Age eventually creeps up on everyone, and, as much as some may wish to, it’s impossible to stop or turn back the clock.
Turning 40 is often a major transition for many people, signaling a significant shift into middle-age and taking more responsibility for the future. With that in mind, there are some habits people should leave behind after entering their fourth decade on Earth.
1. Living in Debt
Financial stability feels free. Start small and gradually clear burdensome debts, don’t keep lots of credit cards, and be more conscious about day-to-day purchases. It’s also helpful to increase credit scores for absolute emergencies.
2. Not Saving
It’s always possible to start saving. A few changes and relatively small saving amounts can start setting people up for their future. Leave the stress of living day-to-day to the younger generations.
3. Procrastinating
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking tomorrows are endless and needs and desires can wait. While wishes may sometimes have to go on the back burner, needs should not. As the adage goes, stop putting off what can be done today to tomorrow.
4. Feeding Dead-End Relationships
This goes for friendships as well as romantic relationships. It may be time to cut ties if a relationship isn’t enjoyable and mutually beneficial.
5. Worrying about Others’ Opinions
Not everyone is going to gel with everyone else. And that’s totally normal. Rather than worrying about strangers’ opinions, people should invest more energy into themselves and their loved ones.
6. Neglecting Personal Hygiene
By their 40s, people should have well-established hygiene routines; regular tooth brushing, bathing, and grooming should now be firmly the norm. Aside from life blips, which can happen to anyone, ignoring personal hygiene is just gross for someone in their 40s.
7. Not Exercising
Many people have intentions to exercise but keep putting it off. With metabolism and health changes, middle-aged individuals really should start making exercise a priority. Even a few hours a week can help offset a largely sedentary lifestyle.
8. Drinking Excessively
An aging liver can’t keep up with binge drinking sessions; excessive drinking causes greater liver damage in a person’s 40s than in their 30s. While a few drinks now and then is generally fine for most, big benders definitely shouldn’t be on the agenda!
9. Skipping on Sunscreen
Sun damage can prematurely age people. It’s essential that people in their 40s and older slap on sunscreen to protect their long-term health; plus, it helps people stay as youthful-looking as possible.
10. Eating Before Bedtime
Chowing down right before bed can make many people pile on the pounds—which becomes more challenging to shed after a certain point in life. Plan meals and stop eating on the fly. The body’s metabolism and gut will be thankful!
11. Neglecting Vitamins and Minerals
As well as eating a balanced diet, many people benefit from a bit of vitamin and mineral boost as they creep closer toward old age. Deficiencies become more common, and the effects can be greater.
12. Being Dehydrated
First off, drink more water! Second, waiting until thirst strikes to pour a drink means people are often already dehydrated. Sip water throughout the day to keep dehydration at bay.
13. Gulping Energy Drinks
With high doses of caffeine and other stimulants, energy drinks can put tremendous strain on the heart and affect overall health. Individuals who’ve reached 40 should prioritize good sleep and healthy lifestyles rather than getting regular hits out of a drink can.
14. Acting Younger
Trying to be cool and down with the kids often makes people look foolish. It can alienate people rather than draw them closer. Foolhardy antics that don’t account for aging brains and bodies can be an accident just waiting to happen.
15. Dreaming of the Past
Sure, reminiscing over fond memories is nice once in a while, but those keeping one foot firmly in the past can be headed for depression. Nostalgia is best in small doses, combined with healthy future goals and living in the present.
16. Accepting All Invitations
A packed social calendar isn’t representative of a fulfilled life, and taking on too many social obligations can do more harm than good. While keeping busy is stimulating, having quality downtime is also essential for well-being.
17. Forgetting Milestone Events
Birthdays and anniversaries keep the same dates year in and year out. Constantly forgetting can make loved ones feel, well, not so loved, not to mention unappreciated or taken for granted. It’s time to stop relying on others to provide reminders and start showing some love to the nearest and dearest.
18. Running Late
Sometimes, life happens, and lateness is unavoidable. Most times, however, tardiness boils down to bad planning. Always running behind is disrespectful to others waiting around and may suggest a level of immaturity.
19. Wearing Ill-Fitting Clothes
Clothes too tight or loose are unflattering for people of any age. Look more grown up by altering clothes to fit your frame, perhaps even splashing out on a few classic tailored pieces.
20. Comparing Life Against Others
Comparison is the thief of joy, and those still obsessing over their lot in life or trying to show off to others are unlikely to ever feel true contentment. Instead, people should focus on making positive changes and living their best lives, regardless of what others are doing.
21. Being Too Apologetic
People’s characters are unlikely to change much after turning 40, so it’s time to embrace the self rather than apologize for core beliefs, values, and personality quirks. Those who haven’t quite found their tribe should focus more on finding their people than trying to fit in where they feel on edge.
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Andrew Herrig is a finance expert and money nerd and the founder of Wealthy Nickel, where he writes about personal finance, side hustles, and entrepreneurship. As an avid real estate investor and owner of multiple businesses, he has a passion for helping others build wealth and shares his own family’s journey on his blog.
Andrew holds a Masters of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University. He has worked as a financial analyst and accountant in many aspects of the financial world.
Andrew’s expert financial advice has been featured on CNBC, Entrepreneur, Fox News, GOBankingRates, MSN, and more.
