Health Mistakes Over 40
By Sara Butler
Once you hit 40, it seems to be a game-changer. The things you did to care for your health and wellness before you hit that magical number just doesn’t seem to cut it anymore. A body over 40 is a body that has changed, so you must change right along with it. Here are some common health and wellness mistakes made by those over 40 you need to make sure to avoid.
Sleep
You’re probably not getting enough sleep. In your 40s, you likely face pressure as you juggle family and career obligations. Those stresses can result in reduced sleep. You should be getting at least seven hours of quality sleep each night. Getting enough sleep can have an impact on your mood, energy levels, and the quality of the choices you make when it comes to fitness and diet.
Overlooking Stress
Don’t resign yourself to the side effects of a fast-paced, busy lifestyle. Acknowledge the risks stress brings along with it. It can increase your blood pressure, putting you at risk for stroke and heart attack. So, find ways to deal with stress in a healthy way and recognize the impact it has on your life going forward.
Poor Posture
Posture isn’t something that only young kids need to be reminded of, everyone should pay attention to the impact bad posture can have on their lives. As you get older, many causes of pain and discomfort can be traced back to poor posture. Make sure you take care of your back as you get older by:
- Moving around – You should go between sitting, standing, and other postures as frequently as you can during the day. This takes the pressure off your back, neck, and shoulders that sitting in one position too long can cause.
- Strengthening and stretching – Incorporate exercises such as yoga or Pilates into your day to help build strength in your core muscles and counteract poor posture.
- Sitting pretty – When you sit, your ears should be over your shoulders with your chin lifted, abdomen engaged, and chest lifted.
Resist Technology
So, you may not be as savvy as your kindergartener when it comes to technology, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use technology to your advantage. Don’t be afraid of using apps that help you track your food and fitness to help you stay healthy. You must stay on top of technology; it’s only going to get more complicated!
When you're over 40 you have to find a new way to go about taking care of yourself. Use these tips and you should be good to go!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wichita, Kans.