Turning 40, especially for women, has a lot of negative connotations and there is a perception that once you pass 40, you must slow down. However, turning 40 shouldn’t be considered this way, there is still so much time to see the world and live a fulfilling life.

Although there may be pressure from society to do certain things before you reach a certain age, you should try not to listen to what others think and instead do the things you have always wanted to do. Additionally, there are a lot of important health aspects that come after 40, which we will get into further down in this article. Follow along for our list of 5 things every woman should do after turning 40. 

Solo Travel

Solo traveling can be an extremely rewarding experience as it gives you the freedom to explore a new place all on your own. While traveling solo as a woman can be a little daunting, statistics show that on average women solo travel way more than men.

After a brief pause caused by the pandemic, the longing to explore the world has reawakened within us. We acknowledge the valid concerns that may arise while traveling solo, particularly among women, emphasizing the utmost importance of remaining vigilant. Thorough research emerges as a vital resource to ensure the safety of your chosen destination. Take Egypt, for instance, a renowned tourist hotspot; however, certain areas can pose risks, especially for solo female travelers. Before embarking on an unforgettable solo Egypt tour, make it a priority to investigate secure zones and review the feedback on hotels and their surrounding areas.      

It would be a good idea to join a solo women traveler group on social media beforehand as you will be able to listen to the first-hand experience of other women. Solo traveling could be a great thing to do after you turn 40 as you have complete freedom to explore the places you have always wanted to go, without having to depend on someone else. 

Learn Something New

While you may already have a wealth of knowledge by the time you turn 40, there is always the opportunity to learn something new. Taking the time to learn something new can be incredibly rewarding as it keeps your mind active and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

It could be that you have a favorite dish you have always wanted to learn how to make. Learning your favorite dish would be a great thing to have under your belt and it can be something you can make at dinner parties. You could even encourage your friends to each try and learn a dish and take it in turns to host dinner parties where you can taste each other’s meals.

If that sounds like something you would want to do, this article gives some great tips on how to host the perfect dinner party. The thing with getting older is that there is still always more to learn, so why not make a list of things you have always wanted to learn and slowly start to make your way through them. 

Annual Mammograms

One really important thing to do after turning 40 is to start getting annual mammograms. Once women turn 40 years old, it is recommended that they get a mammogram screening every year. Like most cancers, breast cancer has a higher survival rate if it is detected early. Annual mammograms can help increase your chances of early detection, so it is so important that you book yourself in for yearly screenings.

Along with the annual screenings, you should also be regularly checking your breasts for any changes or signs of cancer. You need to be feeling your entire breasts, underarms, and up to your collar bones for any lumps. You should also keep an eye on any changes to nipple color and texture, or if they suddenly invert themselves.

If you notice any of these, you should go and see your doctor and they will get them properly analyzed. Most insurance plans cover the majority of the mammogram cost, so, there is no reason not to get one if you have health insurance. Yearly mammograms can save lives, so be sure to book in for one once you turn 40. 

Pamper Yourself

Life leading up to 40 may have been busy and stressful, and you might not have given yourself the proper chance to relax and focus on your own needs. Why not take the time to pamper yourself at home or take yourself away for a spa weekend.

If a spa weekend doesn’t take your fancy, then perhaps you could go on a long hike or splash out on a shopping spree. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it makes you feel happy and gives you an opportunity to spend time doing something you love.

If you love the sound of a spa weekend, you can customise it to your own needs and preferences. If you're looking to focus on relaxation, you can choose treatments like massages and facials. If you're interested in improving your appearance, you can opt for services like teeth whitening or Botox injections. Additionally, for those seeking to enhance their facial aesthetics without undergoing surgery, exploring options like a non-invasive rhinoplasty can offer subtle yet impactful results. This approach is ideal for those who want to refine their features without the downtime associated with more invasive procedures. And if you're hoping to achieve a more dramatic transformation, you can opt for cosmetic surgeries like lipo 360 vs tummy tuck. Liposuction can be used to target problem areas like love handles, thighs, and stomach. Tummy tucks, on the other hand, are ideal for those who want to achieve a flatter, more toned stomach. Both procedures are relatively quick and easy, and you'll see results immediately.  Of course, there are some risks involved with any surgery, but these procedures can be safely performed by experienced professionals. And thanks to the relaxing environment of a spa, you can rest assured that you'll be in good hands. 

Self-care is extremely important, and it is crucial we look after our bodies and give ourselves the time to heal and recharge.

Focus On Improving Your Mental Health

Another important thing you should be doing after turning 40, is focusing on your mental health. Mental health issues can affect anyone at any age, but often mental health issues are overlooked as we get older. There is an unfortunate stigma around depression in that we just need to suck it up or accept that this is the way of life. However, this is not the case.

Depression is unfortunately very common, but that doesn’t make it less of an issue. Being aware of your mental health and your mood shifts can be extremely important as you can reach out for help when you start to feel a shift. Menopause naturally happens as women get older, and one of the major side effects of menopause can be depressive episodes.

This expert dentist in Madison Heights also adds that you should take good care of your physical health too by visiting your doctors regularly.

Hormonal shifts can seriously affect our bodies, so being aware of the impact menopause can have on our bodies can help us get through it a bit better. This article gives a great explanation of how menopause can affect our mental health. 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.