20 Healthy Habits to Master by the Time You Turn 40

By Laurel Niedospial
Unsplash/ Joseph Chan
Unsplash/ Joseph Chan

Turning 40 is a momentous occasion. Gone are the questions and insecurities that your 20s and early 30s are fraught with. At this point, women in their 40s are more confident and understand the value of self-care. To make sure you're entering into your next stage of awesomeness, here are 20 lessons everyone should know by the time they turn 40.

  1. It's important for peace of mind to be insured, both for your health and your life.
  2. Being physically fit is a commitment and a way of life.
  3. It's important to feel good in what you wear to work out, so if something is old and showing signs of wear, upgrade.
  4. Water is truly to key to life. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Healthy skin shows fewer wrinkles.
  5. Daily sunblock is a necessity. Yes, even in the Winter.
  6. For every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction. Essentially, healthy actions create a healthy lifestyle.
  7. Make time every day for meditation or moments of mindfulness. Your stress level and body will thank you.
  8. A good workout in the morning can set the pace for the whole day.
  9. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor when you have a concern. It's literally their job to listen and assess your health, so you're not bothering them by being in there for a hunch.
  10. Practice meal planning when going to the grocery store. Besides saving money, it also helps create healthier meals.
  11. Recognize that everyone needs time alone, even the most extroverted people.
  12. Walking a little bit each day can be a fantastic workout.
  13. Fad diets don't help you lose weight; thoughtful changes built around real life are the only way to make a permanent adjustment.
  14. Make time for good sleep.
  15. You are in charge of your schedule, so make time for yourself.
  16. One extra cookie once in a while isn't going to make a big difference; multiple extra cookies will.
  17. Flavor your meals, but a little bit of salt goes a long way.
  18. Make regular appointments for things that keep you healthy. You should see your doctor, your ob-gyn, your optometrist, and your dentist one to two times a year.
  19. Have a long-established healthy routine.
  20. Your savings account should be able to absorb the cost of minor emergencies.