Reaching the 40s, or more popularly known as the “middle age” or “mid-life,” is a significant point in a person’s life. You’ve made it through the first four decades of your life, which means you’ve experienced and done many things. Forty is another point in life where changes will happen again, and one aspect of yourself that’ll go through it is your health.

It can be challenging to be in good health by the time you reach middle age. For women, menopause is bound to happen in a few more years, and it’s also the point where men’s health starts to grow weaker. So when society talks about health in your 40s, that covers everything from physical to mental wellness.

That’s why it’s a great time where you should be motivated to work on yourself. Start living the right way so you can enjoy being a middle-aged person. Here are the things you need to change to live healthy in your 40s.

Get plentiful and better sleep

As much as being physically active and eating right have been highlighted for many years, sometimes resting is just as or even more important. At age 40, you should focus on this because it has lots of health benefits. You should invest time and money so you can sleep soundly every day.

The National Sleep Foundation strongly recommends that adults from age 26 to 64 have at least 7 hours of sleep every day. That number is backed by research and is made imperative by medical experts who work in medical weight loss Kansas City and other places and health sectors. You can get that recommended sleeping time by improving your sleep hygiene.

A person’s sleep hygiene includes all sleep-related habits. Some effective ways to improve your sleep hygiene include choosing a supportive and comfortable mattress. If you don’t have one, then you should invest in them not only to sleep for at least 7 hours but also to sleep soundly the entire time you’re in bed.

Improving your sleep hygiene enhances both the quantity and quality of sleep you get. Note that the number of hours you get won’t matter if your sleep is interrupted.

Eat healthily

As always, eating right is essential to keep yourself healthy, especially in your 40s. You’ll need all the vitamins, minerals, and all helpful nutrients to avoid a health crisis in midlife. This entails going for the healthy options, whether you’re at home or dining out.

Eating healthily in your 40s means reducing the delicious carbohydrates and having more muscle mass-growing protein. Protein supports lean muscle growth, which is a sign of healthy physical aging. Aside from muscles, it also builds hair, skin, and nails and allows for better calorie burning.

Eating 1.2 grams or kilograms of protein per day is a healthy amount. Shifting it throughout your meals is also recommended rather than consuming it all in one meal.

Drink enough water

Water is the fuel of the human body, and as you age, you’re going to need more of that fuel. Just as you improve your eating habits, you should also make it a habit to drink water. You have to remember that your body isn’t the same as when you were younger, so hydration is key to living healthy.

You should follow the age-old recommendation that says to drink eight glasses of water per day. Doing so gives your muscles a good balance of electrolytes that you’ll need for exercising. In addition, drinking enough water also allows your kidneys to clean themselves.

Wrap up

You don’t need to make that many dramatic changes to live healthy in your 40s unless you have to. Starting to go for healthy food choices, staying hydrated, and getting quality sleep for at least 7 hours are good enough. Practice these tips and you’ll be healthy and happy at age 40.

Author’s Bio:

Though not a medical professional, Hodge Racter knows a lot about medical topics, including hormone replacement (having undergone the procedure himself) and medical weight loss surgeries. Today, he remains spry and energetic despite his age, and when he’s not doing freelance work, he’s having quality time with his wife and two dogs.