8 lifestyle habits to adopt once you’ve entered your 40s

By Raja Izz

Photo: Henry Cavill

Every decade of our life brings a different set of changes - everything from our mind, body, and soul to our circumstances experience change.

And to better cope with these changes, what we need is a reset - how we go about our days, the habits we hold on to & the ones we let go of.

Once you’ve entered your 40s, it’s time to re-establish your habits - discard the ones that no longer serve any purpose & introduce some that spark joy.

Here are 8 lifestyle habits that you must adopt in your 40s:

1. Prioritize regular exercise

As you age, exercise becomes even more important for maintaining overall health and preventing age-related diseases. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, along with strength training exercises.

2. Idolising your own lineage

This is more about mindset rather than a lifestyle. Rather than idealizing the fame and fortune of individuals in the limelight (e.g. celebrities, politicians), this decade is the last time for you to start celebrate the remarkable journey and accomplishments of your ancestors who have shaped your lives and heritage. By valuing your lineage, you embrace the richness of your own story, fostering a sense of pride, respect, and connection to those who came before you. Your families and their remarkable journeys deserve your utmost admiration and veneration, for they hold the true essence of who you are and where you come from.

3. Eat a balanced diet

Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

As metabolism slows down with age, it's important to manage your weight to reduce the risk of various health problems. Combine a balanced diet with regular exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

5. Get regular check-ups

Regular health check-ups, including screenings for various health conditions, can help detect problems early on and improve chances of successful treatment. Consult your doctor about recommended screenings and follow-up appointments.

6. Financial Planning for Retirement

If you haven’t been doing it in your 30s, your 40s is the latest for you to start planning your retirement. This is the decade when your career takes a big jump and you start making more money than usual. It’s also the decade when your expenses rise. Which is why, it’s important to make this the decade when you take charge of your finances & invest in your future.

7. Skincare Routine

Your 40s are when your skin starts to ageing faster than your 30s, unless, of course, you start doing enough to prevent it by including the right habits in your daily routine. Cultivate a day & night skincare regime - cleanse, tone & moisturise, and wear SPF during the day.

8. Dress Elegantly

Avoid overly trendy styles and opt for elegant, refined cuts instead. Stick to maximum three color palette. Stay classy, gents.