Going Through Tough Times After 60? These 27 Amazing Women Have Some Advice

I am always amazed by the strength and resilience of the women in our community. When the going gets tough, they get going… literally! They get out into nature, immerse themselves in projects, walk, do yoga, help others, pray, meditate and practice positive self-talk.

In today’s crazy world, it seems like there are more reasons than ever to be stressed. So, today, I wanted to share some suggestions from 27 women in our community for getting through tough times. You can read the original conversation that sparked these comments here.

Nancy – “When I feel overwhelmed by circumstances and feel a cloud of depression coming down on me I just stop to recognize the feeling and acknowledge it. Then, I tell myself that this feeling will pass. I try to remember that I have options, even if I’m not sure what they are in the moment. If you’re going through tough times, take calming breaths and find something to be grateful for.”

Take calming breaths and find something to be grateful for – Nancy.

Bernadette – “We have choices, even when we don’t see them. Talking to someone else may unexpectedly lead to a good solution.”

Jane – “I go to a medical facility nearby. Then, I sit outside and watch the people going in. Invariably, there are many people who look much worse off than me. So, I say to myself, ‘You think you have problems? Look around you!’ This always makes me feel better and gives me the courage to be ‘resilient,’ which is one of my favorite words.”

Deb – “Connecting with people always lifts me up. Getting busy helps to improve my mood. This is especially true when it comes to getting out of the house for a walk or to run errands. Exercise also lifts the spirit.”

Nancy – “By the time we reach the age of 60, we are all walking around wounded. It would be impossible to get through 6 decades without a single unpleasant thing happening. Whenever I am overwhelmed, I hear a voice telling me to pick my head up and put my lipstick on. This reminds me to stand strong and persevere. Some days I even say it out loud. Nancy, head up and put your lipstick on!”

Sue – “I get out into nature. I sit and have a quiet conversation. I am guided by what I hear.”

Janet – “My sense of humor and hope have gotten me through a lot. It also helps to have a great support network when you’re alone.”

My sense of humor and hope have gotten me through a lot. It also helps to have a great support network when you’re alone. – Janet

Theresa – “When things are tough, I try to remember how many people in the world have it worse and would be glad for my troubles.”

Leslie – “I have been in for some counselling, which helped a great deal. Now, I am able to manage my grief better. I am healing emotionally and am better able to cope with stress at home and at work.”

Susan – “During the rough patches, I remind myself to just take one day at a time and keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

Carmela – “I am a yoga instructor, so, when I’m stressed, I go for a brisk walk and then do some yoga. This works wonders for stress. Also, looking up into the vast sky helps you to broaden your perspective.”

Carole – “When I’m going through rough times, I reach out to close friends. Too often, we try to cope alone and I have found that friends are more than willing to be supportive.”

Meriel – “Cleaning helps to quiet the emotional turmoil in my brain.”

Connie – “Positive self-talk has always worked for me. It helps me to feel less depressed and more confident. Walking outside also helps.”

Positive self-talk has always worked for me. It helps me to feel less depressed and more confident. Walking outside also helps. – Connie

Elisabeth – “I enjoy cat videos. They always make my smile and remind me of the cats I used to have and how much fun I had with them.”

Carole – “Being reflective is important when things are falling apart around you.”

Callie – “It’s all about putting things in perspective. When you are going through rough times, take a step back and view things from a distance.”

Augusta – “When you’re going through tough times, follow your heart.”

Ann – “Love and support from friends and family can see you through the most difficult times.”

Winifred – “When I was a young mother, a woman in her 60s told me to ‘Let go and let God.’ At the time, I thought that her comment was careless and flippant. Now, I realize that there are times when each of us has to do exactly this.”

Judi – When things get overwhelming, I pray for strength and courage. It always works!

When things get overwhelming, I pray for strength and courage. It always works! – Judi

Henrietta – “When I’m overwhelmed, I look in the mirror and chat with the spirit in me. I also remember the emotional and physical mountains that my mother and grandmother overcame – they had real pioneer strength!”

Elisabeth – “The only stress I have is chronic pain. When it gets to me, I listen to soothing music. This always makes me feel better. I also try to remember that there are many people who have it worse off than me.”

Amanda – “When I am going through tough times, I turn outward. I reach out to friends, strangers and family. They help me and I also encourage them when they are going through hard times.”

Patricia – “Cats help with stress. I love cats and their antics. I have 2 cats and they are a constant source of amusement… and sometimes naughtiness.”

Pamela – “My faith get me through tough times. Every time I feel down, I pray and meditate.”

My faith get me through tough times. Every time I feel down, I pray and meditate. – Pamela

Diane – “When life gets tough, I remember that I only have this moment to live. I breathe and I am grateful.”

Yvonne – “I practice gentle yoga. Then, I curl up on the sofa with a blanket, a cup of tea a book and my knitting. My dog at my feet, I switch off my phone and just enjoy the moment. Or, I take my dog for a nice long walk in the park. Just being surrounded by nature is calming. Sometimes I take a walk on the beach. If there is no one around, I shout at the waves.”

Now it’s your turn! What do you do when the going gets tough? Do you have any specific advice for dealing with stress after 60? Please join the conversation.