25 Wellness Resources That Help Me Feel My Best After 50
Over the past year, I’ve been focusing on creating healthier habits that support my overall well-being. As I transition from a busy career into retirement, my priorities have shifted from simply checking items off my to-do list to creating a life that feels balanced, healthy, and full of purpose. I’m learning that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about making small, intentional choices that help me feel my best. Here are 25 Wellness Resources for Women Over 50 That Help Me Feel My Best.
The resources in this article are products, books, apps, websites, and routines that I’ve personally used, researched, or am excited to explore. Some have become part of my everyday life, while others continue to inspire me as I build healthier habits. I hope you’ll discover a few new favorites that encourage you to find your own balance in body, mind, and soul.
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Meal Planning
Meal Planning Made Simple
One of the biggest changes I’ve made on my wellness journey is becoming more intentional about meal planning. When I don’t have a plan, it’s much easier to skip meals, order takeout, or grab whatever is convenient. Spending a few minutes each week planning breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and creating a grocery list helps me make healthier choices without feeling overwhelmed. It also saves time, reduces food waste, and takes the daily stress out of deciding what’s for dinner.
📅 My Weekly Planner
Keeping everything in one place makes healthy habits easier.
Instead of buying a separate meal planner, I use my everyday planner to organize my week. I simply dedicate a section of each week to planning meals, writing my grocery list, and keeping track of appointments, workouts, and other commitments—all in one place. I love having everything together because I don’t have to juggle multiple notebooks or planners.
Why I like it: When my schedule and meal plan are side by side, it’s much easier to plan realistic meals around busy days, preparing extra so leftovers are available when time is limited. Keeping everything in one planner helps me stay organized and makes healthy eating feel like a natural part of my routine instead of another task on an entirely separate to-do list.
🥗 My Favorite Recipe Inspiration
Even with a meal plan, I sometimes need fresh ideas to keep healthy eating interesting. Two websites I visit often are Love & Lemons and EatingWell. Both offer hundreds of recipes with beautiful photos and easy-to-follow instructions, making it simple to find meals that fit my goals.
I especially enjoy Love & Lemons when I’m looking for colorful salads, vegetable-forward meals, and creative ways to use seasonal produce. EatingWell is one of my go-to resources for balanced weeknight dinners, meal prep ideas, and recipes designed with nutrition in mind. Whenever I’m feeling stuck, a quick visit to either site usually gives me plenty of inspiration for the week ahead.
Why I like them: They make healthy eating feel approachable and enjoyable, with recipes that are practical enough for everyday life rather than only for special occasions.
One of my favorite places to discover new meal ideas is Pinterest. I have boards dedicated to healthy breakfasts, anti-inflammatory meals, sheet pan dinners, slow cooker recipes, salads, and healthy snacks. Whenever I come across a recipe that looks delicious, I save it to one of my boards so it’s easy to find later when I’m planning my weekly menu. Here’s a link to my ‘What’s for Dinner’ Board.
Why I like it: Pinterest lets me build my own personalized recipe collection over time. Instead of searching the internet every week, I can browse recipes I’ve already saved and know I’ll enjoy.
Laura’s Tip: I usually spend about 20–30 minutes every Sunday morning planning meals for the week. Once I know what’s for dinner each night, grocery shopping becomes faster, I waste less food, and I’m less tempted to order takeout on busy evening.
🚶♀️ Walking & Working Out
Movement has become one of the most important parts of my wellness routine—not because I’m training for a race or trying to reach a certain number of steps, but because it helps me feel stronger, more energized, and less stressed. Most days that means taking a long walk outdoors with my dog, while other days it’s strength training or cycling at the gym. I’ve learned that staying active doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s simply about finding activities I enjoy and making them part of my everyday life.
🚶♀️ Walking
One of the easiest ways to stay active and explore the world.
Walking is my favorite form of exercise because I can do it almost anywhere. At home, I enjoy walking through my neighborhood, the local park, and to nearby shops and restaurants whenever I can. At our cabin, I love the peaceful trails through the woods where I can enjoy nature and unplug for a while.
