Wellness Habit Stacks That Transformed My Life After 40
Everything I do in a day to look & feel good
The Wellness Habits That Snuck Up on Me After 40 (And Now I Swear By Them)
I turned 40 in September 2023 and, somewhere along the way, a whole stack of wellness habits snuck into my life. In my 20s, my "routine" was a swipe of lip balm and a latte along with barre and HIIT workouts. I washed my face every night but that was the extent of my ‘skincare” routine. In my 30s, I dabbled in yoga, green smoothies and took a multivitamin and probiotic. But post-40 me? She has a Morning Stack, Midday Stack, and Evening Stack of habits that she swears by – and frankly, I’ve never felt better (or looked better).
These habits didn’t all arrive at once with a big fanfare (that would have scared 25-year-old me off!). They crept in, one by one, until now they’re just part of who I am. Here’s a peek into what my days look like now (with all the little tools and potions I never thought I’d be obsessed with), and why I love each one.
Morning Stack
My morning routine at 41 looks nothing like it did in years past. I ease into the day with intention – and yes, a bunch of little wellness rituals that set me up for success:
Stretching upon waking: Before I even grab my phone, I try to stretch – literally roll out of bed and stretch my arms to the sky and do a couple forward folds. It takes 30 seconds now my body practically craves it. Those first lazy stretches signal to my brain that it’s time to start the day, and they prevent that awful stiff-back feeling. Bonus: I feel way more centered and patient when I’ve started the day by tuning into my body (instead of tuning into the news or a work email).
Supplements first thing: Next up, I’ve become that person with the morning supplement stack. I line up a little assortment and down them with a big glass of water. My current lineup includes:
Veracity Metabolism Ignite (to nudge my metabolism awake because let’s be honest, it doesn’t rev like it used to),
A high-quality Vitamin C (for immune support and a little skin glow boost). I like this one.
Perfect Aminos (essential amino acids to feed my muscles and support recovery from yesterday’s workout). I am trying to up my protein intake and have found that getting it straight from the source in the form of aminos has significantly improved my muscle tone.
Skincare with a tech twist:
With my body waking up, I give my face some love. Lately, I’ve been using the ZIIP Halo device every morning – it’s a microcurrent tool that basically gives you a mini electric facial. I smooth on the conductive gel and spend about 4 minutes guiding this futuristic little gadget over my face. It sends tiny currents into my skin – which sounds very Jetsons – but it helps depuff and wake up my complexion better than a cold splash of water. I swear my cheekbones look a tad more lifted on the days I use it. At 41, I’m all about working smarter not harder with skincare, after consistent use the past 6 months I’ve seen a HUGE difference in my skin.
After my ZIIP, I wash with ERLY face wash, followed by an application of YSE Morning Serum or Skinbetter vitamin C serum.
I top off my Vitamin C with ISDIN sunscreen for a strong, no-budge shield, and sometimes I use Supergoop GlowScreen for a hint of glow.
I tend to go makeup-free unless I have an event or a lunch that day.
My morning “wellness cocktail”: Time to head to the kitchen for a little concoction I lovingly call my morning wellness cocktail.
In small cup, jar, I mix water with two scoops of ARMRA colostrum and a scoop of Get Off Your Acid Green Powder (peach flavor) and a dropper full of Liver Lover tincture. The result is a neon green drink that might scare small children – but surprisingly, it tastes bearable (the peachy greens powder helps). Why the weird drink? Colostrum is amazing for gut health and immunity, the greens powder gives me an alkalizing mineral boost (and honestly wakes me up as much as coffee now), and the Liver Lover tincture supports my liver detox pathways (because the 40s are also about supporting hormones and digestion, which the liver plays a big role in).
Grounding: If I have time - this is a new habit - I spend about a minute outside, barefoot on my grass to “ground” myself for the day. I try to look at the sun and get a natural burst of Vitamin D. I have even taught my kids how to do this and it helps regulate circadian rhythms and energy.
Hydration:
Right after my wellness cocktail, I chug more water – but I amp it up with electrolytes.
I alternate between a few favorites: sometimes I add a few drops of Baja Gold salt concentrate to my water (it’s basically a mineral-rich sea salt solution that gives plain water an extra oomph of electrolytes and trace minerals).
If I’m feeling a bit dehydrated or know I have a tough workout coming, I’ll tear open a Liquid IV packet and mix it in for a quick hydration boost (it’s like Gatorade’s cool, health-conscious cousin with lots of electrolytes without tons of sugar).
