19 Ways to Look and Feel Young in your 40s

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

How to look and feel young as you age is no easy feat. It is something that must be approached proactively and purposefully.

When it feels like the entire world is demanding your attention, how in the world are you supposed to… well… take care of you?

Friend, I learned a long time ago that you cannot pour from an empty cup.

As much as people want and need you, if you don’t take care of you first, then you will be completely unable to care for anyone else properly, if at all!

Trust me, as a wife, a mother of 4 (teenager to toddler), and a business owner of 2 businesses… I completely understand what it feels like to be wearing many different hats in a day. To literally feel like you are being pulled in all different directions.

I get it.

I read in a book once that when the flight attendants are going through their safety instructions before the plane takes off… you know the instructions we all ignore. (is it just me?)

Well, for those who pay attention, you’ve heard them say in the event of an emergency the oxygen masks will fall from the ceiling.

Then what do they say?

They tell YOU to put your oxygen mask on first before anyone else.

Once your mask is on then you can put the masks on of your children and others around you.

But YOU must put yours on first.

Why?

Because you can’t help anyone if you’re passed out or, worse, dead.

However, when you’ve got your oxygen going and flowing, you can do whatever needs to be done to help those around you.

Same thing in life, my dear friend…

You need to find your oxygen!

When you are filled up on the inside, it is so so easy to pour out and give to others.

It’s so much easier to find the joy and pleasures in life instead of running around frantic putting out fires.

So let’s focus on taking care of you today.

There are many ways that you can look and feel young but first, we have to tackle to challenge of time but before we get into the how’s… first you have to honestly decide if you even WANT to.

Because just like anything else, this will take effort.

Do you WANT to look and feel young?

I’m not talking going to get plastic surgery or professional work done. I’m talking about doing a couple of things to put a pep back in your step.

Seeing those bags under your eyes and doing something about them. Cutting or styling the hair that’s always up in a bun or ponytail. Sitting for hours reading a good book. Tossing those leggings and actually putting on a dress and heels. Or simply calling up a good friend for a quality conversation or even meeting up for coffee and laughing until you cry.

These are all very simple things that can breathe life back into you.

You just have to WANT to.

Again, this is coming from a mom of 4 who has been raising kids for almost 16 years.

There have been many times and years where all I wanted to do was to just lay down. I didn’t care about the wrinkles or ponytail or leggings or even friends… just let this mama get some sleep!!

But through these past 16 years, I have discovered how precious my children are but also how precious my alone time is. My self-care time.

If I could go back, one of the biggest things I would have focused on during those crazy years of bringing up babies was taking time out, away, to focus on ME.

Now, to know me is to know that I’m outgoing, I love people.

I LOVE to laugh. I think people are hilarious. I think I’m hilarious. I think things are hilarious.

I have an obnoxiously loud laugh that I tried to hide for so many years. But then, one day in high school, I just let it go! I didn’t even need Elsa to tell me that. (she wasn’t around back then)

Friend, I even snort-laugh… and I just do not care. But that’s another topic for another day.

So why do I tell you that? Because I may be an extrovert but oh my, dear friend, I LOVE my alone time.

I love filling me back up. It is so so needed.

I am thankful that my husband and my kids know that. (that is not through osmosis, by the way, that stuff needs to be openly discussed)

My family knows that when I take a “mommy time out” that I come back better and stronger for them.

So let’s tackle this topic of how to look and feel young in our 40s.

I have broken this post into 4 sections… physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Although I believe these are all intertwined and complement each other, I figured with 19 items, it would be easier to read and digest.

So my dear friend, here are things I’ve learned along the way and hope they are helpful for you as you continue on your journey.

Physical Tips to Look & Feel Young

1. WATER, WATER, WATER

I cannot stress the power of drinking enough water. Limit the beverages that dehydrate you, caffeine, alcohol, etc.

Not only does water help make your skin and hair look amazing, but it also helps your insides function better.

Oh, and water is essential in weight loss efforts. #winwin

I wrote this article on how and why to drink more water. Definitely check it out.

2. EXERCISE

You don’t need to be hitting the gym every day, but try to do something. Even if it’s just hitting your step count for the day. Or going for a walk to raise your heart rate for 20-30 minutes.

If you don’t have a fitness/step tracker – I highly recommend getting one!

Check out this one:

Just do something. You will feel better.

3. GET OUTSIDE

Vitamin D PLEASE!

There is so much to be said about getting your daily dose of Vitamin D.

It was several years ago when I started realizing that seasonal depression was a real thing.

