How I’m Looking & Feeling My Best in My 40s: The Five Non-Negotiables:

There is a common misconception that as we approach our 40s—or pass them—our best days are behind us. We are told to brace for slower metabolisms, dwindling energy, and "inevitable" sagging.

Honestly? I’ve never felt better.

I'm 44, and I look better now than I did in my 30s. This isn't because of "good genes" or expensive procedures. It’s because I stopped chasing perfection and started chasing consistency. In this decade, I’ve locked in five non-negotiables that have transformed my health, skin, and confidence.

If you’re between 35 and 50 and looking to upgrade your approach to aging, these are the five things I refuse to skip.

WARNING: This is NOT for everyone! This is what works for me. Take this as a menu, take what you want, which may be nothing😊!

1. Daily Movement: Yoga, Pilates, Running, & Weight Training

My goal isn't to be "skinny"—it's to be strong and functional. Around age 40, we naturally start losing muscle mass. To combat this, I rotate between different types of movement to support my body, not break it down.

• Running: I keep my heart healthy and boost my mood with moderate-intensity cardio. I prefer to run on trails, as this surface is easier on my joints, works more auxiliary muscles, and keeps me connected to nature. No headphones or iPods here, folks! Just me and the sounds of wild & wonderful, WV.

  
  

• Pilates: This is my secret weapon for core strength, improving my posture, and keeping my back healthy. Long & lean? Yes Ma'am! My favorite Pilates classes are reformer, but if I am traveling, doing basic calisthenics or using an app like BetterMe works too!

  
  

• Yoga: Essential for flexibility, reducing stress, and grounding my mind. I have been doing yoga for over 15 years and really feel it is an essential part of my wellness routine.

  
  

• Weight Training: Weight training? Yes, in midlife, we lose lean muscle if we don't work it. Why is this important? Lean muscles are a metabolism regulator! You gotta have them to keep you feeling good and moving!

  
  

I don't do all of it every day. The key is just moving daily—even if it's just a 30-minute walk.

2. Radical Hydration

It sounds simple, but you cannot have glowing skin or high energy if you are dehydrated. As we age, our skin loses moisture and elasticity.

• The Formula: I take my weight in pounds and drink at least half that amount in ounces of water daily.

  
  

• The Boost: If I’m running or doing intense Pilates, I drink chlorophyll water to replenish what I lose.

Also, I don't drink soda/pop or add anything to my water except lime. Although I grew up in Appalachia, soda/pops were not drunk in my home, so I never acquired a taste for them--THANK God! I use juice for "rescue," as I am a Type 1 Diabetic.

3. Consistency Over Perfection in Nutrition

I nourish my body with intention. The goal is to reduce inflammation, which directly affects how your skin looks and how you feel physically and mentally.

• Protein & Fiber: I prioritize protein to support muscle repair after workouts. My favorites are grilled shrimp, tofu, and extremely well-done petite steaks. I also LOVE eggs.

  
  

• Whole Foods: I focus on lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats. Cheese and heavy cream in my coffee (only 1/day) are my go-to sources of fat.

  
  

• The 80/20 Rule: I eat clean 80% of the time, and enjoy the rest without guilt, which includes carbs.

4. Sleep Routines (The Ultimate Anti-Ager)

Nothing replaces sleep. This is your body's time to reset, repair, and recover from the day. Having a consistent sleep schedule improves cognitive functioning (including attention & concentration, the builders of memory), helps with mood and energy, and is critical for every system in our body--let's just cut to the chase.

• Protect the Time: I aim for 7-8 hours, in a cold (very cold), dark room.

  
  

• Consistency: Generally speaking, my bedtime is usually no later than 10:30 pm, and I am ready to rise at 6:30 am. For me, when this varies, I vary and am not able to be the best version of myself.

  
  

• My Bed: Our bedroom is a place of relaxation, not stimulation. This is a state-dependent action, meaning when I go in there, I get tired because I have trained my body.

Most importantly, we have to remember that sleep is a behavior. We train ourselves how to sleep. This may take time to start a new sleep hygiene practice, but there are plenty of resources out there!

5. Intentional Skincare

I am not ashamed to focus on my facial aging/beauty. In my 20s, I used heavy makeup; I don't want to do that anymore. Now, I prioritize skincare. I focus on:

• Cleansing: First thing in the morning and right before bed.

  
  

• Heavy on the Hydration: I use peptides, snail mucin, and hyaluronic acid.

  
  

• Regular visits to my Aestheticians: I love my aestheticians. They listen and understand my skincare goals, and then, we collectively design a treatment plan. Mine consists of facials with dermaplaning, microneedling with PDGF, and yes, some "baby Botox." At this point, I have decided not to do fillers.

Finding a team that truly understood my goals has been the game-changer in my skincare. I don't pay attention to the latest social trend; I ask my licensed professionals for their opinion.

Aging Backwards Isn’t About Being 25 Again

Looking your best in your 40s is about showing up for yourself. It’s about being radiant, rested, and confident. These five habits aren't punishment; they are self-respect.