And I’ve also been trying Sakara Cell Reset, which are fulvic acid drops that support cellular health and help with hydration at the cellular level. Pro tip: if you’re over 40 (heck, even if you’re 20), hydrate before you get thirsty. Your body will thank you.
Protein before coffee (yes, really): Here’s a habit I never saw coming – I eat hard-boiled eggs before I have my coffee. I used to roll out of bed and go straight for the caffeine, but that was causing blood sugar rollercoasters and the jitters. Now I try to get a little protein in my system first thing. Often it’s a couple of hard-boiled eggs. They’re quick, easy, and give my body some substance to work with. Within about 15-20 minutes of eating, I feel much more stable and then I happily sip my coffee with almond milk. This one habit has single-handedly killed my old 10AM energy crash and weird anxiety spikes.
Clean coffee routine: Now for the sacred part of morning: COFFEE. I’m still a coffee lover, maybe even more than ever, but I’ve cleaned up my coffee routine big time.
First, I switched to Fabula Coffee, which is organic and low-acid. It’s very easy on the stomach (no more acid refluxy feeling or tummy rumbles) and it’s mold-free (yes, apparently that’s a thing – 41-year-old me cares about even mold in coffee now, haha). I usually sip my Fabula almond latte while checking my plan for the day or responding to Instagram messages.
By the end of my Morning Stack, I’ve basically checked off hydration, nutrition, skincare, and caffeine (the five food groups of life, right?). It might sound like a lot of steps written out, but in practice it flows pretty seamlessly and gives me this empowered, energized feeling as I start the day. 40-year-old me is thriving on routine, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade these morning moments for anything (not even an extra 30 minutes of sleep, and that’s saying something!).
Midday Stack
Midday is all about movement, fuel, and a little mental reset. In my 20s I could skip workouts or jam them in after work or on my lunch break, grab a muffin for lunch and still function, but now I’ve learned that what I do in the middle of the day completely dictates how I feel in the evening. Here’s how my mid-days go these days:
10AM workouts – strength + Pilates fusion:
Strength Training x Pilates: About 4-5 months ago I discovered Fit With Coco, and it’s become my go-to workout program. Every weekday around 10:00 AM (yes, I’m lucky to work from home & make my own schedule), I treat it like an appointment with myself – I throw on my exercise shorts and fire up one of Coco’s workouts. The style is this awesome mashup of heavy weight training and classic Pilates moves. Think: doing deadlifts and squats to really challenge my muscles, then flowing into Pilates core work and stretching so I don’t turn into the Tin Man. I love it. In my 40s, building muscle is super important (we naturally start losing muscle mass as we age – rude, I know), and these workouts make me feel so strong and capable.
Short workouts on busy days: Of course, life happens – some days are jam-packed with meetings or I’m traveling or just not feeling it. In my 20s, those would have been the days I just skipped the workout entirely. Now, I’ve learned the art of the micro-workout. On crazy days, I’ll pull up a 10-15 minute class from Savor & Sweat by Erin Stewart – which, fun fact, is actually my real life friend . Even a quick burst of movement (a 15-minute barre session focusing on legs, or a fast dance cardio to get my heart rate up) is enough to boost my mood and make me feel less sedentary on days when I’m glued to the laptop. I also love going on walks and a perfect day would be a 45 minute walk plus a 45 minute strength routine, but I rarely have the time for both. The lesson I’ve learned: consistency over intensity. It’s better to do a little something (even if it’s stretching or a walk around the block) than nothing at all.
11AM “brunch”: real refueling:
By around 11 or 11:30, I’m ready for a solid meal. This meal is crucial – it’s recovery from the workout and fuel for the afternoon. Lately, I’m on an eggs kick (when am I not on an eggs kick?). I’ll scramble up 4 cage-free eggs in grass-fed butter. On the side, I have a handful of fresh berries – usually blueberries or raspberries – for some natural sweetness and antioxidants. And because I still love my carbs, I toast a gluten-free protein bagel (yes, they exist and they’re actually good!) and top it with either smashed avocado or grass-fed butter. This meal is hefty and so satisfying. This combo of protein + healthy fats + greens + fiber keeps my blood sugar steady and my brain firing on all cylinders for hours.
Salad greens (Kale Junkie style): Some weeks when I plan it out, I get on a kick and make a hearty salad to eat on for the week. I’ve been loving the salad recipes from Kale Junkie (a.k.a. Nicole Modic, who has a blog and IG full of amazing healthy recipes). Her salad game is next level – we’re not talking boring lettuce and croutons. We’re talking massive bowls of mixed greens with nuts, seeds, fruits, creative dressings, you name it. One of my favorites is her kale and avocado salad with dates and a lemony tahini dressing – it sounds odd but trust me, it’s addictive.
