10 Things Everyone Should Know Before Turning 40

Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. One day you realize you’re turning 40 and a new decade is on the horizon. It’s high-time to put everything that you have learned from your twenties and thirties into practice.

We at Bright Side would like to suggest a couple of tips to make this journey you’re embracing more pleasant. We’re also treating you to a bonus at the end of the article, so make sure to check it out.

1. You do you, forget about the others.

You’re now wise enough to understand that your life choices are up to you. You shouldn’t have to put yourself under the scrutiny of others to feel better about yourself. Do what’s best for you and don’t pay attention to what other people have to say about it. Embrace your willpower to change your life.

2. Leave the drama for the soap operas.

When we’re younger, every setback feels like something so devastating that it seems as if we will never be able to recover from it. However, it turns out that feeling sad can eventually help you feel better.

It has been demonstrated that a mixture of emotions like happiness and sadness can improve our mental well-being and give more meaning to our life. Nothing ever turns out as we expect it to, what determines our resilience is what we do with this outcome. Strive for the best version of yourself, not for the “happy” one.

3. Make time for your friends.

Your busy schedule now involves business meetings, taking the kids to football practice, doing grocery shopping, and so many activities that you suddenly realize that the last time you hung out with your friends was a long time ago. Make yourself a priority and plan that much needed get-together. You can even schedule it as “therapy time.”

4. There’s no such thing as perfection.

This new upcoming decade might bring about a feeling of empowerment and acceptance. We’re not supposed to be perfect, so we might as well start feeling comfortable in our own skin. The perception of our physical appearance is stained by years of trying to achieve unrealistic beauty standards. Anyway, on your path to acceptance, remember that self-care can become the perfect ally.

• “When we start to care for our heart and soul, it also radiates through our skin and spirit,” says Alicia Keys.

5. Possessions are just that: objects that you now own.

There’s nothing like that thrill of excitement when you get a package or come back from the store loaded with your latest purchases. Once they’re out of the bag and that smell of new wears off, you come to the conclusion that it’s just a new pair of heels. A house means paying a mortgage, bills, and more rooms to clean. All the excitement eventually fades away. The idea is not to HAVE more things but rather to DO more, especially if that means helping others.

6. Show how much you’re worth.

When we’re young, we’re told to work hard and things will eventually fall into place. But sometimes we also have to make them happen. Start participating more actively in meetings, pitch new ideas to make your workplace better, and stop holding yourself back. You can even ask your boss for that well-deserved raise. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish.

7. Add sunblock to your morning routine.

If you thought you were devoting too much time to your morning routine, think twice. Many things should be added to the list of beauty products you need in order to dare to go out into the street. Sunblock should be on top of that list. It will help to protect your skin, help you avoid photoaging, and it will provide you with a nice glow.

8. Get ready to be called “ma’am.”

You might be waiting in line at the supermarket, holding the elevator door for someone, or even getting your morning latte when you hear someone utter the word “ma’am.” You turn around thinking that they’re talking to someone else, but no. No matter when it happens, it will probably catch you off guard. It’s better to consider it a sign of respect and not overthink it.

9. Resilience is your new asset.

By now you probably know that simple activities like getting ready for work, exercising, or even having some quality “me time” require a lot of effort. You may not have the same experience, connections, or finances as others but your resilience and willingness to go the extra mile can make a huge difference. The only asset that you need at this stage is to believe in yourself and be determined to make things work.

10. At the end of the day, there’s no place like home.

Those FOMO vibes are long gone and your ideal weekend plans have everything to do with just staying in. Activities like renovating some old inherited furniture, gardening, or catching up on some reading become the best part of your day.

BONUS:

How to boost your morning routine

1. Start your day off with some positive thinking. Yoga philosophy suggests that repeating a sankalpa — a phrase that holds the intention of what you want to achieve—can help you fulfill the life you’ve always wished to have.
2. Prepare a healthy protein-based breakfast to start your day with the right amount of energy.
3. Listen to a podcast or to uplifting music — if you’re feeling extra-spirited, you can even bust some moves!
4. Keep a journal: While you’re sipping your coffee, write down things you want to accomplish during the day, the dream you had last night, or something nice about yourself.

What other things have you learned so far? Feel free to share with us what turning 40 means to you.

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