One of my favorite things about traveling is exploring a destination on foot. Walking helps me experience places in a way you simply can’t from a car. Whether I’m wandering the colorful streets of Key West or strolling through charming towns in Italy, I always discover hidden restaurants, local shops, beautiful architecture, and memorable views that I might have otherwise missed.
Why I like it: Walking improves both my physical and mental well-being while helping me slow down and appreciate my surroundings—whether I’m close to home or halfway around the world.
(Check out these articles on my Provenance Preservation website for travel in Key West and Italy.)
💪 Strength Training & Light Cardio
Building strength today so I can enjoy tomorrow’s adventures.
Strength training has become an important part of my weekly routine. At the gym, I focus on light cardio and strength exercises to improve my overall fitness, balance, and mobility. On days when I don’t make it to the gym, I use resistance bands at home for a quick workout that still challenges my muscles without needing a lot of equipment.
Lately, I’ve been spending more time on the stationary bike because we’re planning an extended trip to Key West, and I want to be ready to bike around the island. Having a fun goal keeps me motivated and reminds me that exercise isn’t just about working out—it’s about preparing for the experiences I want to enjoy.
Why I like it: Strength training helps me stay active, supports healthy aging, and gives me the confidence to enjoy everything from hiking woodland trails to cycling around new destinations.
⌚ My Garmin vívoactive 6
Tracking progress while focusing on how I feel.
One tool that’s become part of my wellness routine is my Garmin vívoactive 6. I use it every day to track my walks, cycling sessions, strength workouts, daily steps, heart rate, and sleep quality. I enjoy seeing my progress over time because it helps keep me motivated and reminds me to stay active throughout the day.
One of my favorite features is the sleep tracking. Since improving my sleep has become a priority, I like reviewing my sleep score each morning along with the insights Garmin provides about sleep stages and recovery. While I don’t expect every night to be perfect, I’ve found that consistent habits—like walking, yoga, limiting screen time before bed, and following my evening routine—often lead to better sleep and more energy the next day.
Why I like it: My Garmin helps me see patterns in my daily habits without becoming overly focused on the numbers. It’s a helpful reminder that small, consistent choices add up over time.
Laura’s Tip: I don’t worry about having the “perfect” workout plan. Instead, I focus on moving my body most days of the week in ways I genuinely enjoy. Some days that’s a walk through my neighborhood, other days it’s lifting weights or riding the bike at the gym. Having a goal—like exploring Key West by bicycle or hiking on vacation—makes exercising feel exciting because I’m training for life’s adventures, not just the gym.
🧘 Yoga
Yoga has become one of the most meaningful parts of my wellness journey. While I originally came to yoga for the physical benefits, I’ve discovered that it’s just as valuable for calming my mind and managing stress. As I transition from a high-pressure career into retirement, yoga has become a way to slow down, reconnect with myself, and create space to simply breathe.
I also know that maintaining flexibility, balance, and strength becomes increasingly important as we age. My goal isn’t to become more flexible than everyone else—it’s to stay healthy enough to enjoy retirement, travel, hike, bike, kayak, explore new places, and continue saying “yes” to life’s adventures for many years to come.
🧘 My Favorite Local Yoga Studios
Nothing replaces the energy of practicing with a community.
Whenever possible, I enjoy attending yoga classes in person. I love the guidance of experienced instructors, the sense of community, and having dedicated time to unplug from everyday distractions. My hometown provides me with access to several wonderful studios. I always leave class feeling calmer, stronger, and more centered.
Why I like them: Every instructor brings something unique, and practicing in a peaceful studio helps me reset both mentally and physically.
📺 Yoga on YouTube
Yoga whenever I need it.
I don’t have time every day to make it to a yoga studio, so YouTube has become a valuable resources for practicing at home. Instead of following a single program, I usually search for what I need that day. Some mornings I’m looking for a gentle stretch, while other days I search for yoga for stress relief, better sleep, digestion, back pain, or mobility.
Some of my favorite YouTube channels include:
- Yoga with Adriene – One of my favorite instructors for approachable, welcoming classes with sessions for nearly every need.
- Yoga with Kassandra – Great for yin yoga, flexibility, and relaxing evening practices.
- Five Parks Yoga – Offers excellent classes ranging from gentle restorative yoga to more challenging flows, with beautiful outdoor settings.
