top of page

From Career to Self-Care: Prioritizing Wellness inYour 40s

Writer's picture: Autumn BridgesAutumn Bridges


As we hit our 40s and early 50s, we often find ourselves at the peak of our professional lives, juggling responsibilities and striving for success. But it's also the perfect time to prioritize self-care, ensuring our long-term health and happiness.


Let's explore how we can master this balancing act and why it's so important.


Understanding the Balance:

We're more than just career women; we're multifaceted beings with a spectrum of needs. We want success but also fulfillment in our relationships, and we want to maximize our health and stay youthful beyond our years. Yep, we want it all, and we deserve it all!

We also know that if we want our body to stay as youthful as our mind tells us we are, we have to make time to nurture it. It can’t be a “side project”. Time for self-care is more than an investment for immediate results; it is the key to our longevity.


Self-Care is Not Selfish:

  • Setting Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. Setting boundaries between work and personal life is crucial. It's about quality, not just quantity, in both areas. This can be for those late-night calls or replying to your clients’ texts. They can wait until the next morning. If you reply once you are setting expectations. Even if you have done this until now, people will get used to the new you, the one who values her own downtime.

  • Scheduled 'Me' Time: Mark your calendar for 'me' time just as you would for any important meeting. This could be a spa day, a quiet reading hour, or a yoga class, finally writing that book - whatever replenishes you. My “me” time happens every single day. I see clients early in the morning, but I won’t do any other work until I have worked out and eaten a wholesome meal. Look at your own schedule and make this non-negotiable.

  • Mindful Work Breaks: Integrate short, mindful breaks throughout your workday. A five-minute meditation, a quick walk, or some stretching can significantly impact your overall well-being.

Wellness in the Workplace:

Wholistic health doesn’t compartmentalize; you don’t stop being human while at work.

Bringing elements of wellness into your work life doesn’t take any extra time and can transform your workday.


  • Ergonomic Workspace: Invest in a comfortable, body-friendly workstation. Your physical comfort at work is extremely important. Small changes make a big difference. Whenever I feel pain in any part of my body, this is the first area I analyze. Have I been doing anything different that my body is telling me “non-no”?

  • Healthy Snacking: Keep healthy snacks at your desk. Nutrition shouldn't take a backseat during busy workdays.

  • Mental Health Check-ins: Regularly check in with yourself. If work is becoming overwhelming, it might be time to reassess and seek support if needed.


Exercise and Nutrition: The Foundation to Wellness

Regular exercise and a balanced diet are also non-negotiable. Even with a busy schedule, find ways to incorporate physical activity and make mindful eating choices. Remember, a healthy body is the foundation for a productive and fulfilling life. To stay youthful as you age, you must prioritize this area. Movement is the fountain of youth.


The Art of Letting Go:

Learn to delegate both at work and home. Trusting others to handle certain tasks can free up time for your self-care. It’s not just efficient; it’s necessary. If you are a business owner like me, hire freelancers. You don’t have to be great at everything, and even if you are, you can invest your time in something else. This has been a game-changer in my business.


Social Connections and Support:

Don’t underestimate the power of social connections. A strong support system can be your biggest asset in achieving work-life balance.

Work friends are great, but make an effort to connect with others through clubs, re-kindle old friendships, and join groups with other like-minded people. When we were raising a family, it was easy to exclude everyone else or connect only with other parents. As your children get older, it's time to create your own circle of friends for adult talk that goes beyond work and social media, the type of talk that nurtures your soul.


Final Thoughts:

Remember, prioritizing self-care isn't a luxury; it's essential for our long-term well-being. As we navigate our 40s and beyond, let's do so with the understanding that our health and happiness are our most valuable assets.

Balancing career and self-care isn't just possible; it's the pathway to a truly fulfilling life.


Embrace balance,

Autumn

10 views0 comments

Comments


Untamed by Autumn Logo
Untamed by Autumn logo

Join us on this journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation, where you emerge not just as a woman who has conquered her challenges but as one who thrives in every moment, radiating vitality and joy.

Follow Autumn Bridges

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Subscribe Below

Join Autumn's newsletter for the best fitness tips, nutrition facts, and fun workouts.

Thanks for submitting!

© 2024 by Autumn Untamed. Designed by Wix Website Master

bottom of page