10 Things You Should Do In Your 40s

I know it sounds like a cliche but many of us get to our 40s and think aargh! You basically reassess your life and realise life is short and you don't live forever.  I guess to some extent we grow up, although many of us still feel the same inside as we did at 18. I know I do.

So without trying to sound condescending, these are suggestions for things you should do in your 40s if you are trying to be sensible. Don't worry you don't have to give up all your favourite things, everything in moderation as they say.

1. Get your 5 a day



We all know this but often don't get our 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. Don't forget juice counts as one of your 5 a day. If you are not a big fan of fruit and veg, a smoothie, soup, or tomato-based pasta sauce can include more than one portion.

2. Take regular exercise


The NHS guidance on exercise recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week and strength exercises on two days a week. Moderate exercise can be everything from walking fast to cycling to hiking to water aerobics. Vigorous exercise can be aerobics, jogging, running or martial arts. The important thing is to find something you enjoy doing and stick with it.

3. Give up smoking



There are many ways to tackle this, and nicotine chewing gum or patches can help. Some people find companies such as Vape Ayr useful as this vaping company has a wide variety of different flavours. Evidence suggests that using vaping and e-cigarettes could help you to cut back and give up smoking.

4. Make a will

There are many reasons why it's important to make a will. A will helps to resolve family disputes, allows you to leave specific items to certain people, and help you save on inheritance tax. So don't delay, make one today.

5. Get rid of toxic relationships

We may have friends that just take from us in time and effort and never give anything back. Or we may be in a relationship where the other person isn't supportive or loving. If you can, consider getting rid of these toxic relationships. It's not always easy but why do you need people around you that keep putting you down or are so demanding but never appreciate you? Toxic relationships can really affect you, if you need counselling, check out this post, https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/counseling/councilor-vs-counselor-there-is-a-difference/


6. Laugh every day




Laughter really is the best medicine. Laughter boosts the immune system, triggers the release of endorphins, diffuses anger, burns calories and may even make you live longer! Make an evening every week where you can binge watch your favourite comedy programmes or films. Find friends that make you laugh. Go and see your favourite comedians in stand-up. Do things that make you laugh!

7. Spend money on travel and experiences



I wrote a post on my travel blog Fly Drive Explore about how we should spend money on travel and experiences, not objects. Research by Cornell University suggests that the glee we get from buying objects wanes over time as we adapt to it but the joy we get from buying experiences keeps growing. 

It's simple really, just think, on your death bed will you be reminiscing about that new gadget you bought or will you be thinking of that time you skydived for charity or ran a half marathon, the first time you took your child to Disneyworld, or that time you saw the northern lights? Sharing these experiences with others also strengthens bonds in a way sharing possessions can never do.

8. Do something every day that makes you happy

Try and build this into your day. It could be listening to uplifting music, reading for 30 minutes every day, a relaxing or creative hobby like gardening, cooking or painting, anything that makes you happy and allows you to recharge your batteries.

9. Get your health checks

Over the age of 40, you can get a free NHS health check every 5 years. As a woman, it's also extremely important to have your smear tests when called, yes it can be uncomfortable but it can save your life that's for certain.  Also, be sure to check your breasts for any lumps on a regular basis and bring any concerns to your GP. Women who are 50 to 70 and registered with a GP get called for breast screening on the NHS every 3 years. 

If you are a man over 50 ask your GP if you need a prostate check. Any concerns with your health should be brought to the attention of your Dr as soon as possible. 

10. Protect your skin




As skin gets older it loses elasticity and becomes drier. It's therefore important to moisturise your skin and also protect it from the sun. Using an SPF in your skincare or suncream helps prevent skin damage and skin cancer, as well as minimising lines and wrinkles.


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Even if you are not in your 40's most of these points are common sense and can apply to you whatever your age.

Let me know do you do any of these? 

*Collaborative post 

23 comments

  1. I'm not 40 but I'm trying to do these things now in my 30's x

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  2. I am now very near to my 40s so I read this with lots of interest. I will try and keep your advice in mind x

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  3. Great tips in general and may be great for your 40's but not exclusive. Looking good in your 40's!

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  4. i need to start protecting my skin now. i get lazy but its important to protect it from the skin

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  5. I turned 40 last September and I have never been so aware of my body and trying to look after myself since. What a great list and some I will definitely be incorporating into my life x

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    1. You look great Lynne but hope I inspired you.

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  6. I am approaching my 40s, and I am trying to make all of these a habit now. Looking after your skin is so important.

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  7. Great tips, these. I turned 40 last year and it was an eye opener for sure!

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  8. Great post- probably applicable to me now in my 30's as well!

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  9. Love this list - getting rid of toxic relationships, Getting your 5 a day and more exercise are the ones for me :) x

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  10. I'm in my 40s and I've been doing most of these for a long time now too. I think it's a good guide for life full stop. You might be dead at 40 so live while you are well ... alive.

    In particular if you don't do the health points way before 40, in many cases the damage will have been done by the time you get to 40.

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  11. I'm not 40 yet, I'm 24. But I plan on sorting out my will soon, it's never too early to get one sorted when you become an adult in my opinion. I've been trying to do a lot of these already!

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  12. Great advice, I am 42 and trying to do all of the above!

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  13. I know this is a list for 40s BUT I've been thinking about wills since having children I think it's so important you never know what might happen. I have also just started doing regular exercise at my local gym!!

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    1. Yes when you have a child is a good point to think about making a will.

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  14. I'm not quite 40 yet still got 4 more years. I'm defo up for spending money on travel and experiences the rest ok if i have to (joking i do try and do a lot of them now) x

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  15. I need to work on some of these.

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  16. This is a great post for people of all ages!
    I am 26 and agree with you on them all - I need to spend more money on travel and get my 5 a day :)

    Dani x

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  17. This is great advice at any age, but I suppose you really heed the advice when you're in your 40's. x

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