Why I like them: I can choose a practice based on how I’m feeling that day instead of trying to force myself into a workout that doesn’t match my energy.
🧘♀️ My Favorite Yoga Essentials
Simple tools that help me enjoy every practice.
I like to keep my yoga equipment simple. My Lululemon yoga mat was a thoughtful gift and has been my favorite mat ever since because it’s supportive, durable, and provides great grip. I also use yoga blocks and resistance bands to make poses more accessible, improve flexibility, and add variety to my home practice.
You don’t need a lot of equipment to enjoy yoga—just a comfortable space and a willingness to begin.
Why I like them: These simple props help me practice safely, modify poses when needed, and continue building strength and flexibility over time.
Laura’s Tip: I’ve learned that yoga doesn’t have to be an hour-long class to make a difference. Some of my favorite practices are just 10 or 15 minutes long. When I’m feeling stressed, having trouble sleeping, or simply need to reset after a busy day, I’ll search for a practice that fits exactly what I need. Over time, those short sessions have become one of the best ways I support my nervous system while improving my flexibility, balance, and strength. They’re a small investment that helps me feel my best so I can fully enjoy retirement, travel, and all the adventures still ahead.
My Yoga Teacher Training Journey: I recently completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, and one of my goals is to share yoga with friends and use it to support community fundraisers. This journey has deepened my appreciation for yoga—not just as exercise, but as a lifelong practice for finding balance in body, mind, and soul.
📚 Reflection & Reading
One area I’m intentionally exploring more is creating quiet moments for reflection. Throughout my career, I was always moving from one meeting or project to the next, and I rarely took time to simply slow down. As I transition into retirement, I’m discovering the value of spending a few minutes reading something inspiring, reflecting on the day, or simply enjoying a good book. It doesn’t happen every day, but it’s a habit I’m working to build because I know it supports both my mental well-being and my overall sense of balance.
📖 The Book of Awakening
Daily reflections for living with greater intention.
One book I’ve returned to over the years is The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. It’s filled with short daily reflections that encourage you to pause, appreciate the present moment, and think about life from a different perspective. Since each reading only takes a few minutes, it’s easy to pick up whenever I need a little inspiration or a reminder to slow down.
Why I like it: The daily format makes it easy to reflect without feeling like another task on my to-do list.
📚 Books That Have Inspired Me
I enjoy reading books that encourage personal growth and challenge me to think differently. A few that have recently made an impact—or are next on my reading list—include:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – A practical guide to building better habits through small, consistent changes.
- Die With Zero by Bill Perkins – A thought-provoking look at making the most of your time, health, and experiences rather than waiting for “someday.”
- Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks (next on my reading list) – Exploring how to find purpose and fulfillment in the second half of life.
- The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom (also on my reading list) – Looking beyond financial success to build a richer, more meaningful life.
Why I like them: These books remind me that healthy living isn’t just about eating well or exercising. It’s also about continuing to learn, grow, and create a life that feels meaningful.
Laura’s Tip: One of my goals in retirement is to spend less time on screens and more time doing things that help me slow down and be present. Whether it’s reading a few pages of a good book, reflecting on an inspiring quote, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, these small moments help create a sense of balance. They may seem simple, but over time they become habits that support a calmer, more intentional life.
🌴 A Great Leisure Read
While I enjoy personal development books, I also believe it’s important to read simply for enjoyment. One novel I recently finished and really enjoyed was The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. Sometimes the best way to relax is to curl up with a good story, a cozy blanket, and a cup of tea. Reading for pleasure has become another way I unwind in the evenings instead of spending more time scrolling on my phone.
Why I like it: It reminds me that rest and relaxation are just as important as productivity.
😴 Sleep
😴 Creating a Relaxing Evening Routine
Sleep hasn’t always come easily for me. Like many women over 50, I’ve experienced nights when I fall asleep quickly only to wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. with my mind racing. Over the past year, I’ve focused on building a calming bedtime routine instead of searching for a single “magic fix.” I use my Garmin vivoactive 6 to track my sleep, and while my sleep score isn’t perfect every night, I’ve noticed that these small habits often lead to better scores, fewer restless nights, and—most importantly—I wake up feeling more refreshed and ready for the day. Here are a few of my favorite tools that support my evening routine.
