Today I Choose to be Restored – How to be Restored

How to Be Restored: A Complete Guide for Women Over 50

Learning how to be restored after 50 isn’t just about rest – it’s about reclaiming our vitality and purpose in a season of life that often demands more than we expect. Yesterday, while deep in my sixth decade, I realized how many of us are seeking genuine restoration while juggling caregiving responsibilities, career transitions, and personal health challenges.

Understanding What It Means to Be Restored at 50+

Being restored in our 50s and beyond means something fundamentally different than it did in our earlier years. We’re not just looking for a quick energy boost or a weekend getaway. True restoration at this stage requires addressing multiple dimensions of our lives – physical, emotional, and spiritual.

My husband pointed out something I’d never noticed: how I kept pushing through exhaustion like I did in my 30s, expecting the same recovery time. The truth is, our bodies and minds need different approaches to restoration now. According to recent research from the Mayo Clinic, women over 50 require 20-30% more recovery time between intense activities compared to their younger counterparts.

Physical Strategies for Becoming Restored

The foundation of how to be restored starts with our physical well-being. The key is implementing sustainable practices that honor our changing bodies. This means embracing gentle movement like yoga or tai chi, which research shows can increase energy levels by 30% in women over 50.

Sleep becomes particularly crucial during this phase of life. Many of us juggling hot flashes, anxiety, and midnight worry sessions need to completely reimagine our sleep routine. Creating a sleep sanctuary involves more than just a comfortable mattress – it’s about establishing a consistent wind-down ritual. Try the 10-3-2-1-0 rule: no caffeine 10 hours before bed, no food 3 hours before, no work 2 hours before, no screens 1 hour before, and 0 hitting of the snooze button in the morning.

Emotional Pathways to Being Restored

As author Brené Brown wisely notes, “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” This perfectly captures the emotional aspect of how to be restored after 50. Creating connections becomes more vital than ever, yet many of us find our social circles shifting during this period.

Consider starting a “wisdom circle” – a monthly gathering of women in similar life stages who can share experiences and support. I recently started one with five other women, and our conversations about everything from empty nesting to aging parents have become a crucial part of my restoration practice.

Spiritual Dimensions of Restoration

Becoming restored often requires nurturing our spiritual side, whether through traditional religious practices or secular mindfulness. Studies show that women who engage in regular contemplative practices report 45% higher levels of life satisfaction after 50.

Begin with just 10 minutes of daily meditation or prayer. Many women in our age group find that connecting with something larger than themselves provides perspective and peace during times of transition. The key is consistency rather than duration.

Professional Restoration: Reimagining Work and Purpose

Being restored in our professional lives might mean completely redefining what work means to us. According to the Harvard Business Review, 60% of women over 50 consider career changes, seeking work that feels more aligned with their values and energy levels.

Consider what I call the “energy audit” – tracking your activities for a week and noting which ones energize you versus drain you. Use this information to restructure your work life, whether that means shifting to part-time, consulting, or pursuing an entirely new direction.

Practical Steps to Be More Restored

1. Create a morning ritual that sets the tone for restoration. This might include gentle stretching, journaling, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts for 15 minutes.

2. Implement regular “restoration blocks” in your calendar – protected time for activities that replenish your energy. These aren’t optional; they’re as important as any other appointment.

3. Develop what I call a “restoration toolkit” – specific practices you can turn to when you feel depleted. Mine includes a 10-minute meditation app, a folder of inspiring quotes, and a playlist of calming music.

Maintaining Long-term Restoration

The journey of how to be restored isn’t a one-time achievement but an ongoing practice. It requires regular assessment and adjustment of our strategies. Many of us find that what worked for restoration last year might need tweaking this year.

Create a quarterly check-in ritual to evaluate your restoration practices. Ask yourself: What’s working? What needs to change? What new challenges have emerged? This regular review helps ensure your restoration practices evolve with your needs.

Conclusion: Your Personal Restoration Journey

Remember that being restored after 50 is a highly personal journey. While these strategies provide a framework, you’ll need to adapt them to your unique circumstances and needs. The key is to start somewhere and remain committed to your restoration practice.

As we navigate this rich and complex phase of life, let’s remember that learning how to be restored isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for thriving in our 50s and beyond. By implementing these strategies and remaining open to adjusting them as needed, we can create a sustainable approach to restoration that serves us well into the future.