, senior care, and more sent right to your inbox.