Hello, beautiful people! How are you doing? I think when you’re a child you have this idea of how your life would be and what you would be doing. However, life has a way of flipping things on its head. Anyway, as I am well into my 4th decade of this life, here are 10 things I am doing in my mid-forties. Let me know if you already do any of these things.

10 Things I am Doing in my Mid-Forties

Lifting Heavy

I’ll caveat this and say that heavy is subjective so if 5 kgs is heavy for you then it is. With that out of the way, I started being more intentional with lifting weights and progressively upping the weights a few months ago. I’ve found that when I increased the weights incrementally it shifts the plateaus and I start to see results. For me, lifting weights is important as I get older because the things I was able to get away with at 20, I can’t or there are consequences. I’m not trying to be 25 again but I do want to have the healthiest body I can possibly have.

Taking Magnesium

I think I’ve spoken about taking magnesium before and the benefits. For me, it’s not a fad but something that has actually helped me manage migraines. It doesn’t stop them but I’ve noticed a positive difference when I take them. They’re also great to help me get more sleep, not 100% of the time but enough to make taking them whorthwhile. It supports muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood pressure, boosts energy production and strengthens bones. It’s also essential for converting vitamin D into its active form, which helps your body absorb calcium. Basically it’s a powerhouse mineral and I’m glad I started taking it. Please do speak to your GP before taking any supplements.

Managing Stress

We’re stressed out and whilst a bit of stress isn’t a bad thing. It actually helps us get out of bed and get to work on time, most days. Too much stress isn’t great for us mentally, emotionally and physically. To help me manage my stress, apart from taking magnesium, I also take ashwaghanda which is an adaptogen that comes from India. It’s actually a plant and is used a lot in ayuverdic medicine. It can help with balancing hormones and managing stress. I’ve also introduced yin yoga a couple times a week before bedtime to help me let go of the day and any stressed that came up. Plus, I’ve adopted the mindset that if it won’t matter in 2 or 3 years then it actually doesn’t matter.

Doing More of What Brings me Joy

This also something that helps me manage stress but also, it adds that magic to life that we use when life has us in a choke hold. For me, it doesn’t have to cost me money or be expensive. Taking a walk in the sunshine and stopping to look at the flowers that have bloomed brings me joy. Spednding time with friends or looking at something that makes me laugh is joyful. Of course I also enjoy travel and I’m making a more concerted effort to do more of it but intentionally. What brings you joy and makes your heart sing?

Quality Over Quantity

I started to realise a long time ago that sometimes having a few quality items is better than having any things of substandaard quality. They last longer and I get to use my creativity to think outside of the box. For instance, I’ve raved about Audrey Leighton Vintage on my socials before and whilst they’re a higher price point, the clothes are well made and pieces I’ve owned since before covid are still in the same condition as I bought it despite many wears and washes. As summer is upon us, I am excited about what outfits I can create with those pieces.

Decluttering

I’ve had ad need to declutter my closet and even put some shoes and clothing on Vinted. I think having less brings clarity and fosters creativity. Of course its still a work in progress and I still have lots to declutter from my closet especially my shoes. Shoes are one of the few vices I have in life especially as they’re so pretty! What are you decluttering?

Streamling my Skincare

Part of decluttering meant my skincare drawer which held so much. A lot I didn’t use or wasn’t good for my skin. So I decided to look at the goals I wanted to achieve with my skin, got some advice and streamlined the products I use. I now use less products which are a mix of Korean skincare, The Ordinary and The Inkeylist. The results? Less redness which has been a goal for a long time.

Health Check-ups

Let’s be real, as time goes by, we need to stop ignoring the little pains and niggles, because they can actually be symptoms of something bigger. So, instead of waiting to see if it got worse, I started to take the steps and being intentional. That meant going to the doctor and spending money on my health because poor health is not a great place to be in.

Accepting What I Can’t Change

Finally, one of the things I am doing in my mid-forties is accepting what I can’t change. The energy I spent trying to either change reality or, twisting myself in knots to see the other person’s perspective or, wishing things or that person was different. It’s a breath of fresh air to simply accept reality just as it is and not try to change it. Plus, I have more energy to feed back into my life and creative endeavours.

These are the 10 things I am doing in my mid-forties because having the best life is worth having. If you’re in your mid-forties or beyond, what are things you’re doing . Let me know in the comments below.