There are many things we regret doing at various points in our lives, especially if those things come back to haunt us. Although we may have back pain or odd scars from things we did in our teens and twenties, the things listed below will cause absolutely zero regrets if you do them in middle age.
1. Living the truest, most authentic version of yourself.
Hospice nurses around the world have said that one of the most common regrets that people express when they’re dying is the wish that they’d had the courage to live a life that was true to themselves rather than being what others wanted them to be.
Ask yourself how many years you’ve spent pretending to be something you’re not just to make other people happy. Do you want to spend your remaining years living inauthentically as well? Or do you want to take the steps needed to honor your truest self? It’s time to drop the act and become your most authentic self. You won’t regret it.
2. Getting more rest.
Remember all those sleepless nights you had when you were younger, either because you were out partying until dawn or because your little ones decided to stay up all night? Those nights ended up creating a sleep deficit that may be affecting your health to this day — and beyond.
Stanford University stresses the importance of proper rest in midlife, as inadequate amounts of sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, obesity, diabetes, and mental instability in our later years.
3. Taking up a hobby you enjoy.
It’s never too late to take up a hobby that you’ve always wanted to do. The key here is to do it because it brings you happiness: you don’t have to be “good” at it, but rather because it makes your heart and soul sing.
Is there an art form or craft that you’ve always wanted to pursue? Then do so! The happiest people in my university art classes were those in their 80s and 90s who finally pursued their creative dreams, so start today and enjoy every moment.
4. Moving your body.
There isn’t a person alive who will regret keeping their body active and as limber as possible during middle age. Stretching, weight training, walking, and dancing are just a few simple ways to remain active and can keep your body strong and healthy for several years to come. Even if you experience chronic pain or illness, there are gentle movements you can do to keep yourself as active as possible.
According to Science Daily, remaining active in your midlife years leads to greater overall health, wellness, and self-sufficiency, both in the present moment and later on in life. Invest in your body’s resilience by making sure to stretch and strengthen it daily.
5. Learning new things.
Learning new things can help to forge new brain pathways, which allows you to maintain higher cognitive function throughout your later years. In fact, recent Harvard studies show that those who learn new things in midlife may prevent (or delay) Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Consider learning a new language, especially if it’s outside of the language family you’re already familiar with. Take up new crafts or hobbies, and make a point of reading about new subjects on a regular basis. Your future self will thank you for doing so.
6. Moving to a place that brings you peace.
Many people seriously dislike where they live but remain there for several different reasons. Maybe their children live close by, or they’ve established community ties, and therefore grit their teeth and put up with circumstances that wear them down.
Moving to a new place that inspires peace and contentment is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Your friends and family will keep in touch, and you can relax your shoulders and sleep in peace without constantly waiting for the next sensory onslaught to strike.
7. Cutting toxic people out of your life.
Toxic people drain our energy and can make our lives a living hell. If you’ve been putting up with reprehensible behavior from awful people for several years now, it’s time to sever the cords that bind you to them.
You aren’t obligated to have a relationship with anyone, and that includes those who share your DNA. If you currently have any relationships that are draining your soul, create distance between you and those people and either go low- or no-contact for the sake of your own well-being.
8. Travelling.
Your midlife years are ideal for travelling to most of the places you dreamed of visiting when you were younger. Not only will you feel more confident in your travels, but you’ll likely receive more courtesy and respect now that you’ve hit midlife.
You’re still young enough to go anywhere you’d like and old enough to afford good hotels rather than youth hostels. Furthermore, many resorts and other travel destinations have special offers for travellers aged 40+, so you can get yourself the VIP treatment.
9. Nutrifying your body.
Focusing on nutrient density and nourishing your body with vitamins, minerals, collagen, and other vital supplements can vastly improve your health — both now and in the decades to come.
We lose nutrients over time, often through body changes like pregnancy or malabsorption from digestive disorders that intensify with age. By rebuilding your nutrient stores, you’re less likely to suffer from a wide range of ailments as you get older. Aim to add more calcium, vitamins D, A, B12, and B6, iron, magnesium, Omega 3 fatty acids, potassium, selenium, and folate to your diet.
10. Placing emphasis on things that bring you joy.
There is no age limit when it comes to enjoying beauty and having fun. If music is one of your greatest passions, then prioritize going to concerts, learning how to play new instruments, buying albums that you’ll listen to a thousand times over, and so on.
The same goes for any other subject that inspires you and fills your heart with joy. We don’t exist simply to be wage slaves, and prioritizing joy in our middle years is the best way to ensure that life continues to be worth living.
11. Cultivating healthy relationships.
Most of us have had our share of unhealthy relationships, so midlife is a perfect opportunity to nurture healthy, supportive ones. Lonely people tend to be more unhealthy and don’t live as long as those who nurture friendships and have a solid social circle.
If you don’t have many friends right now, get involved in things that mean a lot to you and establish new connections. Build community by spending time with people whose values match your own and whose company you truly enjoy.
12. Living in the present moment as vibrantly as possible.
Those who are fixated on the “glory days” of their youth often end up repeating stories about those escapades well into later age rather than making new memories. Don’t become one of those people. Instead, take every opportunity to make each moment of your life as special as possible.
Rather than turning your gaze backward, make a point of attending art and museum exhibits if you enjoy them, eating wonderful meals, taking trips abroad, and so on. Enjoy everything this world has to offer, and share beauty and grace with everyone around you as you go.