For those of us that live in the north, know that the winters are long and brutal. Going outside isn’t much of an option. During those long, cold winters, I would find myself with zero energy and just wanting to be in bed.

I went through a couple of winters like that and realized, wow I must be suffering from seasonal depression.

I started researching and learned that I massively lacked vitamin D. So I got super proactive as I headed into that next fall and winter and literally doubled and tripled up on my Vitamin D intake, and wouldn’t you know it… I didn’t suffer from it at all! Not one day!

Vitamin D is also an excellent flu and cold fighter. Highly recommended

Here’s what I take

Overall, get outside is always a good idea. The fresh air, the sunshine on your face, the birds chirping… it is all good medicine.

4. EAT SMART

We all know the importance of eating the right foods.. and if you don’t, you need to.

Our body is a machine. In order for it to operate at optimal levels, you must feed it optimal foods. Period.

You cannot drive through fast food places daily and expect your body (or your wallet) to survive!

If you are anything like I was, I needed MAJOR help in this category. The hot dogs and mac n cheese diet were definitely not giving me the results I was looking for. Which in turn did not help me serve my family and friends the way I needed to.

If you want to learn how to eat properly for your body, learn how to get healthy, strong, and gain energy… then you need to head to this post asap!

5. TAKE QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS

Even if you eat perfectly balanced meals all day every day and your plate contains all the colors of the rainbow… guess what?

You still need to supplement!

Why?

Because our foods are not what they once were. Our soil isn’t what it once was. The quality of our foods is not as high as it used to be.

I know there are a million options when it comes to vitamins and supplements…

So which ones are right for YOU?

Here is a great Supplement Recommender.

The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete and it will tell you, based on your answers, EXACTLY what vitamins and supplements you should be taking for your body.

How cool is that?

Want some personal help with choosing where to start?

Send your results to maureen@reallifemo.com – I would love to help!

6. USE QUALITY SKINCARE

My mom taught me in my early teens how important it was to use qualify skincare. Back then her advice was irritating and seemed to be a complete waste of time.

Fast forward to my 40s… I am so so grateful she instilled that lesson into me.

Yes, I could have “saved money” and go to the local drug store over all these years, but I am grateful I chose to stick with high-quality skincare.

Why?

Because even at 44 years old people still guess I am still in my early 30s!

Friend, I will take that any day of the week!

Having younger looking skin has been worth the investment!

So just like all the vitamins and supplements, where should you start?

What skincare is right for YOU?

Friend, you NEED this app in your life:

Artistry Virtual Beauty App

• One-Touch Skin Analysis
• Personalized Skincare Recommendations
• Real-Time Beauty Makeovers

This app is amazing!! Seriously, get it now!

iPhone App store

Google Play Store

Again, once you take the survey and analysis and want advice on where to start, send me an email maureen@reallifemo.com. I’d love to help!

7. HEALTHCARE APPOINTMENTS

Go get checked!

• Annual Physical & Bloodwork
• Mammogram
• Thermology Breast & Body Scans
• Pap Smear
• Dental Exam
• Chiropractic Care

Whatever it is that you’ve been avoiding, delaying, being inconsistent with… just make your appointment and GO!

Please.

Emotional Tips to Look & Feel Young

8. SELF-CARE

*When was the last time you got your hair cut?

There is just something about walking out of a salon after a fresh new cut and style.

I always feel like I’m swinging the door open and walking in a slow-mo commercial with the wind blowing in my hair. Not too much of course, I don’t want to ruin my new do.

On a budget?

• Do you have a friend that cuts hair?
• Can you locate a local beauty school that will offer hair cuts for free or at a discount?

*When was the last time you got your nails done?

Getting a solid manicure is a beautiful thing. Cleaning up those cuticles along with a fresh new coat of paint does wonders!

On a budget? Simple…

• Get a manicure kit and some polish from your local store and do it yourself.

*Facials are not just relaxing they are wonderful care for your skin.

• You don’t have to go to an expensive spa for an effective facial.
• Here’s what I use for at-home facials and treatments.

*When as the last time you just took a nice, long, hot bath?

Don’t ever overlook or underestimate this gem of self-care!

9. JOURNAL

Take 5 minutes each morning or evening to just write. There is something so therapeutic about jotting down your thoughts and ideas.

Here is a very safe place to let out your anger, frustration, disappointments, along with your hopes, dreams, and visions for your life.

None of it needs to be organized or perfect. Just. write.

Write whatever comes to mind.

Just. Write.

Don’t miss this!

