Men in their 40s experience a lot of physical and mental health issues. These could stem from stress, family, work, or even personal problems. At this age, many men gain weight from inactivity and the natural process of aging. But there are ways men in their 40s can stay in shape, even if they are not as flexible or as agile as they were in their 20s.
Ace Your Tests
When people reach the age of 40, they need to do a regular checkup with their doctor. A series of medical tests will reveal your state of health. Ask your doctor to do an annual check of your cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure and blood cell count. There are other tests men in their 40s need to do regularly, such as a prostate exam and a colonoscopy.
If you’ve had a vasectomy, it’s best to have it checked too, because there have been cases of vasectomies that have healed spontaneously or side effects such as fluid buildup.
Manage Your Stress
Stress is the number one cause for many heart-related deaths and illnesses in men. If you suffer from hypertension, it’s best to manage your stress levels through meditation, yoga, or stress management classes. Some men consider changing careers, while others prefer a change of environment.
Consider first where your stress comes from, and then make a decision. It might be you need a change of environment or a weekly schedule for relaxation or meditation, but do what you can to lessen the strain on your heart and mind.
Get Enough Sleep
Stress, anxiety and lack of sleep are all related, but you need to make sure that you get enough sleep every night. Lack of sleep affects your health and more often could affect your personal life too. Most men who suffer from lack of sleep due to stress or apnea could suffer from a dip in their testosterone levels. This could lead to sexual impotence for men.
Manage Your Diet
When you reach the age of 40, you need to watch what you eat and drink. You need to avoid processed food, such as chips, canned food, and soda. All these have excessive amounts of sugar and preservatives, which could increase the risks for cancer or heart ailments. Lessen your consumption of alcohol, sugar, salt and fat.
Drink more water and eat more vegetables and fruits, but still consume protein from fish, chicken and eggs. These have proteins that are helpful in slowing down the aging process.
Stay Active
Everyone needs to stay active to stay healthy. You don’t need to do the high-level activities you did in your 20s, but you could adjust it so your body and heart will not be stressed. Some men consider Pilates or yoga, while others consider boxing. Knees and joints may not be as flexible as they were, so activities like jogging and running could be more painful rather than beneficial. Ask your doctor which activities would suit your state of health, and then choose one that you could do at least three times a week.
Reaching the age of 40 is a milestone, but these days 40 is the new 30, and 50 is the new 40. However, you need to make sure that your body is ready for the new 30.
