10 Positive Life Changes You Should Make After 40 To Keep You Smiling Through To 50

Mar 15, 2018

Turning 40 can be a bit of a shock to the system. We all know it's coming, but when it hits, it can be a bitter pill to swallow. Suddenly, your health becomes a much bigger priority and it can be difficult to know which changes you need to make. Luckily, we've laid out 10 changes that are bound to positively impact the lives of anyone over the age of 40!

Lots of people find they wake up earlier as they get older too but if that isn't the case for you then you need to make it a habit. Waking up earlier not only gives you more time to get to the gym, make a healthy breakfast or meditate/reflect on the day ahead, Northwestern University found that people exposed to morning sunrays are more likely to have a reduced BMI than those with reduced exposure.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body believe it or not. So it's important you take care of it, especially as you grow older. Not only is skin cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, but increased sun exposure puts unnecessary strain on your skin resulting in a much older, wrinkled look.

As you turn 40, it can be tempting to remove the rose-tinted spectacles you wore when you were younger. But research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology links optimism with lower rates of death from common illnesses like cancer and stroke. So try to not lose sight of the good things in life!

As we get older, we notice more of those pesky aches and pains which can make life miserable. While we may have been able to brush off such troubles in our 20s, in our 40s those aches and pains become harder to ignore. So don't be afraid of going to the doctor, even if you think it's something insignificant!

It is important you consult with your doctor before embarking on a new supplement regimen as they can guide you on which supplements you need. The main thing is not to shirk your responsibilities in this area. Most will start with a simple multi-vitamin supplement, but research shows that omega-3 supplementation is also beneficial in weight loss.

Most people don't retire at 40, but they certainly start to wind down as they approach 50. As you find yourself with more time on your hands, be sure to give back to the community in some way. Research published in Health Psychology found that those who volunteer regularly are likely to live longer too, so what are you waiting for?

It goes without saying that reading broadens your mind and your vocabulary. But did you know it can also help protect your brain from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Dementia? Research published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias states that an hour of reading each day will reduce the risk of dementia in later years.

Stress should be avoided whatever your age. But for those approaching or already in their 40s, it's even more important. Whether it be through exercise, meditation or mindfulness exercises, it is important for your health to de-stress. According to the American Journal of Cardiology, stress-reduction exercises actually lowered mortality from cardiovascular disease by as much as 30% and reduced the risk of death from cancer by up to 49% in adults.

Your parents taught you to brush your teeth twice a day when you were younger and you have no doubt passed this wisdom on to your own children too. Well, they aren't empty words. There have even been links between healthy pearly whites and a happy heart, so don't skip flossing even for one day!

Water is the giver of life, so they say. This is because drinking plenty of water each day not only helps you feel fuller and therefore stave off cravings, but it also keeps you fresh! University of Connecticut researchers even found a link between dehydration and memory loss, fatigue, headaches and a poor mood. So water isn't just the giver of life, but the giver of a happier life!

If you found this article fun and interesting, be sure to SHARE with your friends as they head into their 40s!