Life after 40: finding new energy and motivation

<span class="blog_big-paragraph">We often hear that in middle age it's already "too late", that the best years of life are behind us and that it's no longer worth trying to start something new. But it's not true! Middle-aged people can start doing many things anew or for the first time, and they can do no worse than the young.</span>

Creativity, music, mastering a new profession – all this is available to middle-aged people. It's just that they may have less energy than the young ones, but that doesn't mean they can't achieve outstanding results. Both 20-year-olds and 50-year-olds can hammer at one point equally well, the latter have only a smaller reserve of resources for this, which increases the chances of “getting off the track" ahead of time.

And I'm sure that you can learn ways to get such resources so that you don't have any thoughts of stopping! All you need is energy. 

Dos:

• Define your goals and desires
• Find an activity that brings you joy
• Create a schedule and stick to it
• Find support among your friends and family
• Don't be afraid to try new things

Don`ts:

• Don't listen to those who say it's "too late" for you
• Don't let the fear of failure stop you
• Don't think that you are too old for change
• Don't compare yourself to others

Change always requires effort and courage, but it can also bring huge rewards. Don't let the fear of failure or doubts stop you on the path to change. Every step you take brings you closer to your goal, even if it seems to be a small step.

So, how do you get motivated for future changes?

Here are 4 proven ways to gain energy in middle age:

Regular exercise

Physical activity can increase energy levels and improve your mood. For people around 50 years of age, the following exercises are recommended:

Yoga or Pilates to improve flexibility and balance.

Running or brisk walking to improve the cardiovascular system.

Strength exercises with medium weights to maintain muscle mass.

Dancing or aerobics to improve coordination and mood.

Stretching or gymnastics to improve flexibility and mobility.

Healthy diet

Proper nutrition can provide the body with the substances necessary for energy production. Here are classic examples of what absolutely should not be eaten:

Sugar and sugary drinks, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and a decrease in energy.

Fatty and high-calorie foods that can lead to weight gain and reduced energy.

Products with preservatives containing artificial additives that can have a negative impact on your health.

Too much coffee and energy drinks, which can lead to energy depletion and sleep problems.

Alcohol, which can reduce energy levels and negatively affect brain function.

Enough sleep

A good night's sleep (7-8 hours) can help you restore your energy reserves. It's not always easy for people in the modern business world, but I recommend you the following tips:

Create comfortable sleeping conditions, such as a dark and quiet room, a sleeping mask and earplugs.

Stick to your sleep schedule. It's better to fall asleep before midnight and at the same time.

Try to take a short nap during the day, if possible. Or at least lie down for 10-15 minutes to doze off with your eyes closed.

Avoid gadgets before going to bed, it's better to spend the last half an hour of this day with a book.

To fall asleep quickly, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. PMR is a relaxation technique that helps to relax muscles and reduce stress and anxiety. Here's how to do the PMR before going to bed:

• Find a comfortable position: lie down on your back or sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and relax your arms and legs.
• Start with the legs: strain your leg muscles, holding your breath for 5-7 seconds. Then relax your leg muscles and exhale. Repeat this 2-3 times.
• Proceed to the arm muscles: strain your arm muscles, holding your breath for 5-7 seconds. Then relax your arm muscles and exhale. Repeat this 2-3 times.
• Continue to strain and relax the muscles: go to the muscles of your shoulders, neck, face, back and abdomen. Strain each muscle group for 5-7 seconds, and then relax them.
• Finish with the breathing: after you have relaxed all the muscles, focus on your breathing. Breathe deeply and slowly, feeling your body relax and become heavy.

A new hobby

Finding a new activity that brings joy can help increase your energy and motivation levels. The easiest way is to go back to what you liked in your youth or even when you were a child. 

Remember what you used to love when you were younger. Remember the things that you liked doing, but you gave them up because either someone talked you out of it, or you talked yourself out of it, or there were some external circumstances.

Ask yourself:

What books did you read in your childhood and youth?
You may want to immerse yourself in the world of fantasy or adventure again.

What games were you playing?
Maybe you'll want to play chess, scrabble, or cards again..

What kind of sports or physical activity did you enjoy?
You might want to do dancing or yoga again.

What creative activities did you enjoy?
You may want to draw, write poetry or play the drums again.

Going back to old hobbies can be easier than starting something new, because you already know what you used to like. Besides, it can be a great way to revive your own identity and connection with the past.

If you`ve remembered what you used to like in your youth, but have given up, try the following:

• Start small again: no need to immediately rush into the deep ocean. Start with little steps and see how you like it.
• Find a community: find the people who share your interests and hobbies. This can be a great way to get support and motivation.
• Don't judge yourself: don't compare yourself to others and don't judge yourself for not achieving your goals in the past. Just enjoy the process and be happy with what you are doing.

Old hobbies can be a great way to find new energy and motivation. Remember what you were thrilled with in your youth, and try again!

{{stars-conclusion}}

I hope this article has inspired you to make changes and helped you realize that it's never too late to start. I know it won't be easy, but I also know it's possible. And the most important thing I know is that you can do it.

After all, if I`ve done it, then you can too!

Don't wait for tomorrow, don't wait for next week or next year. Start today. Start right now. After all, if you don't start working on yourself today, it will be even more difficult to do it in 10 years. And if you start today, then in a few years you will be surprised at what you have achieved.