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Recreation at 40: Prioritizing Health, Wealth, Growth, and Friendships

Writer's picture: Drew EubanksDrew Eubanks


Turning 40 is often considered a pivotal milestone in life. It’s a time when many of us reflect on what we’ve achieved, how far we’ve come, and most importantly, where we want to go from here. Recreation in your 40s goes beyond just staying active – it’s about nourishing your body, mind, and spirit, while also enhancing your relationships, wealth, and overall well-being. This phase in life is the perfect opportunity to embrace growth and make positive changes for a fulfilling future.


In this blog post, we’ll explore how to navigate the path of recreation at 40, focusing on health, wealth, friendships, and personal growth while cutting out negativity. Whether you're already in your 40s or approaching them, these strategies will help you take control of your life and design the future you truly desire.


1. Recreation is About More Than Exercise

When we think of recreation, physical activity might come to mind first. However, recreation at 40 involves more than just staying fit – it’s about revitalizing your life in every aspect.

You might enjoy a morning run, yoga session, or strength training, but recreation should also include mental and emotional rejuvenation. Try new hobbies like painting, photography, or cooking. Engage in activities that challenge your mind, like reading, learning a new language, or diving into personal development books. Taking time for yourself in these ways doesn’t just keep you sharp – it helps you remain passionate and inspired, which is key to long-term happiness.


2. Prioritizing Health in Your 40s

Your 40s are a crucial time to reassess your approach to health. While youth often masks neglect, this decade tends to shine a light on poor health choices. Focusing on your well-being now is not just about living longer – it’s about living better.


Physical health:

  • Consistency over intensity: Your body may not recover as quickly as it did in your 20s, so prioritize consistent exercise over punishing workouts. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

  • Strength training: Muscle mass decreases with age, so incorporating strength training exercises can help maintain muscle, improve bone density, and support metabolism.

  • Flexibility and balance: Yoga or Pilates can help improve flexibility and prevent injuries, while also reducing stress and promoting mindfulness.


Diet:

  • Your metabolism slows down in your 40s, making it important to be mindful of your nutrition. Focus on whole foods, reducing sugar, and eating balanced meals rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

  • Stay hydrated. Water is essential for digestion, energy levels, and skin health, so aim for at least 8 glasses a day.


Mental health:

  • Regular mental breaks, stress management, and adequate sleep are vital to maintain mental clarity and emotional balance. Consider activities like meditation, journaling, or simply disconnecting from technology periodically to recharge.


3. Wealth: Building Financial Security for the Future

At 40, it's time to take a serious look at your finances. While some may already have substantial savings, others may still be building their nest egg. No matter your financial status, it’s essential to adopt the mindset of long-term wealth-building.


Assess your financial health:

  • Create a comprehensive overview of your current financial situation – your income, savings, investments, and debts. Make a plan to eliminate high-interest debt as soon as possible.

  • If you haven’t already, start investing. The key to building wealth over time is making your money work for you through compounding. Speak to a financial advisor if you’re unsure where to begin.


Diversify your income streams:

  • Now is a great time to explore multiple income streams. Whether it’s investing in real estate, stocks, or starting a side business, having diverse sources of income offers more security.

  • This is also an opportunity to pursue passion projects that could become profitable in the long run.


Plan for retirement:

  • Ensure you have a clear retirement plan in place, whether it’s through a 401(k), IRA, or other investment vehicles. The earlier you start preparing, the more comfortable your retirement years will be.


4. Friendships: Focusing on Quality Over Quantity

In your 20s and 30s, social life may have been defined by a large circle of acquaintances, work colleagues, and friends. By the time you reach 40, the focus often shifts from quantity to quality.


Deepen meaningful connections:

  • At this stage of life, friendships become more about genuine connection than casual interactions. Invest time in those who add value to your life, support your growth, and genuinely care about your well-being.

  • Cultivate relationships where you can be yourself – no masks, no competition, just mutual support and understanding.

Be intentional:

  • With life’s responsibilities (family, work, etc.), it can be easy to let friendships slip. Make a conscious effort to maintain relationships by scheduling regular catch-ups, whether in person or virtually.

  • Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you to be better, and provide emotional and intellectual nourishment.


5. Cutting Out Negative People and Habits

By 40, most of us have encountered people or habits that drain us emotionally and mentally. Whether it’s toxic relationships, negative self-talk, or bad habits that hold you back, now is the time to make a clean break.


Identify energy drains:

  • Reflect on the people in your life. Do they support and uplift you, or do they bring unnecessary drama and negativity? It’s okay to distance yourself from those who consistently drain your energy. You don’t need to be around people who don’t encourage your growth.

  • The same goes for habits. Are there daily routines or mental patterns that are holding you back? Whether it’s procrastination, unhealthy eating, or overspending, acknowledging these patterns is the first step to overcoming them.

Set boundaries:

  • Setting clear boundaries is crucial to maintaining your peace. Be firm in your limits with others and with yourself. This might involve saying no to commitments that don’t align with your goals, or limiting time spent with people who don’t contribute positively to your life.


6. Focusing on Personal Growth

Recreation at 40 is also about focusing on growth – personal, professional, and spiritual. Embrace the idea that you’re never too old to learn something new or reinvent yourself.

Pursue lifelong learning:

  • Whether it’s through formal education, reading, or self-reflection, stay curious and keep growing. Seek out mentors, take up new hobbies, or invest in personal development courses to keep your mind sharp.

  • Remember that growth isn’t always linear. There will be setbacks, but each challenge is an opportunity to learn and become more resilient.

Set new goals:

  • Just because you’ve hit 40 doesn’t mean you should stop setting goals. In fact, it’s a great time to reassess what truly matters to you and make plans to pursue those ambitions.

  • Break your goals down into smaller, achievable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stay motivated.

Give back:

  • Personal growth isn’t just about self-improvement – it’s also about making a positive impact on others. Volunteer your time, mentor younger people, or find ways to contribute to your community. The sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others will enrich your life in ways you never imagined.


Recreation at 40 is an invitation to redefine how you approach your health, wealth, friendships, and personal growth. It’s a time to focus on quality over quantity, cut out what no longer serves you, and embrace new challenges. With the right mindset, your 40s can be the most fulfilling, exciting, and growth-filled years of your life.

So, take a step back, evaluate where you are, and design a life that prioritizes your well-being, happiness, and continued success. Your best years are ahead of you – if you choose to make them so.

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