Evening Stack
In my 20s, evenings were for happy hours or bingeing Homeland until I fell asleep. Now, my evenings (especially weeknights) are about winding down, recovery, and setting myself up for a good night’s sleep. Here’s what my night-time routine looks like these days:
Red light therapy sessions: A few times a week (usually around 3-4 nights), I have a date with my Joovv red light therapy panels. This is one of those biohacks I was super skeptical about – standing in front of red glowing lights for 10-20 minutes, really? But after hearing enough people rave (namely, my husband), I gave it a shot, and I have to say I’m hooked. It’s strangely relaxing – I usually will listen to a podcast. The red light helps with cellular repair, reduces inflammation, boosts collagen in the skin, and even aids muscle recovery. Do I know for sure if all that is happening? Not 100%. But I do know that it feels amazing, kind of like sitting by a warm sunset, and my skin has been looking great (could be the skincare, could be this, likely both!). And when I do it before bed, I swear I sleep better – there’s something about the gentle heat and light that just melts away stress.
Nighttime skincare routine (aka face care is self-care): After red light, or on nights I don’t do it, I jump into my skincare routine. This part has definitely gotten more elaborate as I’ve gotten older – but I actually treasure it.
First, I cleanse with ERLY Foaming Face Wash. It’s a gentle foaming cleanser that removes the day’s grime and any leftover makeup without drying me out. I love how soft and clean my skin feels after – like a fresh canvas for all the goodies to follow.
Next, a few nights a week I bust out my GloPRO microneedling device. Okay, this one looks intimidating – it’s basically a roller with teeny tiny needles that I roll over my face to create micro channels in the skin. (I promise it doesn’t really hurt, it just feels like tingling or prickly massage). Mine even has a red LED light on it. The method to the madness: it stimulates collagen production and helps my serums absorb better. I focus it on areas where I have fine lines creeping in (forehead, around the mouth). I’ve noticed my skin is smoother and those “elevens” between my brows are less pronounced. Right after microneedling, I apply my treatment products so they really sink in.
I pat on the Remedy Healthy Aging Serum – a lovely, hydrating serum that’s full of peptides and antioxidants. My skin literally drinks it up, especially after the GloPRO has done its work. I also use this combo on my hands. I actually went viral for my hands back in February because this stuff is so good!
Then I can’t forget the eyes: I alternate between a Musely eye cream and a Clarins eye cream I have on my vanity.
Finally, I seal it all in with ERLY Overnight Cream with Peptides. This is a richer cream that moisturizes deeply and has peptides to help with firmness. I slather it on as the last step, and it feels like a cozy blanket for my face. The consistency of doing these steps is almost like telling myself “day is done, you did your best, now let’s care for you.” It’s truly one of my favorite forms of self-care.
Nighttime supplements & quirky sleep hacks: Right before bed, I have a little supplement nightcap. Over the years I’ve curated a small arsenal of supplements that help me sleep well and support my health overnight. NOTE: I am not providing medical advice, please consult with your doctor.
I take Thorne Women’s Multivitamin (covering my bases with a high-quality multi.
I also take Pure Magnesium (magnesium is magic for relaxing muscles and calming the mind – if I skip it, I feel the difference in my sleep quality).
Another one in the mix is Methyl Guard Plus (also by Thorne – it’s a blend of B vitamins and other goodies that support methylation, which basically helps with hormone balance and detox; I started it after some bloodwork years ago showed I could use the support, and it’s been great).
I take Thorne Super EPA, which is a pure fish oil – omega-3s are great for brain, heart, joints, you name it.
And since many of us are low in Vitamin D and it’s crucial for everything from immunity to mood, I take Thorne Vitamin D in the evening as well.
Last but not least, I down another dose of Perfect Aminos before bed. This might sound odd, but those essential amino acids help with muscle repair while I sleep – think of it as giving my body the building blocks to heal and grow from the day’s workout. It also surprisingly helps curb nighttime snack cravings; if I’m fully nourished, my body doesn’t nudge me for a midnight fridge raid. So yes, my nightstand looks like a mini pharmacy – but I’m okay with that because this routine has me sleeping like a baby and waking up feeling strong.
