Why I Decided to Change Habits Before Turning 40

Today, I am 37. I have never thought that I will reach the second half of my thirties that fast as I still feel I am in my twenties, but it seems that my body does not. Two years ago, I had a heart stroke. My cardiologist prescribed the necessary medications and told me that I had to be cautious especially my father had a long journey with heart problems. He advised me to change some habits and avoid stress. Today, I find it a good chance to share them with you, even if I am not one hundred percent committed.

1- Say No to Work Overload

In the past, I always felt shy to say no to any work even if I had the luxury to. I used to take any work and do it even if I am deadly tired. Now, I do not do this because I cannot. My body needs reasonable workload. Sometimes, it is too tough and I do not have any option to say no. Yet, when I have, I apologize.

2- Do Exercise

Exercising is essential for starting a new life before or after 40. To be honest, I have never played any kind of sport. I tried to learn swimming, but I quit after four classes. I did not like to walk a lot. I tried to go to the gym many times, but I failed to go regularly. Recently, I have subscribed a YouTube channel and have downloaded videos to help me work out at home. It is still hard for me to exercise on a daily basis, but I find it quite interesting especially I do not have to bother myself getting dressed to go to the gym. I enjoy running in the same place with some cardio. I am not that committed, but I feel better taking care of my health with a 30-minute exercise each other day.

3- Drink Water

I mean drink a lot of water. Water is the only 100% healthy drink with no calories to worry about. No need to tell you how important it is to drink water as you all know. You only need to remind yourself to drink, and you can keep a glass with you to remind you every while.

4- Eat Healthy Food

In my twenties, I used to work a lot and spend too much time out. I used to eat in different fast food restaurants, which I cannot stand anymore. Now when I go to work, I prepare my food. I try to add more vegetables and fruits and I have almost cut processed meat and Trans fats. When I eat out, I order grilled food. Sometimes, I crave fried food and sweats. I eat them, but not daily. Seriously, what enters your body impacts your physical and mental health.

5- Study

Studying is one of my favorite activities. I like to learn something new especially if it is relevant to my work. Learning a skill or a language is fun. Learning a new thing in itself is interesting as it makes you feel that you still exist and you can do it. It is never a waste of time, efforts, or money. I have recently started taking online courses to enhance my skills, and I will learn a new language soon. It is something that has nothing to do with age, as I believe that telling someone that he/she cannot learn a new thing because of their age is like sentencing them to death.

6- Take a Break

When feeling drained, it is necessary to take a break. You do not need a long break to rest your body. On the contrary, you can have a few hours to work out, or watch a movie at the end of the day. If you have the chance to leave and go on a trip, do it. Going places, seeing new people, and trying new things change the mood and give a push forward.

7- Find Me Time

This is the time when I do whatever I enjoy even if it is making a cup of tea with a slice of cake in front of the TV. Sometimes, I feel too stressed out and lost among schedules, deadlines, house chores, and other responsibilities. Spending some time alone doing whatever I like charges my battery for the days to come.

Frankly, I tried to share the habits that I have changed and I am still working on. I believe you too have changed some. We can share them together and help each other lead a healthier life.