What No One Tells You About Turning 40: Embracing Change, Fear & Thriving in Midlife
- Hillary Huyghue-Matias
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
Updated: May 20
I remember a few years back in January, I was signing some paperwork and realized I had put last year's date on everything. Happens to me every year, so no big deal. But when I went to fix it, it hit me like a ton of bricks—this was a milestone year for me, and in a few months, I’d be turning 40. Me, 40? How did I end up being closer to retirement and officially middle-aged? My mind went into overdrive, and I was hit with a mix of emotions, including nostalgia for my younger days and a good dose of self-reflection, along with the endless question, ‘What’s next?’
My dear millennials, if you were born in 1985, this year you’ll be turning 40. You’ve watched the world evolve in incredible ways—from cassette tapes and VHS to surfing the web, and now you’re stepping into a new decade packed with opportunities and wisdom. As you navigate through midlife changes, it's natural to contemplate your achievements—or feel as though there's still a long journey ahead. You've reached a crossroads in life, and suddenly, it seems like every future choice is on the table.
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Honestly, turning 40 can feel like walking through a funhouse mirror maze, where each reflection screams, “Welcome to middle age!” If you hit this milestone without any preparation, the midlife changes might seem a bit overwhelming. So to get ready for the wild ride that lies ahead, here are some physical and mental health changes you can expect, helping you to embrace change at 40 with style and a smile.
Physical Changes When Turning 40: The “Oh, That’s New” Moments
Slower Metabolism: Remember when you could inhale a whole pizza and lose two pounds the next day? Yeah, those days are over. At 40, just using AI to create an image of your favorite meal can cause a shift in the scale the next day. This might sound like a broken record, but if you haven’t started a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet, now is the time to start. If you need some motivation to start exercising, this article on Staying fit after 40 can get you off on the right foot.
Pro tip: Learn to love vegetables and your body will thank you. And you don’t have to sacrifice good tasting food for health. Here are some of my favorite recipes.
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Aches and Pains: Unexplained twinges and aches become your uninvited companions. You’ll swear you pulled a muscle doing absolutely nothing—because you probably did. One day, you might experience an Unexplained Phenomenon Moment mentioned in this post. Stretching, daily walks, and strength training can help keep these unwelcome surprises at bay.
Loss of energy: Let’s be real, in your 40s, your energy levels might not be what they used to be. Remember when you could stay out until 2 AM and still function at work the next day? Yeah, that’s over. Now, a late-night Netflix binge requires a full recovery day. But don’t panic—this just means being smarter with your energy. Prioritize rest, fuel your body well, and embrace the power nap like it’s your new best friend. Who needs all-nighters anyway? Learn How to Combat the Energy Crisis here.
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Mental and Emotional Shifts at Midlife: Your Inner Voice Turns Up the Volume
Increased Self-Awareness: By 40, you’ve likely figured out who you are—or at least who you’re not. This self-awareness can be empowering, but also overwhelming as you start asking deeper questions about your purpose and priorities. Embrace this as a chance to realign with what truly matters. Reframe the unknown as an opportunity rather than a threat. This might be a perfect time to set new goals or rekindle old passions. Ever wanted to learn French, run a marathon, or finally understand what all those apps on your phone do? Now’s your chance! Learn why 40 is the Time to Pursue Your Passion.
Memory Lapses: Wait, what was I doing again? Be prepared for that to become your catchphrase. Forgetting names, dates, and why you walked into a room will become part of your daily routine. If you’ve Googled 'Is forgetfulness normal after 40?', you’re not alone, and no need to sound the alarm just yet. However, staying mentally active can help. Crossword puzzles, reading, and learning new skills, like playing a musical instrument, are all great ways to keep memory loss at bay. Read about How To Stay Mentally Sharp at 40.
Your Priorities Shift in Meaningful Ways: In your 20s and 30s, you might have placed a lot of importance on external validation—fitting in, keeping up, or saying yes to everything. Now, you have a deeper understanding of what truly matters. You learn the value of your time and energy, and you become more selective about how you spend them. Meaningful relationships take center stage, and self-care becomes non-negotiable.
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Strategies to Embrace and Thrive in Your 40s!
Rather than viewing 40 as a time of limitations, see it as a time of empowerment. You’ve gained resilience, wisdom, and confidence that the younger you could only dream of. This is your opportunity to step fully into your power—to pursue passions without hesitation, to embrace new experiences, and to live authentically.
Instead of dreading turning the big 4-0, embrace it. Book that trip. Take that risk. Try something new that excites you. This decade is about embracing life with intention and enthusiasm. The best way to honor the past four decades? Live the next ones with purpose and joy.
Have you recently turned 40 or are approaching this milestone? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
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