Mouth tape (the weirdest, best thing): Okay, confession time. I do one more really odd thing before I actually go to sleep. I use The Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape to tape my mouth shut. YES, I literally tape my mouth closed at night. Before you call me crazy, hear me out – this has been a game-changer! The idea is to promote nose breathing throughout the night. Breathing through your nose is healthier (filters the air, adds nitric oxide, etc.) and can prevent snoring and dry mouth. I was skeptical, but I gave it a try after hearing it on, you guessed it, a podcast. The first night felt strange; I was hyper-aware of it for a few minutes, but I conked out and the next morning – wow. I slept deeply. No dry mouth, no sore throat. I felt oddly refreshed. Now I’m hooked. And an added vanity bonus: some people say it helps define your jawline over time, because it encourages correct tongue posture and all that.
By the time I crawl into bed, I’ve basically done a full “power down” routine. The lights are low, my devices are (hopefully) put away or on night mode, my skin is pampered, my body is loaded up with nutrients, and I’ve got my mouth tape on and amber-colored sleep glasses (okay, those too, but that’s another story!). I often take a few minutes to read a novel or do a 5-minute meditation to really seal the deal. Then it’s lights out.
In this season of life, sleep is the ultimate luxury, and protecting it with these habits feels so worth it. I fall asleep faster and I stay asleep, which means I can get up and do it all again tomorrow feeling good.
Reflections at 41 (Why These Habits Matter More Than Ever)
If you’re still with me, first off – thank you for reading my novella on daily habits! You might be thinking, jeez, that’s a lot of effort. And you’re not wrong; it is effort. But here’s the thing I’ve learned after turning 40: taking care of myself is not a chore, it’s a privilege and an investment. In my younger years, I could get away with treating my body like an afterthought – skimping on sleep, skimping on nutrition, pushing myself without recovery. Eventually, that catches up. For me, it was in my late 30s when I started feeling little aches, slower recovery, brain fog on the regular, and just this sense that if I didn’t prioritize my wellness, no one else would do it for me. HAVING THREE CHILDEN IN MY 30S DIDN’T HELP EITHER (IYKYK!)
Now, these habits I described – they give back so much more than they take. They’ve become joyful rituals that anchor my day. In my 40s I actually want to feel my best more than I care about, say, fitting into a certain dress or appeasing others. These habits matter because they make me feel like me – the best, most vibrant, most clear-headed version of me. And when I feel good, I show up better for everyone and everything in my life. I’m more present with my family. I have energy to be creative in my work. I have patience in traffic (well… more than I used to!). I sleep well, so I wake up not hating the alarm clock. It’s a cascade of positive effects.
The funniest part? Many of these habits did sneak up on me. I didn’t one day say “I’m going to overhaul my life and be super wellness woman.” It was one small change, then another, trial and error, building bit by bit. And I think that’s key for anyone reading this thinking about making changes – small steps, done consistently, turn into big results. Maybe you’ll never tape your mouth shut at night (totally fair!), but maybe you’re curious about that morning protein-before-coffee tip, or you want to try a micro-workout on busy days. Go for it! Your future self will thank you.
If you made it this far, I’d love to hear from you: What wellness habits have you adopted (at any age) that made a big difference? Or, if you’re venturing into the over-40 club, what’s something you’re looking to try? Let’s swap notes – we’re all in this journey of trying to live well and feel good together.
And if you want a convenient list of every product or tool I mentioned in this post (because there were a lot), I’ve got you covered – see below (NOTE: this list contains affiliate links and if you purchase a produyct I receive a very small commission!)
XOXO ❤️ Erin
Morning Stack
Supplements:
Skincare & Devices:
ZIIP Halo device (use code ERINDON for 10% off your first or
Wellness Cocktail Ingredients:
ARMRA Colostrum (you get 15% off with my link)
Get Off Your Acid Green Powder (peach flavor)
Hydration & Electrolytes:
Sakara Cell Reset (fulvic acid + wild blueberry drops) Use Code ERINDONAHUE for 20% off your order
Protein Before Coffee:
Hard-boiled eggs (not branded – just a food prep tip)
Coffee Routine:
Fabula Coffee (low acid + mold free)
Califia Farms Almond Milk
Midday Stack
Workouts:
Fit With Coco (heavy weights + Pilates program)
Savor & Sweat by Erin Stewart (strength and athletic barre workouts - FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE)
Podcasts (mentioned but not products):
Food:
Cage-free eggs (4 scrambled)
Fresh organic berries
Kale Junkie salad recipes (website)
Evening Stack
Devices:
Skincare Routine:
Supplements:
Methyl Guard Plus (by Thorne)
Perfect Aminos (PM dose)
Sleep Tools: