5 Ways To Be Happier In Your 40s: Things I’ve Learned To Accept And Enjoy
Midlife happiness may seem impossible to achieve. Are you happier in your 40s? It’s the start of midlife and you can either have great years ahead of you or a crisis on your hands.
Which will you choose?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to come to terms with the fact that your youthful self is slowly transforming into something different.
Perhaps something a bit slower on some days. With stiffer joints and days you wish you could turn back the clock.
And that meme reel about being forgetful after 40, mocks you.
But it doesn’t always have to be so negative.
Your 40s are still a wonderful time to be alive! You should love yourself and your life!
I’ll share with you some of the ways I’m dealing with my 40s and getting mentally and physically ready for my fabulous 50s.
And maybe you’ll find yourself feeling awesome about yourself too.
DISCLOSURE: I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or dietician. The information shared below is based on my own experiences. I am not responsible or liable for any health issue that might result from the nutritional information posted below. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a product or service, and decide to purchase it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All recommended products and services are based on my positive experience with them. For more information, please read my Disclaimer.
Top Ways To Be Happier In Your 40s
So how does one start being happier when over 40?
From changing your mindset, making yourself a priority and keeping in mind your fitness activities, there are several ways to be happier in your 40s.
The best thing is that they are fairly easy to adopt.
You can also look at doing a reinvention journey – assessing your current life and creating goals for a return to a happier, more real you!
1. Think Positively About Aging
“I’m getting old…”, “Look at all of these wrinkles!” “I’ve got major bags under my eyes.”
You can really stress yourself out over something that you can’t stop.
I could stare at the mirror and look at all the physical changes to my appearance.
But I look at the crow’s feet around my eyes and I realize it’s because of laughing and smiling.
Remember, there’s a whole industry of amazing beauty and skincare products that can help with making you look great.
That’s one solution.
Another very popular method right now that’s hot on social media is facial yoga or facial exercises.
Gua Sha – the use of a stone utensil for facial massage – is a technique that reduces your facial puffiness. Read more about the Gua Sha facial massage routine I’ve been using regularly to keep looking youthful.
So there are ways to get around aging. They just mean doing things a bit differently.
TIP: I indulge in quality skincare products occasionally and use them once a week to manage my skin. It’s helped me immensely to keep my skin looking young.
| RELATED: Ways To Stop Stressing Out Over The Small Stuff
2. Keeping Your Body Fit Makes You Happier
You may not have the body you had at age 20, but that shouldn’t get you down.
It’s a well-known fact that physical activity releases endorphins – the feel-good neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline.
You know the feeling you get after strenuous activity, like a runner’s high? Well, it’s good for you in your 40s too.
But it may not necessarily be running that you do.
A hilly hike that works your heart, and gives your body a good workout may be what you prefer at this point in your life.
Or you may start spinning classes or even dance classes (hey, they are a good work out too!). The point is to start getting active on a regular basis with heart-pumping activity.
Not only do you feel healthier, but you will look better as you keep your weight down.
| RELATED: How To Get Motivated To Get Outdoors And Walk
3. Focus On Nourishing Your Body With Healthy Foods
How to be happier in your 40s? Start nourishing your body!
Eating a bag of Doritos in one sitting is a no-no. Yes, they taste good, but now it’s going to be eating in moderation. And with healthier options.
Tied to keeping your body happier with exercise is the food you eat.
Healthier choices will ultimately make you feel happier too. You’re doing something right!
Personally, we’ve switched out seed oils with healthy olive oil and avocado oil. We don’t add salt to our meals when cooking.
Getting enough healthy protein from lean meats, fish and the occasional red meat is a top consideration.
We’re limiting snack foods, and we’re cooking and baking from scratch more often using healthier alternatives.
This isn’t to say we’ve completely removed indulgent foods from our menu. We just limit them to “once in a blue moon”.
Inevitably you end up eating more at home, which is already better for your finances.
4. Time Out For Self-Care Is A Must
If you’re a parent in your 40s, you know how time can just slip by and before you know it, another year has come and gone.
How many times have you had a time out to pamper your body, mind and soul?
Properly maybe once or twice, if you’re lucky!
