It’s Time To Prioritize: A Guide To Self-Care Over 40

Let’s talk about self-care over 40…

Turning 40 can be a significant milestone in a woman’s life. It’s an age where we’ve gained some wisdom, experience, and a sense of self that can be truly empowering. It can also be a hella busy time where we put self-care on the back burner. But as we age self-care becomes more essential than ever. As we embrace our 40s (and beyond) we need to also embrace taking care of ourselves. “You can’t pour from an empty” may be cliche, but it’s also true. So let’s talk about the importance of self-care routines tailored for women in their 40s and beyond….

Prioritize Skincare

We all know that the most visible sign of aging is usually our face, but for me it’s also telltale sign of how prioritizing self-care. As we age our skin can become drier, less elastic and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. When I’m feeling good and prioritizing my own physical and mental wellness, my skin looks great. I don’t mind putting the extra effort in, but when I’m struggling, so is my skin. So I made a promise to myself that no matter how much I was struggling, I would stick to at least a simple skincare routine. Like maybe I’m not doing a 23 step nighttime routine, but you bet your ass I’m at least going to clean, hydrate, and chemically exfoliate.

Stay Active And Fit

Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital for overall health and well-being in your 40s. Regular exercise not only helps you stay in shape but also boots your mood and energy levels. And “regular exercise” includes so much more than just a mind-numbing twenty minutes on the elliptical.

• Strength Training: Incorporate strength training into your fitness routine to preserve muscle mass, improve bone density, and support metabolism.
• Cardiovascular Exercise: Engage in activities like jogging, swimming, power-walking, or cycling to keep your heart healthy and maintain stamina.
• Flexibility and Balance: Practices like yoga and Pilates can enhance flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting relaxation (personally I have never felt relaxed in a regular yoga class but that’s probably operator error).
• Rest and Recovery: My favorite! Don’t forget the importance of rest and recovery. Listen to your body and give it the time it needs to heal and recharge. Personally I LOVE the restorative yoga classes on the Peloton app, it’s like a guided nap.

Prioritize Mental Wellness

Self-care over 40 is not just physical! Your 40s can be a time of increased responsibilities, both personally and professionally, which can often mean more stress. Prioritizing mental wellness is crucial to navigate the challenges and changes that come your way.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness and mediation practices into your daily routine to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being.
• Therapy and Support: Don’t hesitate to seek therapy! Talking to a professional can help you manage life’s ups and downs.
• Social Connections: Nurture your relationships with friends and family. Building a strong support network can provide emotional resilience and a sense of belonging.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary. Setting boundaries in both personal and professional life is essential to avoid burnout.

Your 40s can be a transformative and empowering phase of life! I mean, aren’t we all hoping to have a better “second act”? Embracing self-care over 40, especially skincare, fitness, and mental wellness; is not just about looking a certain way, but about feeling fantastic from the inside out. By prioritizing these aspects of your life, you’ll not only “age gracefully”, but also live your best life. Taking care of yourself is a beautiful way to honor the wisdom and experience that comes with age. Embrace it with open arms!

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