🛁 Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solution
For relaxing tired muscles and creating a peaceful bedtime ritual
There’s something incredibly calming about ending the day with a warm bath. I often add Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solution to the water and spend 15 to 20 minutes soaking. Whether I’ve taken a long walk, practiced yoga, or just had a busy day, the warm bath becomes a signal to my body that it’s time to relax. It’s less about the epsom salt product itself and more about creating a consistent ritual that helps me unwind before bed.
Why I like it: Taking time for a warm bath helps me disconnect from the day, reduce stress, and ease into a more restful evening.
🌿 Essential Oil Diffuser with Lavender Oil
For creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere before bed
One of my favorite evening habits is turning on my essential oil diffuser about 30 minutes before bedtime and adding a few drops of lavender essential oil. The soft mist and gentle scent instantly make my bedroom feel more peaceful and inviting. While lavender isn’t a cure for sleepless nights, I enjoy how it helps create an environment that encourages me to slow down, put away my phone, and prepare for sleep.
Why I like it: It’s a simple ritual that helps me transition from a busy day into a quiet, relaxing evening. Even on nights when sleep doesn’t come easily, the calming atmosphere makes bedtime something I look forward to.
🍋 Lemon Loaf Herbal Tea
For a cozy evening wind-down
One of my favorite ways to signal that the day is coming to an end is by making a cup of Tazo lemon loaf herbal tea. It has a warm, comforting flavor that reminds me of freshly baked lemon bread without the added sugar. It’s become one of those small rituals that makes winding down feel intentional instead of rushed.
Why I like it: It’s a simple habit that helps me transition from a busy day into a more relaxed evening, and it satisfies my craving for something sweet without reaching for dessert.
😴 Calm App
For sleep stories, white noise, meditation, and relaxation
If you’ve ever struggled to quiet a busy mind at bedtime, the Calm app is worth exploring. It offers guided meditations, soothing Sleep Stories, relaxing music, and a variety of nature sounds and white noise that can help create a peaceful bedtime routine. I especially like that you can choose from different sounds—such as rain, ocean waves, or gentle forest ambience—to find what helps you unwind. While I believe healthy sleep habits are the foundation of good sleep, tools like Calm can be a helpful addition to a consistent evening routine.
Why I like it: It helps me quiet my mind, allowing me to fall asleep more readily.
Laura’s Tip: I’ve learned that my Garmin sleep score is just one piece of the puzzle. What matters most to me is how I feel when I wake up. If I have more energy, feel rested, and can enjoy my morning walk or yoga practice, I know my bedtime routine is working—even if my sleep score isn’t perfect.
Final Thoughts
Creating healthier habits after 50 isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making small, intentional choices that help us feel our best—one meal, one walk, one yoga class, and one good night’s sleep at a time.
As I transition from a busy career into retirement, I’m learning that wellness isn’t about checking every box on a list. It’s about creating a life that gives me the energy and confidence to do the things I love—traveling to new places, exploring local communities, practicing yoga, spending time in nature, and making memories with family and friends.
The resources I’ve shared here are simply tools that support those goals. Some are products I use every day, while others are websites, books, and apps that continue to inspire me. I hope you’ll discover a few new favorites that make your own wellness journey a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Remember, you don’t have to change everything overnight. Choose one healthy habit to focus on this week. Then build on it. Small, consistent actions have a way of creating meaningful change over time.
Here’s to finding balance in body, mind, and soul—and creating a healthy, active, and fulfilling next chapter.
💙 Before You Go…
I’d love to know:
- What’s one healthy habit that’s made a difference in your life?
- Is there a wellness resource, book, app, or product you think I should try?
Leave a comment below—I always enjoy discovering new ideas and learning from this wonderful community.
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Each week I share practical inspiration for women over 50, including:
- 🥗 Healthy eating and meal planning
- 🧘 Yoga and mobility
- 💪 Strength training and active aging
- 😴 Better sleep and recovery
- 🌎 Wellness travel
- 💙 Simple ways to find balance in body, mind, and soul
Together, let’s create healthier habits and enjoy this next chapter—one intentional step at a time.
