When You’re 40 & You Know It, Take A Deep Breath

Hope one week has been enough for the Naughty 40s to absorb the fact that it is time to reflect now, to take stock of their priorities, identify their goals and strive for happiness.

Twenty years back, the period of this time for reflection would have been at 50 but sadly, the way things are going now, 40s is the right time to get into action mode.

This week’s mantras come with a disclaimer. Please, for God’s sake, by all means, take precautions but don’t take all of this too seriously because we don’t want you to have all these health issues. Just exercise moderation while investing in all the good things and even the vices and the battle is won.

As promised, here is more… 4, 5, 6 and 7.

4. Quit Smoking. Let’s be realistic. If you have been smoking an X number of packs for so many years and can’t give up so soon, at least try and cut it down. For your sake, for your family’s sake. It’s never too late to quit smoking. No matter what your age, be sure you will always benefit from not smoking because…

(a) It lowers the risk of heart disease
(b) Stroke
(c) Narrowing of the blood vessels
(d) Cancer
(e) Respiratory distress
(f) Fatal lung diseases

5. Small Aches and Pains. If I were you, I wouldn’t ignore them. What’s the big deal, you might say? My dear, it is these small pains that can land you in bigger trouble. Of course, you may not be able to gauge the enormity of the problem but don’t ignore a pain beyond one or two days. Consult your doctor to be on the safer side.

6. Fats Are Important. Can you believe this? All our lives it has been drilled into our mind that fats are harmful. But rejoice. They are not. In fact, they are good for your body and mind. So, go ahead, have those nuts, fish, oil and what have you. All of them have healthy fats.
7. Osteoporosis. What a tongue twister! Now, this my dear, does not come with a warning. You just discover it one fine day. This happens when the body loses bone mass, produces little bone mass or both. So, if you find that you’ve had a fracture very easily, you should spare a thought and consult your doctor because you may not have had that fracture if your bones were strong enough. So please eat food that builds up your bones. Include sprouts, nuts, greens, lentils, soya bean and yoghurt in your diet.

8. Be Happy. It requires no special effort. Banish all toxic thoughts from the mind, don’t nurse grudges, invest in relationships, laugh more, resent less, be spiritual, appreciate more, criticise less, look at the clear sky, look at the greens, listen to the chirping of birds, be grateful. Always!