10 Ways to Stay Young in your 40s

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As I’ve mentioned before, I turned 40 this past April. The number 40 is a big one and definitely a little scary to think about. But in reality, 40 is not old {unless maybe you’re 20}. Old seems to be an attitude and not necessarily connected to a number.

10 Ways to Stay Young #PoisewithSAM

I’ve  seen 80 year olds bounce down the hall delighted about life – and 20 year olds who scowl every time I see them. I certainly hope I am the bouncing 80 year old, still enjoying life and feeling young. Here is how I hope to make that happen!

Staying young is not easy but I have…

10 Ways to Stay Young in Your 40s

1. Think about attitude –

If you think you’re old, chances are you’ll act old. Have a great attitude! With age comes wisdom and experience and a new chance to live the life you want. If you don’t like the life you’re living, change it! Do whatever it takes to have a good attitude and I bet you’ll act younger than you feel. Love the life you live, and live the life you love. A good friend of mine has those words {or something like that} printed on a key chain. I think it’s a really good motto to live by.

10 Ways to Stay Young #PoisewithSAM

2. Eat a healthy diet –

You are what you eat and having a healthy diet will help you look younger and feel better. I really encourage people to grow some of their own food and to think long and hard about what they’re really putting in their bodies. Stay away from the middle of the grocery store. Think about eating seasonally and locally – fresh fruits and veggies as much as possible and stay away from processed crap in the middle of the grocery store.

sunflowers and cucumber water

3. Drink lots of water – 

While you’re eating a healthy diet, drink lots of water. Plain water. Cold water. Water infused with fresh fruit and veggies. Enjoy water – it will help keep your skin hydrated and wrinkle free – a big plus when you reach your 40s, trust me.

4. Be happy – 

This goes along with attitude. Do things that make you happy! Listen to music and sing out loud. Dance in your car with your kids. Laugh and smile a lot. Be silly. Happy people seem younger to me so make a choice to be happy.

5. Drink red wine –

Well, this might be one thing that makes me happy. 😀 But, really, red wine does have a lot of health benefits and good anti-oxidants.  Scientists believe that the flavenoids found in red wine are heart healthy by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL), boosting good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing blood clotting. And red wine tastes good and makes this Mama happy. 😉

6. Find a passion and keep learning – 

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have your own passion! I really love blogging because I get to keep learning. I’m challenged on a daily basis and always learning something new. Finding something you’re interested in so that you continue learning is a great way to stay young.

7. Stress less – 

Obviously stress is bad for you.  Too much stress can leave you tired, depressed, anxious, and physically ill. Being too stressed can make us forgetful – which is one of my big problems. When I get too stressed I am totally forgetful and unhappy. Too many commitments and too much on the plate is a great way to feel stressed and overworked.

It’s hard to say no to people, but I’ve been working on saying no and also letting things go. I’d rather chat with a friend and watch the sunset than fold my laundry. I guess there’s a balance, but remember to enjoy the little things and let go of non-important duties so you will be less stressed.

tennis shoes and yoga mat

8. Exercise –

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I started going to Cross Fit. Talk about a way to stay young – holy cow the workouts are hard!

If small kids keep you from exercising, take them with you! My kids love to go out in the fresh air for a walk or a bike ride. Whatever is keeping you from exercising – find a way around and move your body!

9. Make time for yourself – 

I know a lot of women (and I can lump myself right into this category) tend to put other people’s needs ahead of their own. Don’t do that! Remember to take time for yourself. Go get a mani/pedi.

Join a book club. Pick wild flowers and display them in your house. Enjoy a special night alone with your significant other. Putting your needs first every once in a while won’t harm your little people or your spouse – rather it will enable you to take better care of them!

family jumping on the trampoline

10. Live in the moment – 

This might be my biggest challenge. Put down your phone. Get off the computer. Turn off the TV. Dedicate 100% of your focus on your kids and spouse as much as you can. I really struggle with this. Not so much with the TV, but my phone is rarely out of my hand. I’ve been trying to leave it plugged in and away from me as much as possible, so I can focus on my kids.

The last thing I want for them to think about when asked about their mom is that she was constantly on her phone. Living in the moment with my kids can be fun {when I’m in a good mood and not stressed}. Having fun is a great way to stay young.

Well, those are my tips for staying young, even though I’m getting old. 😉 How do you stay young? I’d love to hear.

About Michelle Marine

Michelle Marine is the author of How to Raise Chickens for Meat, a long-time green-living enthusiast, and rural Iowa mom of four. She empowers families to grow and eat seasonal, local foods; to reduce their ecological footprint; and to come together through impactful travel.

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3 Comments

  1. I love your positive approach to life and hitting that milestone birthday. Attitude is such an important part of being healthy and vital. You have touched on some great tips, some that I really must do better with like #’s 5, 8, 9. I’m taking baby steps on these. 🙂

  2. Stay in touch or rediscover your inner child. Pushing at 60 and I find myself more willing to do things that I might have embarrassed myself at 30 years ago. Push your boundaries too, I have walked my first 5K in the past year and now training to run it next year. Age is a number , how you live it it an attitude!

  3. I agree that attitude should be number 1 on your list of tips for staying young. I believe a positive attitude is what motivates you to eat healthy, stay active and live life to the max.