18 Things You Can Officially Stop Worrying About After 40

Written By Lisa Marley

Turning 40 can feel like a big milestone, but it’s also a time to let go of many worries that have probably been weighing you down. Life is too short to spend it worrying! In this list, we’ll go over 18 things you can officially stop stressing about after hitting 40.

Appearance and Fashion Trends

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When you hit 40, it’s time to stop worrying about keeping up with every new fashion trend. Your style is about what makes you feel comfortable and confident. The Well Dressed Life says that our bodies change as we get older, so instead of stressing over the latest looks, focus on what suits you best.

Career Perfection

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You can stop worrying about having the perfect career at 40. It’s okay if you’re not exactly where you thought you’d be. What matters is that you enjoy what you do. Career paths are often winding, so embrace it all and appreciate the experiences that have shaped you.

Keeping Up with Technology

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You don’t need to stress about mastering every piece of technology that comes out, especially after 40. Technology changes fast, and it’s okay to stick with what you know. Focus on the tools that help you in your daily life; it’s more important to understand the basics than to know every new gadget.

Being Perfect

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Perfection is an impossible standard. Breathe and Reboot highlights that by 40, it’s easier to accept that nobody and nothing is perfect. There are always going to be bumps in the road, and that’s fine. Excellence is great, but aiming for perfection can lead to stress; accept yourself as is.

Chasing Youth

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It’s natural to age, and it’s a privilege many don’t get to experience, so stop worrying about looking younger. Embrace your age and the wisdom that comes with it. Taking care of your health is important, but don’t stress over trying to look like you’re 20. Age gracefully and appreciate the journey.

Keeping Up with Everyone

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At 40, it’s time to stop comparing your life to others. Everyone is different, and social media can often paint a picture that isn’t real. Focus on your own goals and achievements. Celebrate your successes and learn from them. Your path is unique and valuable in its own right.

Other People’s Opinions

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By 40, you’ve likely realized that you can’t please everyone, so it’s time to stop stressing about what others think of you. People will always have opinions, but Flashpack states that at age 40, you likely know who you are, and the right people will appreciate you for you, and their opinions are the only ones that matter.

Weight Fluctuations

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By 40, your body might not look like it did in your 20s, and that’s okay. It’s normal for weight to fluctuate as you age. Instead of worrying about every pound, focus on overall health and well-being. Balanced eating and regular activity are more important; your weight does not define your worth.

Social Media Popularity

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You can stop worrying about how many likes or followers you have on social media. Life isn’t measured by this sort of validation. Your real friends and family know and appreciate the real you, so spend more time building on those connections and less time stressing over your online presence.

Comparing Your Success

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Everyone’s definition of success is different, and by 40, you’ve no doubt achieved many things to be proud of. Stop comparing success to others and focus on what success means to you personally. Celebrate your own milestones, no matter how big or small.

Pleasing Everyone

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You can’t make everyone happy, and that’s perfectly fine. After 40, it’s time to prioritize your own happiness and well-being, and the people who truly care about you will understand your decisions. It’s okay to say no and set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious, so focus on what brings you joy.

Regretting Past Decisions

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Everyone makes mistakes, and no one has a perfect past. By 40, it’s important to let go of regrets and learn from your experiences. Each decision has helped shape who you are today. Use the lessons you’ve learned to make better choices going forward because regret is a heavy burden to carry.

Financial Perfection

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It’s easy to stress about money, but by 40, you should focus on financial stability rather than perfection. Prioritize saving and planning for the future, but don’t obsess over every financial decision, and remember, balance is key. Your finances are a marathon, not a sprint.

Being Overly Busy

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Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. After 40, it’s time to value quality over quantity and look at what truly matters. Prioritize your time; it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the moment. Taking time for yourself and your loved ones is more important than filling every minute with tasks.

Having Everything Figured Out

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Life is unpredictable, and no one has all the answers. By 40, it’s okay to accept that you don’t have everything figured out. Charissa Steyn explains that people like that have a light in their eyes. They embrace the uncertainties, are open to new experiences, and learn to roll with it.

Finding Your Purpose

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By 40, you might still be searching for your purpose, and that’s okay. Purpose can change over time, so just do what makes you feel happy. Take part in activities that bring you joy and contribute to your well-being. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that are the best.

Fear of Failure

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Fear of failure can hold you back from many great opportunities. By 40, it’s time to accept that failure is just part of the learning process, so don’t let the fear of making mistakes prevent you from going after what you want in life; take risks and learn from them.

Old Enemies

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When you reach 40, it can be very freeing. Old rivals and enemies fade into the background, and issues that felt worth the stress previously no longer hold the pull. Learning to let go and focus on your own little bubble of family and friends is the best revenge of all.

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