10. BREATHE

My apple watch needs to remind me to do this, so I’m here to remind you!

Seriously… a few deep breaths go so far.

Close your eyes, picture your happy place and breathe.

11. LAUGH

I do not need to explain this one. Laughter is the best medicine!

Is it a certain movie genre, book series, TV show, social event, or friend?

I have a friend that cuts my hair and I’m not kidding when I tell you I was just there the other day and I had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard.

Who or what is that for you?

Find what makes you laugh… and make time for it!

12. VOLUNTEER

What is your passion? Kids, the elderly, the sick, the poor, the abused?

Find a place where you could take a day each week or month to go help. Imagine what that would do to fill your soul.

Mental Tips to Look & Feel Young

13. GET DRESSED

I’ve been a stay at home mom for 16 years. I now run 2 businesses from my house. Needless to say, I spend a lot of time at home. But when you see me, you would think I worked a full-time job outside of the house.

Every morning I get up early to read, write, and pray and then I get myself ready for the day.

Even the days that all the kids are at school, my husband is gone, I still get myself fully cleaned up, dressed, full makeup on… to sit at my desk, in an empty house.

Why? Because it just helps me feel productive. I cannot possibly feel like I am going to conquer the world and build my empire while I’m sitting in my jammies with morning breath.

14. USE A CALENDAR

Do you run your day? Or does your day run you?

I covered this topic in-depth in this post. Check it out, if you are feeling disorganized and stressed out every day!

15. READ & LISTEN

Pick up some self-help books and expand your mind. It truly is amazing what reading other people’s stories and learning success principles can do in your own life.

One of my top 5 books ever read is definitely this one. Please please read this. It will fill your soul and give you an amazing perspective on life!

PS don’t miss the end… it will ROCK YOUR WORLD!

Turn on the podcasts of people who are successful in areas you’re interested in. Learn their top tips and secrets.

The goal overall is to learn success mindset.

16. WATCH TUTORIALS

When I am feeling stuck in a rut with my makeup or hair or mindset… I usually head to people who know what they’re talking about. Enter YouTube.

I love getting a fresh perspective or different ideas on certain topics and improving my skills on certain topics.

I also love

NOTE: Many people will hear me talk smack about YouTube. When I do it’s totally because I think a lot of the content is designed for mature audiences and unfortunately, there are many young and immature people on there daily and hourly that is being influenced inappropriately.

I have a real problem with that.

So Maureen WHY then do you have a YouTube Channel? Because I want to help change that. I want to put good, positive content out there for all ages.

Agree with that? Then you should definitely subscribe to my channel because that’s the only way I will be able to do that! Thanks for your help.

17. MAGAZINES

This could definitely fit under the emotional category as well.

I love magazines… just flipping through them is so visually stimulating and fulfilling.

So what topics do you love?

• Cooking
• Health
• Decorating
• Beauty
• Cars
• Travel
• Exercise
• Homes
• Design
• Architecture

Pick up a magazine, read and enjoy.

Cut pictures out and hang them up. Make a vision board of things you want or how you want your life to be.

The Power of Vision is so so strong!

Spiritual Tips to Look & Feel Young

I personally put this category first in my life. This is how I feed my soul, this is the source of my joy. When I have joy I feel youthful and energetic and when I feel that way on the inside, it exudes out and therefore I look that way.

This is my main source to look and feel young.

18. MEDITATE

Get. Quiet.

Usually, when I suggest this, the first thing people respond with is that they just don’t have the time.

Can I be real, friend? Yes, you do.

You do HAVE the time, you just don’t MAKE the time.

I cover the topic of Time Management here… go check it out!

Ideas:

• Get quiet, stretch, listen to calming, praise music.
• Grab your journal and bible, pull up a scripture of the day and meditate on that scripture. Write what comes to mind. Anything. Everything.
• Get a daily devotional, read and meditate on that.

Here’s what I use:

Overall, whatever your style and beliefs, whatever you want to do, just do it.

19. PRAY & PRAISE

Again however you want to do it, just do it.

I usually just ask Alexa to crank out my Christian tunes and I just pray and praise!

In closing, my prayer for you is that you found at least one thing out of this list that you can apply to your life today.

Just know, that looking young on the outside is an inside job. Start there first.

Fill yourself up, give your life oxygen again.

All of this makes you look and feel young into your 40s and beyond!

What about you? What do you do to look and feel young as you age? I’d love to hear.

xoxo,

Mo

Did you enjoy this post? Please pass this on… sharing is caring!