5 Things You Need Before You Turn 40

Are you inching towards your gorgeous 40s? Here is a list of 5 things you need before you turn 40!

Turning 40 doesn’t have to be all about greying hair and failing eyesight. “Forty” also marks the time when people master the art of saying “no”, learn to be more assertive and, start to care less for other people’s opinions.

What are the 5 things you need before you turn 40?

Combine the sassy 40s attitude with the below five. You are sure to rock your 40s and beyond. Let’s delve into the list of must-haves!

Friends

You will need many and all kinds. Colleagues with whom you can discuss work-life balance over lunch, workout partners with whom you can discuss fitness and pain, neighbours with whom you can discuss Sunday gardening and one-pot dishes, plus at least one “real friend” — someone with whom you can discuss all the above and more.

These “real friends” won’t judge you, will listen patiently while you rant, and will give you advice only when asked.

Sports

As you age, your metabolism drops, and it’s supremely important to keep fit. According to lifestyle coach, Lalit Kapoor, bones become strong not just by increasing calcium intake but by putting them through stress. Learning a sport is a fun way to get fit. It is never too late to learn a sport.

That said, the 40s are easier to navigate when you have at least figured out what sport interests you or what sport works for you.

Family Physician

This is not just for you. This is chiefly for the elders at home, who would probably be well into their 60s as you enter the 40s. A ride to the hospital for every pain and ailment can get tiring for you and for the elders you are trying to help.

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Instead, it is helpful to have a family physician who is familiar with your medical history. He will help you with seasonal flu and age-related illnesses. He will refer you to a specialist only when he thinks you need special attention.

Hobby

When you hit the 40s, your kids are past their toddler stage and don’t need your constant attention any more. It is easy to feel a little lost at this stage, where suddenly nobody seems to be depending on you for anything.

A good hobby will help you relax and make you feel accomplished. With a hobby, you will be spending time doing something you love. It could be anything – from painting to photography, from star gazing to astrology. You should be serious about it and make time for it on a regular basis.

Strength/Forte

By the time you turn 40, you should know yourself well enough to identify your strengths. Zero in on something you are good at and work on it. Ensure that you are playing to your strengths in your job. It is not easy to make a complete career switch.

But you can make a beginning by taking up additional responsibilities at work, where your natural strengths will shine through.

For e.g.  If you are a programmer whose strength is communication, you could ask for direct client interaction. If you are a teacher who loves to write, you can use your creativity to come up with interesting supplementary study materials for your students.

So, start making friends, learn a sport, find a friendly neighbourhood doctor, develop a hobby and identify your strengths. Your 40s will be much more enjoyable than your 20s.

Image source: cheekudigital free via Getty Images, free on CanvaPro

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