Fit at 40: Here’s how you can prioritise health and wellness in your forties

Amidst us, there are many millennials today who are currently approaching their forties. It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the thought of navigating this new decade of life. This period often brings with it a mix of reflections on past choices and concerns about the future. It’s an important time to start focusing on our health and wellness to ensure that we continue to enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling life.

According to a study conducted by Harvard researchers, maintaining strong social connections, engaging in regular physical activity and managing stress are crucial for wellbeing as people age. This study also reveals that positive relationships and a healthy lifestyle contribute to better health and overall happiness with age.

Indeed, prioritising our wellbeing is essential for managing the physical and mental changes that come with hitting forty and beyond. Making positive adjustments to our lifestyles such as incorporating regular exercise, balanced nutrition and stress management, can have a positive impact on our overall health. By taking proactive steps now, we can embrace this stage of life with energy and confidence and set a solid foundation for long lasting wellness and happiness.

So, join us as we explore certain time-tested health and wellness tips for 40.

Exercise regularly

For many of us who are in our forties, life can get incredibly busy. Between work responsibilities and taking care of children and ageing parents, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time left for exercising. Balancing these demands can make it challenging to prioritise physical activity of any kind, even though we know it’s important. However, staying active at forty and beyond is extremely important for maintaining overall health. In fact, its non-negotiable.

Regular exercise helps keep your body strong and also enhances your mental wellbeing. It is essential to incorporate a mix of cardiovascular activities and flexibility exercises into your routine. Simple activities like brisk walking, swimming or yoga can be effective as well as fun. Find exercises you enjoy and make them a regular part of your life to ensure you’re taking care of your health, no matter how busy it gets.

Focus on balanced nutrition

As we get older, many of us notice that our tolerance for eating out or having fast food decreases. We might even find ourselves dealing with digestive issues if we eat junk food too often. This is because, as we age, our metabolism becomes slow. Paying attention to our diet thus becomes crucial.

So, include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats in your meals to keep fit. Cut back on processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats to help manage a steady weight and boost your overall health. And try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Making these adjustments to your diet can support better health and wellbeing.

Prioritise mental health

By the time we reach forty, we’ve lived through decades of experiences, some of which might be challenging or unpleasant. Dealing with such issues, whether professional or personal in nature, can take a toll on our mental wellbeing. And today, taking care of our mental health is just as crucial as looking after our physical health.

Managing stress through practices like mindfulness, meditation or therapy can make a big difference in how we feel and cope with life. Setting aside time for self-care, engaging in hobbies and spending quality time with loved ones also helps boost mental health.

Do remember that it’s very important to seek professional help if we feel overwhelmed or anxious. We need to make a conscious effort to address such feelings and find appropriate ways to support our mental wellbeing.