17 Things to Do Before 50---Even in a Pandemic!
Once upon a time, celebrating a 50th birthday was something that our parents did.
Now, 50 is just around the corner---possibly for you, or someone you know. Far from being “over the hill”, I believe 50 is just getting started!
(Having already celebrated this milestone, I can tell you—a 50th birthday really can be awesome! Click here to read about lessons I learned from a 50th birthday trip with college friends.)
Honor this once-in-a-lifetime milestone by picking one--or more!—items from the list below that you'd like to do. Since the pandemic (still!) isn’t over, you’ll find that all the suggestions below can be done from the comfort of your home.
Before you know it, you'll have a really interesting way to answer the question, "What did you do to celebrate turning 50?"
1. Cook 50 new recipes.
Dive into a few cookbooks and choose some recipes you’ve never made before. Choose some that include techniques and ingredients that are new to you. Expand your palate and your cooking skills.
2. Write an eBook.
Everyone has a story to tell or something to share. Instead of continuing to tell people, “I should write a book one day,” take the plunge and do it. Share that story you’ve always wanted to tell. Share your passion. Teach that skill. Writing a book creates your legacy and shares your message with the world.
3. Read 50 books you’ve always meant to read.
Were you ever assigned books to read in school that you just didn’t read? Or, do you have a pile of books people have gifted you that you haven’t yet read? Maybe your friends keep recommending books and you’ve yet to read them. Most people have numerous books that they should have/could have/meant to read but just haven’t gotten around to it. Make a list of 50 books that fall in that category and take the time to actually read them. Expand your mind, your heart, your soul, and your literacy.
4. Learn a new language.
As an adult, learning a new language is an incredibly healthy brain workout. Of course, it has the added benefit of giving you useful knowledge and the ability to communicate with others. Choose a language that you’ve always wanted to learn and do it.
Wherever the 50th birthday celebration happens to take place, our milestone birthday centerpiece transforms any table from ordinary into festive!
Just unpack the party with our 50th birthday centerpiece!
5. Reach your goal weight.
Losing weight and gaining weight is a part of life. However, most people have a goal in mind when they think of their ideal weight. Before you turn 50, just jump in and go for it. Exercise and eat well and keep working until you reach that ideal weight.
6. Count 50 blessings.
Taking the time out of your busy day to be mindful of the things that you’re grateful for reduces stress and creates a positive outlook on life. Start by keeping a running list of the things you’re grateful for and don’t stop until you reach at least 50.
7. Do Yoga 50 days in a row.
Yoga is great for the body and the soul. Building a regular, daily habit of yoga will bring peace and health to you.
8. Take a virtual class to learn something new.
During pandemic times, many classes are taking place online. Find a class that you’re interested in and sign up. You can learn pretty much anything you’ve been interested in. Keeping your mind fresh by learning new things keeps it young and healthy.
9. Learn a new craft to do with your hands.
It’s often said that people need to work with their head, their hands, and their heart. Today, many people have the head and heart down, but they’re lacking when it comes to work with the hands. There are many crafts you can learn to do; knitting, crocheting, shuttling, weaving, macrame. Choose one and get learning!
10. Do 50 acts of kindness for others.
Doing good things for others makes us better people. We feel happier and more content in life when we take the time to help other people. Start doing acts of kindness. Keep a list of everything you’ve done and make sure you get to 50! It’ll feel so good, you’ll probably keep on going.
11. Reconnect online with 50 old friends.
Social media and email make it easy to connect with people who aren’t in your day to day life. We all have friends we’ve lost touch with over the years. Use the internet to reconnect with 50 people that you’re missing.
12. Redecorate a room in your home.
Everyone has at least one room in their home that they want to change but they never really take the time to do it. Well, now’s the time! Plan out your room, buy the decor, paint, and furniture that you need, and get decorating!
13. Take a 50 hour social media fast.
Social media is a blessing and a curse. While there is a lot of good that comes from it, the human mind gets a bit overwhelmed and bogged down with the constant barrage of news, opinions, and “friends.” Plan a 50 hour social media fast. It may seem crazy at first, but when you get into it, you’ll feel so good that you’re going to love it. Who knows? Maybe you'll even try a 51 day fast next year!
14. Take the next step in your career.
Many times as people reach 50, they feel like they’ve already hit their career high. They begin to take a step back and don’t work towards growth. This can be hard, especially when there is more you want to do in your career. Instead of taking a step back, take a step forward. Go for the promotion, make the extra effort, present your ideas, start that business. You’re wise and experienced. It’s time to shine.
15. Volunteer in your community.
There may not be as many opportunities for volunteering during the pandemic, but you should be able to find something. Serve at your local food bank, care for the animals at the shelter, pick up litter, answer emergency hotlines. Volunteering will warm your heart and create purpose.
16. Take a hike in 50 new places.
Getting out in nature and hiking is always important, especially during the pandemic. Start researching hiking trails in your area and set a goal of hiking 50 different places. It may seem hard at first, but you’ll end up finding lots of exciting new places that many people don’t know about!
17. Start training for a marathon.
Have you ever wanted to run a marathon? Many people imagine running a marathon someday but they never take the time to train and ready themselves. While most marathons probably aren’t happening during the pandemic, they will happen again someday. That makes right now the perfect time to prepare! Start training everyday and you’ll be set when marathons are back on.
