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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

If you are energetic, positive and healthy in your 40s...what are your tips?

104 replies

Wisenotboring · 04/06/2022 19:17

I'm approaching mid 40s and feel like I'm coming out of a bit of a fog of tiredness and life feeling a bit like hard work. I have a new job and am feeling more like my old self after a final baby and covid. I want to embrace the next stage and make good decisions to give myself the best chance of a healthy and enjoyable middle age. If you are feeling good what are your top tips for me!

OP posts:
topcat2014 · 04/06/2022 19:19

I started a new job and changed sector last year at the age of 49. After the initial shock of any new job, it has felt a new lease of life

Hotcuppatea · 04/06/2022 19:20

Take up running. You will feel fitter and more energised than ever.

BuddhaAtSea · 04/06/2022 19:22

HRT, Running and swimming, Pilates, body pump, therapy, no dairy, new job.

Iamanunsafebuilding · 04/06/2022 19:31

Did couch to 5k at 46, running has changed my life. Career change at 48, I love my new direction. Joined a gym at 51, am stronger and leaner.

I'm 52 and fitter than I've ever been, my kids are young adults so I can focus on my career change and I've embraced it!

Powerpotpie · 04/06/2022 19:36

Feed your gut microbiome, with lots of variety. Exercise regularly, try and get 7 hours sleep a night and get up at the same time every day. The hardest of them all is trying to limit stress! I’m still working on that one, but trying hard to be present and in the moment and grateful for the small good things that happen throughout the day.

catfunk · 04/06/2022 19:40

Cut down on refined carbs and sugar
Loads of veg
Loads of water
Lots of protein
Feed your microbiome - kombucha, sauerkraut, or good quality probiotics
Exercise
Be quite strict with sleep/ bedtimes

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 04/06/2022 20:05

Core work - planking specifically

Lifting weights - proper ones

Cutting out refined carbs/ processed foods

Yoga every night

Sleeping properly

TulipsGarden · 04/06/2022 20:07

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 04/06/2022 20:05

Core work - planking specifically

Lifting weights - proper ones

Cutting out refined carbs/ processed foods

Yoga every night

Sleeping properly

Good luck managing all this with young children 😂

Wisenotboring · 04/06/2022 21:11

Thanks for the suggestions. I definitely have to abandon ideas of a perfect routine and just start something even if it's small due to the small children 😂. I'm very into the benefits of weights and am doing a few sessions at home per week. They're just fairly short as I can't seem to fit in longer routines. I'm.hoping this will help me age better.
It's very encouraging to see jobs feature. I've recently made a move into a new work situation as I don't want to coast into retirement. Hopefully I'll see the same positive effects!

OP posts:
mumda · 04/06/2022 21:27

Make sure the things you do make you happy.

Cozytoesandtoast00 · 04/06/2022 21:32

Completely give up dieting. I think I've fucked up my mental health and body by dieting over the years and I'm actually heavier.
Just eat good nutritious food and stay away from junk as much as you can.

C1239 · 05/06/2022 08:20

Following!

moggerhanger · 05/06/2022 08:26

Until long Covid hit me I was doing pretty well. I jogged (won't dignify it by calling it running, but I've jogged several half marathons and full distance marathons, plus two ultras, after decades of being a couch potato). But I think the main thing that put some fizz into life was volunteering as a Beaver Scout leader. It's been more fun than I could have imagined, and I get to use my brain in a completely different way.

Ceridwenn · 05/06/2022 08:26

44 and just started new job at higher level. I visualise being able to do it.

Have a running machine connected to Zwift and an amazing playlist that makes me want to rule the world.

Martial arts with primary aged DD.

Writing a book.

Cutting down on alcohol. Even a glass robs me of energy and resolve.

Eat naturally.

Saying no.

CrispsnDips · 05/06/2022 08:53

Age 58 here
Studied and gained a Diploma two years ago
New rewarding job last year
Lots of cycling
Lots of walking
No bread HAHA
Positive thinking !

Flaunch · 05/06/2022 08:54

New outside hobby
new dog - long walks every day

I feel and look better at 42 than I felt all through my 30’s

Mirrorball2022 · 05/06/2022 08:57

All the boring stuff, I exercise: currently spinning, walking and yoga. Some kettle bells too. I don’t deprive myself of food I enjoy but I also make sure i eat nutritionally well too most of the time: lots of fruit/veg etc but I don’t cut out food groups!
I drink lots of water and alcohol only once a week maybe.

I didn’t have kids so that probably helps with the energy thing.

MintJulia · 05/06/2022 09:00

Hotcuppatea · 04/06/2022 19:20

Take up running. You will feel fitter and more energised than ever.

This.

I started at 48. I found I had far more energy, was generally much more positive and cheerful. I removed the people who sucked all the joy from my life.
Changed jobs to get away from a toxic environment. Had a clear out at home.

A sort of middle-age spring clean 😀

ILiveInSalemsLot · 05/06/2022 09:09

Great tips here.
I want to add - keep life interesting. Go out as much as you can and explore places near and far.
If you've got young kids - Have a little physical play with them as often as you can. Chasing, pillow fights, being a hug monster kind of thing. It's quite reenergising!
Hard to stick to with young kids, but have a routine for chores. I realised that being organised and pushing myself to get things done, frees up time later for fun and relaxation. Get family involved too.

EATmum · 05/06/2022 09:14

After a difficult couple of years culminating with the death of my mum, the thing that helps is exercise. I don't 'love' it - I'm yet to get this mythical runner's high - but I love feeling stronger, and able to use this body to achieve something positive. Training for the London Marathon at present, which is a fabulous focus.

Imobsessedwithsuccesion · 05/06/2022 09:48

HRT! I've gone from knackered and anxious to cooler and back to my old self almost instantly.

Also exercise, see a PT twice a week and I'm stronger than ever.

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 05/06/2022 10:01

@TulipsGarden my children are 7, 4 and 4 (twins) and it is possible!
The food bit is easy tbh, the yoga is Yoga with Adriene after DC bedtime and I commute to work by bike on the 2 days DH does school and nursery run.

It is do-able!!

Giviningup · 05/06/2022 10:04

Following

Foolsrule · 05/06/2022 10:04

Accept who you are and be happy with what you have.

AIBU123456789 · 05/06/2022 11:54

HRT, a job I enjoy and yoga/exercise.