10 Habits Every Woman Should Try to Stay Healthy in Midlife
If you’re looking for realistic ways to stay healthy in midlife, these 10 wellness habits have truly transformed how I feel in my 50s and beyond.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I offering medical advice. I am just sharing what has worked for me! Consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes.
Thriving in Midlife
If you want to boost your quality of life in your 40s and beyond, your daily habits are the foundation to your health! The lifestyle habits you build in midlife will affect your physical health, mental health, brain health, and more. Studies show that healthy habits are the building blocks to a healthier life, and it is never too late to make a change for the better. From honing in on your nutrition to finding a physical activity you love, your habits can change your life in midlife or any age.
What are the 10 Habits to Stay Healthy in Midlife?
These 10 healthy habits have helped me feel my best in midlife and beyond!
1. Invest in Friendships
This is always important, but especially in midlife! As an empty nester, it is easy to slip into isolation or even a depression if you don’t stay active and invest in friendships. My friends and I try to get together regularly, and I try to never turn down an invitation to dinner with a friend! Studies show that strong, rich friendships and life-giving social connections have long-term benefits for older adults and can even prevent cognitive decline.
2. Get 10,000 Steps a Day
Getting enough steps in a day might be the best healthy lifestyle habit you can incorporate! I have a foldable WalkingPad in my office, and it makes getting my steps in very doable and convenient. I have built walking into my daily routine and try to get 3,000-4,000 steps in before breakfast to set myself up for success!
3. Spend Time in the Sauna
This is a new habit of mine, but I have already seen so many amazing benefits. I have seen huge improvements to my osteoarthritis, joints, and overall inflammation since I started using it! Time in an infrared sauna reduces anxiety, is great for relaxation, supports anti-aging, helps with muscle recovery, and more. I have a Sunlighten mPulse Conquer infrared sauna that I use daily and could not recommend enough!
4. Pick up Pilates
I am working on incorporating two pilates classes into my week, but I always go at least once. I’ve done it for over five years and have seen huge improvements to my flexibility and core strength. Plus, it makes for a great low-impact exercise.
5. Prioritize Strength Training
Strength training is all the rage these days, and all the commotion is warranted! I have started prioritizing strength training over all other types of exercise because it is key to building muscle, stamina, and maintaining the density of your bones. Strength training can even prevent heart disease, help with high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower the risk of diabetes. If strength training is a new hobby for you, start small! Find a trainer or class you love and build up as you go. Zane and I love TorQue Fitness here in Birmingham!
6. Be Vigilant with Protein and Creatine
Speaking of muscle, creatine and protein are also game changers for building and maintaining muscle in midlife. My daughter Ellie has taught me about the importance of creatine, and it is a non-negotiable for me! I add 5 grams into my coffee every morning along with a scoop of collagen protein. Throughout the day, I try to get at least 100 grams of protein by eating whole foods and keeping a balanced diet. Building healthy eating habits takes time, but it does not have to be complicated!
For creatine and collagen, I use Designs for Health’s Creatine and Whole Body Collagen on Amazon. For protein smoothies, my favorites include FlavCity and Peachie Spoon. For FlavCity, you can use my code JAMIE for 15% off! For Peachie Spoon, you can use my code FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount on your order.
7. Be Early to Bed, Early to Rise
Getting better sleep improves cognitive function, boosts your mood, supports a healthy metabolism, and so much more. I never go to bed past 9 o’clock, and I try to start winding down at 8. I get up very early most mornings, so sleep is a priority for me.
8. Hormone Replacement Therapy
This has been a menopause lifesaver for me, and I truly don’t feel like I have menopausal symptoms because of it. I highly recommend talking to your doctor about how hormone replacement therapy can help you!
9. Hydrate with Electrolytes
It can be so hard to get enough water in a day, but drinking electrolytes is amazing for maximizing hydration. I use Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration, and it makes me feel hydrated and energized. I love their Pina Colada flavor, but Zane and I’s ultimate favorite is their Chocolate electrolytes. If you love a sweet treat, it tastes just like a rich cup of hot cocoa while also being low in calories and provides great hydration. We drink it all the time before bed. I also think it helps my leg cramps!
If you want to give Redmond Re-Lyte a try, you can use my code FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount on your order!
10. Ditch Inflammatory Oils
This is such an easy swap, but it makes a monumental difference! Cutting out inflammatory oils like canola oil or vegetable oil significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Instead of these harmful oils, I use healthy fats like Kosterina’s olive oils, avocado oil, and avocado shortening.
Kosterina’s oils and vinegars are some of my most used items in my pantry! If you want to give their products a try, you can use this link for 15% off your first order.
Hi Lee! I have the white foldable~I cant recall the model but it is the only white one I think!!
What walking pad do you have?