Turning 40 can feel like a big moment. Some women celebrate it, some quietly dread it, and many feel both on the same day. Whichever camp you’re in, your 40s don’t have to be a decade of holding on to your 30s. They can be the time you finally get comfortable with who you are.
ALSO SEE: How to make friends in your 30s and 40s
Here’s how to meet this decade with a bit more ease.
Let go of the “should”
By now, you’ve probably heard a lot about what a woman your age should be doing: a certain career step, a certain look, a certain stage of life. Many of us feel this pressure, and it rarely helps. Your 40s are a good time to ask yourself what you actually want, then go after that and drop the rest.
Look after your body, kindly
Your body changes in your 40s, and that’s normal. Sleep matters more, so does moving regularly, and so does eating well. This isn’t about chasing a smaller dress size. Try a walk around your neighbourhood, a yoga class or a dance session in your lounge. Choose movement you enjoy and you’re far more likely to keep doing it. If something feels different, such as changes in your cycle, your energy or your mood, speak to your doctor early. You know your body best.
Keep your skincare simple
You don’t need a bathroom shelf full of products. A gentle cleanser, a good moisturiser and sunscreen every day will do most of the work. If you want to add something, a serum with vitamin C or retinol can help, but introduce one thing at a time. Makeup can be lighter too. Many women find that less of it looks fresher in their 40s.
Keep your circle close
Friendships can slip away when life gets busy with work, children, ageing parents and everything else. Make time for the people who make you laugh and let you be yourself. A regular coffee date or a Sunday braai is worth more than most of the things on your to-do list.
Stay curious
Learn something new. Take that course, start that side project, pick up the hobby you keep putting off. You have more experience than you did at 25 and, hopefully, less fear of looking silly. Both are useful when you try something new.
Think about your money
Your 40s are a good time to take a clear look at your finances: retirement savings, emergency funds, insurance. You don’t have to fix everything at once. Start with one step, such as setting up a monthly debit order into a retirement annuity or speaking to a financial adviser. Future you will be grateful.
Be gentle with yourself
You might have wrinkles you didn’t have before, or a few more grey hairs. You’ve also survived hard days, made difficult choices and learned a lot about what matters to you. That’s worth celebrating. Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a good friend.
Your 40s aren’t something to get through. They’re yours to enjoy.
Featured Image: Unsplash
