As we grow, our body changes. It changes both in appearance and in condition. And most of the time neither is pleasant. It is a well-known fact. When you are fifty years old, you cannot look the way you were in your twenties. Neither will it look like that, nor will it function like that.
But hey, it is all a part of life. Embrace yourself. This article is going to be about acceptance and providing healthy ways to improve yourself. So, fasten your seat belt!
Changes In Your Body Post 40
Your body will go through a roller coaster as you age. This is a well-known fact. There will be both pleasant and unpleasant changes. Although it varies from person to person, here are some of the changes that will take place irrespective of your gender:
1. Metabolism Slows Down
If you are reaching your 40s or are already in them, you may have noticed that you are having difficulty losing weight. Not only is it challenging to lose weight, but you also have a problem keeping up with the fast-moving world. Literally, you have full freedom to blame it on the hormones.
2. You Lose Muscle Weight
As you age, you will notice that you have lost a considerable amount of muscle weight. It doesn’t matter how you looked when you were young. You will not have the body that you built. Bid farewell to your biceps and abs. All that is left is probably the weight of your tummy.
3. Weight Gain
Because of the decrease in the metabolic rate, your body cannot break down the food as fast as it could before.
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This leads to weight gain. You will also experience cravings now more than ever.
4. Hair loss
This is something everyone knows or is aware of. You lose hair as you grow older. It might be difficult for you to adjust to this if you are too concerned with the way you look. You will notice that your hair is starting to thin out. Not only that. It will take you a long time to grow new hair strands.
Healthy Habits To Follow After 40
Congratulations if you’re reading this. You’ve made it to 40! Continue reading this narrative to see if you can make it to the age of 80 and beyond. We asked leading physicians, dietitians, and mental health experts in the country how they may live happier, healthier, and longer.
1. Sleep
You could get away with four or five hours of sleep when you were 20, but those days are long gone. You’re probably being pushed in a million ways, but getting enough sleep each night is critical for your health and sanity. We require seven to eight hours of sleep every night, according to specialists.
2. Eat Right
If you haven’t learned it yet, going to the gym extra hard isn’t going to reverse the harm that burger and fries made 20 years ago. Because their metabolism is slower, and they have naturally less lean muscle mass, people in their 40s and 50s will gain weight if they eat the same exact stuff they did in their 20s. Get serious about your dietary choices and level up your lifestyle.
3. Hydrate
A hydration record, like a food diary, may help you handle and track your fluid intake while also helping you meet your daily objectives. Tracking intake has never been easier due to the latest wearable technologies.
Because many fruits and vegetables are heavy in the water, consume lots of your seasonal favorites for nutrients and flavor. Cucumbers (95 percent water), watermelon (92 percent water), and tomatoes are also good options (94 percent water). Oranges, honeydew melon, apples, and lettuce are other nice options.
4. Health Supplements
It’s tempting to get sucked into the world of fast solutions and “wonder pills,” but supplements should be approached with caution. Most individuals can benefit from a probiotic or fish oil pill. But it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor about your diet and have your blood work examined by someone who knows what they’re doing.
5. Health Checkups
Once you reach your 40s, it is advised that you get your health checked almost every six months. This will make life way easier for you.
6. Exercise
Exercising and meditating regularly will help you focus, reduce stress, reduce the levels of anxiety, and also help you to lose weight. It is an all-rounder!
7. Have Sex
There are many positive effects of having and maintaining a healthy sex life. But for starters, remember that feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine are stimulated while having sex. This is a great way to reduce stress.
8. Hygiene
The health benefits of cleanliness & hygiene cannot be stressed enough. Having regular baths and maintaining a hygienic life will help you fight many diseases. This is because the disease-causing germs that can be found on the skin will get washed off. This reduces the chances of you getting sick.
9. Your Attitude
This one matters the most. Do not keep thinking about how it was in the past. Live in the present. Accept the changes that your body is going through. Having a positive and healthy attitude will help you live life longer and to the fullest. So, worry less and laugh more.
10. Meditate
Taking the time to meditate will assist you in better understanding your present mental state. It can also provide tranquility and direction on the best course to go.
Final Word
It is only natural for your body to go through all the changes as you turn 40. Even though most of them might not be how you wanted them to be, it is what it is. Your body will grow weaker as you age.
However, while the former reason is true that it does happen naturally after you cross 40, you can do a few things that will end up giving you good results and stay healthy. And they might even make life way better for you. Follow the habits mentioned above and embrace your forties!
