15 Healthy Habits to Adopt in Your 40’s

40 is fabulous and there’s no reason to let turning another decade-old hold you back from living your best life. You may look great out on the outside, but on the inside, your body is starting to change and there are some healthy habits you should adopt in your 40’s. See the list below and get inspired to make some simple yet effective lifestyle changes.

1. Eat Breakfast

Your metabolism is at its peak in the morning, so eating breakfast is essential to fueling your body for the day’s activities. Every decade your metabolism slows by 2 percent but eating a healthy breakfast will keep it performing.

2. Take Your Vitamins

Vitamin deficiencies happen with age, and your 40’s are a good time to start thinking about supplements. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement regimen.

3. Spice-Up Your Life

Breathe some life into your relationship by trying new things both in the bedroom and as an active couple. Try new activities, go to new places, or rekindle the excitement of your early relationship.

4. Prioritize Vital Health Checks

Your 40’s are the time for vital health checks and preventative care. If you don’t already have a health insurance plan, go to iSelect.com.au where you can find and compare private health insurance. The best health insurance policy is one that fits your individual needs based on age, life stage, chronic conditions, need for prescription drugs coverage, or mental health care. Whether you prioritize a lower monthly premium or deductible, a health savings account, open enrollment ability, or practical a copay, compare health insurance with iSelect to find your best fit.

5. Exercise!

30 minutes of daily exercise will keep your metabolism happy by giving it a jump start.

6. Manage Stress

Balancing work and family life can be stressful and unhealthy, as the body often negatively reacts to stress. To avoid aging faster, maintain a healthy heart rate by practicing mindful breathing when you feel tense or stressed.  Reading inspiring quotes for everyday life can also serve as a gentle mental reset during overwhelming moments and help shift your focus toward positivity.

7. Be Mindful of Caffeine

Dial back your caffeine intake to one cup of coffee per day. Too much caffeine can cause irritability and interfere with your sleep. Too much caffeine is also notorious for causing mid-day energy crashes.

8. Fuel Your Body Right

Fuel your body with the right foods that will keep your energy in check. Unbalanced blood sugar causes fatigue, waking up feeling tired, and energy crashes. Stabilize your blood sugar by cutting out empty carbs like white bread and pasta.

9. Eat Often

Eating every four to six hours after breakfast will keep your body fueled and help it burn energy efficiently.

10. Modify Your Movements

It’s important to modify your movements when exercising. Low-impact exercises are effective without being hard on joints and bones.

11. Calcium Time!

Calcium is trendy when you turn 40 since now is the time to think about strengthening your bone density. Three servings of dairy should get you the recommended 1,000 to 1,200 mg of daily calcium.

12. Be Your Own Advocate

Find a balance between meeting your needs and everyone else’s needs. It’s important to practice healthy self-care, from getting restful sleep and doing things you enjoy to prioritizing your health goals and relaxation.

13. Strength Train

Incorporate strength training into your exercise routine to help maintain and/or increase muscle and lean body mass. Strength training is more effective than cardio at preserving muscle mass.

14. Meditate

Exercise is good for your physical health and meditation is good for your mental health. Daily meditation helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and eases pain.

15. Start Foam Rolling

Your sore joints, bad back, and tired muscles will thank you for getting into the habit of foam rolling. Five minutes a day will do wonders for your body. These are just some of the 15 healthy habits you can adopt in your 40s to stay on top of your health.

As a bonus…..check out this cool Water Intake Calculator:  https://fitnessvolt.com/water-intake-calculator/