While simple self-care is a necessity, when was the last time you gave yourself a pedicure? Or took the time to focus on your facial skincare regime? Or had a quiet moment to yourself without any distractions?
TIP: Have you heard of somatic exercises meant to align your body and your mind – your internal self. They release tension in muscles through gentle stretches and thus reduce stress. Check out these somatic stretches (video) that you can do at home.
5. Carve Out Time For A Hobby You Love
Another way to be happier in your 40s is to start doing things that you love doing!
Hobbies make you happy.
Mine is blogging and running a business – my MargaretBourne.com site and blog coaching business.
It makes me happy when I’m seeing my company growing and my blog growing. It means I’m doing something RIGHT!
Whether it’s something as simple as doing jigsaw puzzles or doodling, getting into something you enjoy doing is often great for stress relief and mental well-being.
It can also lead to a future business like mine did.
Be motivated to create and do something that will make you feel fulfilled.
It’s never too late to start a hobby and turn it into a profitable passion project! You can easily start a business over the age of 40.
Check out these 25+ Canadian lifestyle bloggers – many who started blogging as a hobby – and are now moving into profitable online businesses.
| RELATED: 50 Motivational Quotes To Keep You Inspired
Midlife Happiness: How Can I Be Happy In My 40s?
My top 5 recommendations for being happy in your 40s are:
- Think positively about aging
- Keep fit
- Nourish your body with healthy foods
- Take a time out for self-care
- Carve out time for a meaningful hobby
There are many more things that can make you happy in your 40s, but this list above is one that will certainly help you set a foundation for a happier life in your 50s!
Need some motivation to love yourself and be happier? I’ve got a list of over 50 self-love quotes that will make you loving your life.
QUESTION: What are your thoughts on achieving midlife happiness?
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While the title says 40’s I think this all applies to me at 54. I’m definitely working at nourishing my body and my hobby is my new blog. But the biggest thing really is that thinking positive. At 54 I think I’m a bit more positive about it than I was when I hit 40. I guess I’ve learned how much the nourishment part really plays into it and that’s changed my mindset as well.
Thank you for the cool article! Im 42 with two kids under 5, and I`m so tired. But at the same time, I feel more confident than I was a single and happy woman at 32yo. Now Im looking for motivation and resources for a healthy and happy life after 40.
I definitely need this post at this time! I need to start thinking more positively about aging. Thanks for the reminder.
I believe thinking positively is the most important thing. I feel young in my mind like I am still in my 30s.
My life as I enter my 40s next month is about balance. If I only have 10% to give for the day, I make sure that I keep some for myself and my family. I’m unhappiest when I give it all away and have nothing let in my “cup”.
I’m in total agreement with all of the above, healthy diet, good skin and self-care. Most important is continuing to enjoy living life. Do what fulfills you, and maintain those special connections with loved ones!
I love this! I started doing some of these and I’m not quite 40, so I’m feeling good. haha! Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I wish I had made some of these activities a habit in my 30s… paying for it a bit now!
You are most right! That’s the extra stuff that’s a given.
So true! Have to keep some of that happiness for family and you!
Very true! I still feel like I’m 29 some days.
I remind myself every single morning!
Oh I feel for you! I had mine at 41. He’s 7 and I’m 48 right now. I am definitely more confident, but also more tired at the end of the day!
YES! Positive thinking is the key to it all. No matter the age.
For the past few weeks I’ve been in a push for positive thinking and MAN, there is a difference. I have to catch my negative thoughts and remind myself to be grateful instead. Currently reading The Power of Positive Thinking as well.
Yes to all these! Especially the hobby. 40’s are a great time of life. No need to fear them.
Love this! At 49 I am trying to be better mentally, physically and emotionally better than I was in my 20’s and 30’s!
That’s the way to do it! I’m in the same boat as you.
The hobby is so fulfilling, isn’t it?
You’re so right. It’s so easy to just get lost in the negative thoughts.
Just turn 40 last month, going to apply those 5 rules to make sure having a nicer nd smoother few years. Thanks!
Congrats on hitting the awesome 40s! Yes – hope these keep you positive. :)
Going to be 50 this year.. so it definitely applies to me..😊