This year, I came across an interesting Stanford medical study that points to two critical ages for rapid aging: 44 and 60. It got me thinking about the shifts I’ve noticed in my 40s—not just the physical changes but the lifestyle changes that come with this season. of life. Finally, at the age of 41, I feel like I have a sense of what feels “normal” in my body, to see that things are no longer the same as they were. More gray hairs are peeking out, and the patterns in my sleep and moods are slowly changing to a new normal. Changes at this time in our lives are marked by a shift in priorities, identity, and the way we approach our relationships, health and well-being. For me, these personal insights, along with 40-year-old health tips, have made this a time of growth, healing, and new self-discovery.
Essential Health Tips for Your 40s: Increase Fitness and Embrace Good Health
As I reflect on my journey through 40, it has been a year of embracing growth while digging deeper into some of the most important aspects of my life. There have been new learnings, moments of letting go, and opportunities for personal healing. This decade has been humbling and transformative for me, from following my feelings to redefining what it means to be a parent in our family. Here are some lessons, tips, and observations I’ve found that can inspire you to embrace your growing season.
Relationships In Your 40s
1. Practice Great Acceptance
One of the most liberating lessons I’ve learned is accepting people where they are. Not all relationships, whether family or friends, have to be close to be meaningful. This way of thinking has changed my energy, allowing me to focus on connections that align with my values ​​while letting go of guilt or expectations.
2. You Can Have It All, Not All At Once
In my 40s, I have embraced the idea that balance is a moving target. There are seasons for everything; learning to prioritize what is truly important at any given moment is key to avoiding burnout. Whether it’s your career, family, or personal growth, allow yourself to focus on one thing without the pressure of juggling it all.
3. Celebrate Depth and Wideness
This decade has been all about separating my relationships. Instead of chasing abundance, I lean into the joy of deep, meaningful connections with a small circle of people who uplift and inspire me.
Your 40th birthday isn’t just a milestone. They are a season of growth, resilience, and rediscovery.
Tips for Living in Your 40s
1. Listen to Your Hormones
Tracking hormone levels has been a game changer for me. My mood swings, from anxiety to happiness, used to be frustrating, but now I approach them with curiosity and compassion. Understanding these changes has allowed me to better support my body and mind during this transition. My current obsession is updating my Clue app every day to reveal new posture, body, and sleep patterns.
2. Prioritize Protein and Weight Lifting
Strength training and increasing my protein intake has become a non-negotiable. These simple yet effective changes increased my energy, boosted my metabolism, and helped me feel stronger than ever. If there’s one thing I can recommend to all women in their 40s, it’s this: prioritize your strengths. If your workouts aren’t giving you the same results they did in the past, it may be time to mix things up.
3. Track Your Sleep and Conditions
Although I am grateful to enjoy a deep sleep most nights, I have experienced some periods of anxiety and insomnia. By tracking how I sleep and how I feel, I found out what was causing those restless nights and found ways to calm down, be it through meditation, writing stories, or setting better boundaries.
Parenting in Your 40s
1. Respect yourself
One of the most unexpected but rewarding parts of parenting in your 40s has been the act of raising yourself. I specialize in healing old wounds and breaking productive cycles through healing and intentional self-work. This ongoing process has helped me grow and made me a more present and empathetic parent.
2. Parent According to Your Values
Parenting today is an uncharted territory for all of us. I have found peace in accepting what feels true to our family values, even if it goes against the grain. Giving yourself the grace to learn, grow, and make mistakes is an important part of the journey.
3. An Example of Perseverance Through Success and Failure
Our children do not need perfect parents. They need real ones. By sharing both my triumphs and missteps, I show my children that growth comes with effort and that failure is part of the beautiful process of life. I like that I try hard and apologize often.
More Health Tips for your 40s
1. Lean On Favorite Things That Stimulate Happiness
This decade has taught me to rediscover hobbies that bring me joy. Whether it’s hiking, gardening, or trying a new creative activity, these moments of flow remind me of who I am outside of work and family roles.
2. Prioritize Self-Care Without Guilt
Self-care in your 40s doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it should be intentional. For me, it’s a combination of quiet mornings, time spent in nature, and making space for activities that renew my spirit, including one quarter night of dancing with my girlfriends.
3. Set Limits at Work and Home
Learning to say no has been one of the most liberating skills I’ve honed in my 40 years. Whether it’s slowing down an overloaded schedule or carving out family time, boundaries are a form of self-respect and a gift to yourself.
Redefining Your 40s
When I think about this past year, I am reminded that the 40s are not just a milestone. They are a season of growth, resilience, and rediscovery. Together we redefine what this decade looks like, leaning into its challenges and joys with open hearts. And while the journey is not always easy, it is very rewarding. Here’s to embracing change and stepping boldly into the next chapter.