Once you cross your 40s, you might feel like you have entered a momentous stage in your life, and that is a reasonably accurate way to put it. The fact is that most of us lead hectic lives when we are younger—so much so that we hardly find time to focus on ourselves.

But once you’ve crossed your 40s, life is usually much more peaceful. You have fewer responsibilities and greater opportunities for self-love and self-care. In short, it can be the best time of your life if you want it to be.

To help you make the most of this amazing period in your life, we have put together some simple tips to help you live a healthier and happier life beyond your 40s.

Start Treating Self-Care as A Priority, Rather Than A Luxury

As women, we spend most of our adulthood juggling several responsibilities. We have careers to build, children to care for, and households to manage. For most of us, this means little to no time for ourselves; hence, self-care takes a backseat. It becomes a luxury that our schedules are simply not able to afford.

However, as we grow older, many of these responsibilities subside, and we find ourselves with more time on our hands. This is the time to prioritize all the self-care you have missed out on. It is the perfect time to prioritize yourself.

Focus on Sleep Quantity and Quality

You may have spent most of your adult life pulling all-nighters and functioning on few hours of sleep, but that has got to stop.

If you want to live well beyond your 40s, you have to work on your sleep schedule. Good sleep can help improve your memory and concentration as you grow older—so do not take it lightly.

You need at least 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night. Here’s what you need to keep in mind, though:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule;
• Workout a few hours before you go to bed;
• Turn off all your screens at least one hour prior to bed;
• Make sure your pillows, mattress, and other bedding provide maximum comfort;
• Drink warm herbal tea, take a warm bath or read a book if you have trouble sleeping;
• Make sure the room is dark and silent with no disturbances while you sleep.

Get Plenty of Exercises—Add Weightlifting to Your Routine

If you have not really worked out or started any kind of exercise routine throughout your life—now is a great time.

Try and work out at least 3 to 4 times a week. It will help you maintain proper posture and will help you steer clear of health concerns like heart disease and so on. But if you have never worked out before, it’s best to start with a professional trainer.

We also suggest adding weightlifting to your routine. It can help you maintain muscle mass and bone density. Remember: you have to keep moving to stay healthy.

Meditate More Often

If you work out 3-4 times a day, consider meditating on the rest.

Meditation is great at any age and can help you in several ways—it is the very definition of living well. Think of meditation as a workout for your mind, body, and soul. It can help you feel more relaxed and focused. It is also the perfect way to manage stress and any negative emotions you feel.

There are several types of meditation—yoga being one of them. Choose a form that resonates with your soul.

Don’t Hold Yourself Back from The Things You Love

We have seen most women living their best lives beyond their 40s, and why shouldn’t they?

This is the ideal time to do everything that you have ever wanted to, so we suggest you go for it. Whether you want to travel, write a book or simply dance the night away at your favorite Jazz club—nothing should stop you.

Living well is all about following your heart. If your heart tells you to be creative and adventurous—you should listen to it.

Always Have Time for A Girls Night Out

This is very much part of doing the things that you love. If you have friends that are more like your sisters—find ways to spend more time with them.

Simple heart-to-heart conversations with your best friends can help you see yourself and your life from a whole new perspective. Go out with your girlfriends, eat whatever you’re craving, talk to them about all the exciting things in your life, and feel like you’re 20 again!

Make Healthier Choices When It Comes to Your Diet

Living well is as much about physical health as it is about your mental health. This means that you need to start watching what you eat and drink.

Ideally, it is best to not go on any specific diets but just make healthier choices in general. For an instant, cut back on your caffeine and alcohol intake. Eat more vegetables and fruits, and increase your protein intake while reducing fats and carbs in your diet.

Also, staying hydrated is great for living well at any age—make sure you’re drinking at least 8 full glasses of water in a day.

Keep Your Health In Check

Your life beyond your 40s is magical and rewarding in many ways, but it may bring some new challenges, too, in terms of your health.

The fact is that as women, our bodies are constantly evolving throughout our lives. Women are also at risk of several health concerns after their 40s, such as heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and problems like bladder leakage and urinary incontinence.

So, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with your doctors and get regular checkups to ensure everything is in order.

We also suggest looking into health coaching with Dr. Shelia Whiteman at The Pelvic Coach. She is one of the best pelvic health therapists but offers much more than just expert advice on pelvic health. Her health coaching is designed as a holistic program focusing on the overall well-being of women.

Get in touch with us to learn more.