Getting older has a way of shining a light on what truly matters—and what just clutters up your mind and wears you out.

In my 40s, I thought stress was just part of the deal.

In my 50s, I started questioning that.

Now, in my 60s, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: If it costs you your peace, it’s probably not worth it.

Here are a few habits I had to part ways with over the years.

If you’re looking for more peace and less stress as you age, I’d suggest letting these go—gently, but firmly.

1. Trying to win every argument

I used to be the guy who always had a comeback. Didn’t matter if it was politics, sports, or whether the thermostat should be at 72 or 74—I had to get the last word in.

These days? I let people have their opinions. I nod more. Shrug more. Smile more. There’s peace in realizing you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Especially if it’s just to be “right.”

2. Saying “yes” to things that drain you

You reach a certain age and start to realize your time and energy are limited—and precious. Whether it’s social events you dread, obligations out of guilt, or favors that leave you resentful, one of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to say “no.”

No explanation needed. No apology. Just a simple “I can’t make it” or “That’s not going to work for me right now.”

I used to say yes far too often because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. But all it did was exhaust me. Now I say no more freely—and my life is better for it.

3. Holding on to old grudges

I once held a grudge for nearly ten years. Didn’t even realize how much space it was taking up in my chest until I finally let it go.

It doesn’t mean what they did was okay. It doesn’t mean you need to become best friends again. It just means you’re not going to let old anger write the script for your present.

Forgiveness isn’t about excusing the past. It’s about reclaiming your peace. You don’t always get closure from others. Sometimes you just have to give it to yourself.

4. Multitasking everything

There was a time when I’d brag about juggling five things at once. Emails, cooking dinner, watching the news, texting someone back, all at the same time.

Now? I give my full attention to one thing at a time. And oddly enough, I get more done—and feel better while doing it.

Making coffee? Just make coffee. Talking to someone? Really listen. Multitasking might look efficient, but peace lives in presence.

5. Worrying about things you can’t control

Letting go of control isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a daily practice. I’ve wasted entire afternoons worrying about weather delays, other people’s opinions, and whether my favorite diner would still be open by the time I got there.

Did it help? Not once. If you can’t do anything about it right now, let it go. You deserve to spend your energy on what actually matters—not on things that live entirely outside your grasp.

6. Comparing yourself to others

When I was younger, I’d compare everything—jobs, homes, how many stamps were in my passport. But the older I get, the more I realize this: there will always be someone doing more, owning more, appearing more successful.

The trick is to ask, “Am I content with my life today?” If the answer’s yes, then let the rest fade into the background. Contentment doesn’t come from beating someone else. It comes from finally being okay with enough.

7. Trying to fix people who don’t want to change

Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or someone you’ve been rooting for too long, here’s the truth: You can’t save someone who doesn’t want saving.

You can support them. You can love them. But their growth is not your responsibility. I used to lose sleep over people who didn’t want to take even the smallest step to help themselves.

One day I realized: I’m not their solution. And that was the beginning of peace.

8. Overcommitting your calendar

Peace doesn’t live in a packed schedule. It lives in open afternoons, long walks, and slow Sunday mornings.

If your calendar makes you feel like you’re sprinting through life, it might be time to start clearing space. For years I thought being busy meant I was important.

Now I know that protecting my time means I respect my well-being. You don’t need to be constantly productive to be valuable. Sometimes, doing less is the smart move.

9. Constantly checking your phone

This one took me a while. I told myself I needed it to stay in the loop. To be reachable. To stay “connected.” But all it really did was chip away at my focus and fill my brain with things I didn’t need.

Now, I keep my phone on silent most of the day. I check it when I want to—not every time it buzzes. You’d be amazed how quiet the world gets when you stop letting your phone control your attention.

10. Expecting life to always make sense

Life’s messy. People are unpredictable. Some things won’t get wrapped up neatly.

And you know what? That’s okay. You don’t need every answer to move forward. You don’t need perfect clarity to be content. Let go of the idea that everything has to add up.

Sometimes the most peaceful thing you can do is simply say: This doesn’t make sense—but I’ll keep going anyway.

Final thought

Peace isn’t something that lands in your lap when you retire. It’s not a reward for working hard or getting older. It’s something you choose—a little bit at a time. With each boundary you set.

Each worry you release. Each expectation you lower with grace instead of bitterness. If you want more peace as you age, the trick isn’t to chase it. It’s to clear the noise so it can finally find you.