Entering your forties can feel like starting a new adventure, but you might find yourself a bit lost in what that truly means. Yes, there’s excitement, confusion, and plenty of changes. But here’s a thought: maybe the real reason behind our tiredness isn’t just getting older. Olivia Drouot (@oliviadrouot), a Pilates instructor and content creator, has a refreshing take that’s worth considering!
Breaking Down the “Milestone” Myth
For many, hitting 40 feels like reaching a major milestone, a big deal. This word carries a weight, suggesting it’s a crucial crossing point. In a world that glorifies youth, women in their forties sometimes feel they need to justify their fatigue or various aches. They often blame a slower metabolism, wacky hormone cycles, or simply time passing. But according to Drouot, it’s not the big 4-0 that’s the main issue—rather, it’s the creeping sedentary lifestyle that we fall into without even realizing it.
Her point isn’t to downplay what women feel; instead, she wants to bring attention to a critical insight: our bodies lose energy not because we age, but because they lack movement. And facing this isn’t about personal failure; it’s just a natural part of life. When stress and responsibilities start piling up, we often find ourselves on autopilot, neglecting the fact that our bodies need some love and care too.
Recognizing When Our Bodies Hit “Pause”
Drouot paints a clear picture: our bodies aren’t just machines to push until they break—they’re collaborators. When we neglect them for a while, they start to show signs of distress: fatigue, muscle tightness, breathlessness, and low spirits. These indicators aren’t due to turning forty but arise from squeezing too much out of our bodies without giving them room to breathe.
What truly resonates in her message is its simplicity. You don’t have to transform into a fitness fanatic or sign up for a marathon. Drouot suggests approachable choices: simple stretches, an extended outdoor walk, some basic Pilates moves, or just moments dedicated to deep breathing. These little but consistent actions can alleviate discomfort and elevate your energy levels. Feeling more agile, awake, and alive is often what reinstates a sense of confidence.
Movement Is Key, But Don’t Force It
Yet, it’s important to clarify her stance. Drouot offers her view—shaped by her skills, profession, and personal anecdotes—all while acknowledging the medical advice about staying active daily. Yes, reducing sedentary habits often leads to improved wellness, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore or an extra weight on your already loaded mind.
Move when you feel it’s right. Get active if that’s what you want. Go at your own speed, free of guilt. Sometimes, there are stages in life that leave little time for movement, and that doesn’t take away from your worth or zest. Embracing self-compassion is something we must always center in our journey.
To sum it up, if you feel inclined, you can make small adjustments to introduce a bit more movement into daily life. Trust your body, listen to it, and heed its needs according to your pace. Suddenly, turning forty shifts from being something to dread to a chance to engage in a rich, mindful existence—an opportunity to reconnect with who you are and write an exciting new chapter. The critical element here isn’t age, but the frame through which you choose to view yourself.
