Health is a very important aspect to life. It is one of the best gifts of our youthful years, which we for some reason take for granted. As we grow older, we tend to appreciate it more and more because we become handicapped in ways our youthful selves were not, either due to bad habits or just age catching up to us. However, there are things we can start doing now that can make a ton of a difference for when we no longer have that naturally youthful athletic physique and strength. It is best if you already cultivate a habit of doing these healthy tips at an early age, but if you didn’t, it becomes even more crucial to do so somewhere your 30s - 40s. Here are some 3 mantras to live by for a healthier 40s without too many worries.
I eat good food – Home cooked if possible
One of the most significant changes that will happen to your body as you age is weakening of your immune system. If you were rocking a sturdy-oak-during-a-storm strong immune system in your teens and early adulthood, you definitely don’t expect to still be there in terms of health. Just like a car engine becomes less efficient with time, the same will happen to your body, but the type of oil it runs on and how frequently you service it will play huge roles in how long it can operate at optimum even with time. Your body isn’t very different. You’ll visit the hospital more, just like your car might see the automechanic more as it ages.
Knowing that your immune system will get weaker, it will be wise to eat foods that boost your immune system. You can check these for some examples of immune boosting foods (although I have some reservations on spices). Aside foods that boost your immune system, you should aim to eat overall healthy and well-balanced foods. So, junk food, street foods and sweets are out the door at that point. If you have a partner who can cook for you, awesome, otherwise, learn to cook your own damn food because your life literally might just depend on it.
I exercise regularly
I’m not sure it’s possible to write about health tips for people in their 40s without mentioning exercise or its equivalents, and this is for very good reason. From your teen years until you die, some sort of exercise has to be a constant in your routine. I didn’t specifically say “hit the gym” because you really don’t need gym-intense exercise to stay healthy. If the gym is your thing, then by all means, please do your thing. If not, even small things like walking to school, going for a run, going for a swim and cycling all count. Even simple sports like volleyball.
I’m not sure where it was I heard about this, but some weeks ago I overheard a couple of medical professionals talking about how the doctors in their hospital prefer the stairs to the elevator, their reason being that it’s the only way they exercise. I found that really interesting. It goes to demonstrate that your preachers are practicing what they preach and so should you.
It’s important to note that there are different types of exercises, and which one you choose to do will be dependent on the results you want. You can read more about that here. For people in their 40s, I think simple aerobic exercises are good for your heart and muscles, and should cut it if you don’t want to do too much.
My mental health is important!
When many people talk about health, they usually forget everything health-related that is not physical. To such people, appearing fine is more than enough evidence that you’re indeed fine. They underestimate how non-physical health can affect physical. Your brain is to a great extent the master to the rest of your body. How it feels matters. Lol it might be what matters most if you want to stay grounded in the human social world. It affects the very basics of human behavior and actions. For instance, people who are in states of depression usually become negligent of their physical health. It’s eat junk food o’clock, skip the gym o’clock, and shoot up drugs o’clock.
In your 40s, you want to try as much as possible, to limit things that mess with your mental health. Don’t get into petty arguments, move away from the dysfunctional family, quit that toxic job, leave the toxic marriage. In addition to these, start doing things that might improve your mental health – read books, listen to podcasts, meditate, spend time with family and friends, sleep well, whatever works for you.
No matter what you do, your body will not be the same as you age, unless you have some crazy genetics. But if you start practicing these now well into your 40s, you’ll be happy with yourself that you did. May both you and I take my advice. Amen lol
All images are mine
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