Home Kuel Thought Leader: Lori Roach
Backyard self-care rituals for women over 50 offer a peaceful, accessible way to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and recharge, without ever leaving home.
Somewhere along the journey of life, many of us learned that rest was for the lazy, relaxation had to be earned – and that self-care was a luxury reserved for when everything else was done.
But as we reach midlife and beyond, there’s a quieter truth that begins to surface: Slowing down isn’t indulgent – it’s essential.
One of the most unexpectedly delightful ways I’ve found to embrace this truth is through the simple act of a backyard picnic. Yes, a picnic. Not the elaborate kind with wicker baskets and embroidered linens (though if that brings you joy, go for it!). I’m talking about the kind that’s all yours. The kind that doesn’t require travel, perfection, or even company–just a patch of sun, a bite to eat, and the willingness to pause for a few mindful moments.
Picnics can be so much more than seasonal outings–they can become small rituals of reconnection. And there’s no better place to begin than your own backyard.
Why Backyard Picnics?
Even in small doses, being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and sharpen focus. When you add food, fresh air, and the conscious choice to be present, the effects are even more nourishing.
Backyard picnics give your mind space to breathe. Without screens, to-do lists, or background noise, you might find clarity, creativity, or simply the peace of not needing to be anywhere else.
Small moments like these help us meet the changes of midlife with steadiness and grace.
Unlike a vacation or spa day, a backyard picnic doesn’t require time off or special planning. There’s no need to pack a cooler, find a parking spot, or make a reservation.
All that’s required is the decision to slow down, step outside, and care for yourself with intention. When we allow ourselves this kind of break, we start to rewrite the story that says rest must be earned. We begin to understand that self-care doesn’t have to be an escape – it can be a way of returning to ourselves.
How To Create Backyard Self-Care Rituals For Women Over 50:
The beauty of a backyard picnic is its simplicity and flexibility. Planning your picnic should be an enjoyable part of the event.
Here’s how to begin:
Choose A Peaceful Spot:
Find a place that feels calm – under a tree, on a patch of grass, or in a quiet corner of your patio. Consider the time of day: morning light can be energizing, while late afternoon shade might feel soothing. Sit on a blanket, lawn chair, or cushion – whatever allows you to relax fully.
Add Special Touches:
Fresh flowers plucked from your garden and dropped in a mason jar, a soft throw, and a festive tablecloth do wonders to create a welcoming and calm atmosphere. Twinkling fairy lights are magical for an evening picnic. Soft music adds a nice touch.
Keep Food Simple:
Plan easy, enjoyable foods. Think fresh fruit, a favorite sandwich, or a simple salad, along with your favorite beverage. Use your fancy dishes, paper goods, or reusable containers – whichever feels right to you. Use a tray for easy transportation to your picnic spot.
Invite Your Senses:
Let the moments unfold slowly. Pay attention to all of your senses. What can you hear? The rustle of leaves, birdsong, distant laughter? What does your food taste like when you’re not eating in a rush? What textures or colors surround you?
Mindful presence like this helps us stay connected to the moment and to ourselves.
Choose Activities Wisely:
Begin and end your picnic with a few slow, deep breaths to ground you in the present. Any other activities should encourage self-care and reflection: a journal, book of poetry, or sketchbook. Or you may choose to just be alone with your thoughts.
From My Backyard To Yours:
At MindfulPicnics.com, I share stories and ideas to help you slow down and reconnect – with nature, with others, and most importantly, with yourself. A backyard picnic is one of my favorite tools for cultivating gentle, everyday self-care in midlife. So here’s your invitation: spread a blanket, pour something refreshing, and step into the moment.
Your backyard – and your well-being – are calling.
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Lori Roach’s professional career has encompassed convention management, corporate training, education administration, and – most important to her – full-time motherhood. As she entered her mid-fifties, she found herself moving to a new city – leaving her friends and job behind just as she became an empty nester. Seeking both purpose and a new challenge, Lori started a blog, CircleSquareOval. Her goal is to help every woman “shape a modern midlife” by focusing on self-discovery, confidence, and connection to the world around them.
A bit of a gypsy at heart, Lori has relocated twenty-two times in her life, making her something of an expert on settling into a new space, unpacking and decorating quickly, and creating a feeling of “home”. She joins Kuel Life as a Home Category Expert.
You can read more from Lori at CircleSquareOval and find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest as well.
