People who stay attractive after 40 have usually said goodbye to these 7 daily habits

Let’s be honest—aging doesn’t always feel kind.

You wake up with lines you swear weren’t there yesterday. Gravity starts tugging at all the wrong places. And let’s not even talk about metabolism.

But then there are those people who glide through their 40s (and beyond) looking confident, glowing, and healthy. Not in a forced, Botox-fueled way—but in that “damn, they’re aging well” kind of way. I used to assume they had better genes or access to some secret skin serum unavailable to the rest of us. But now, I’ve realized it has less to do with what they add and more to do with what they let go of.

Here are 7 daily habits most people who stay attractive after 40 have said goodbye to. I’m including my personal reflections, too—because at 36, with a newborn daughter and my body already sending a few warnings, I’m paying close attention.

1. Skipping sleep like it’s optional

In our 20s, we could pull all-nighters, party, or work late with little consequence. But after 40? Lack of sleep shows up—on your face, in your eyes, and in your mood.

Attractive people in their 40s prioritize rest like it’s skincare. Because it is.

Sleep is when your body repairs collagen, clears toxins, balances hormones, and resets your system. Those who age well usually protect their sleep like their life depends on it—because in many ways, it does.

Personally, since becoming a dad, I’ve learned how sacred sleep really is. My newborn doesn’t care that I have a business to run, and when I don't sleep, my face looks like I’ve aged five years overnight. That’s not an exaggeration.

2. Relying on ultra-processed “convenience” foods

At some point, we all figure out that our bodies are less forgiving with junk.

People who stay attractive tend to avoid the daily habit of eating ultra-processed crap. I'm talking about microwave meals, sugary snacks, energy drinks, and fast food disguised as "health food" (looking at you, granola bars).

They choose foods that nourish rather than inflame. Whole foods. Colorful vegetables. Healthy fats. Enough protein. Not perfect, but intentional.

You don’t have to be a clean-eating monk. But the daily McWhatever? That’s a no.

For me, I’ve noticed that when I cut sugar for even three days, the inflammation in my face goes down. My skin clears up. My energy is better. It’s a visible shift.

3. Letting stress run the show (instead of mastering the mind)

This one is huge.

Stress ages you faster than time. Chronic tension shows up in your face, your posture, your tone of voice. And it’s not attractive.

What sets people apart after 40 is their mental discipline. They’ve usually said goodbye to letting stress call the shots. They meditate, walk, breathe deeply, journal, or just give less of a damn about what they can’t control.

One practice that’s helped me immensely is mindfulness—not just as a trendy concept, but as a way of life. In fact, I wrote about this in Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. I explore how mindfulness and Buddhist principles have helped me reduce stress, increase presence, and let go of unhealthy attachment—things that radically impact how you look and feel, even if you're not chasing external beauty.

Stress is inevitable. But suffering? That’s optional. People who remain attractive long after 40 choose peace over drama—and it shows.

4. Neglecting movement

I’m not saying they run marathons (though some do). But the people who age beautifully move their bodies. Daily.

They stretch, walk, lift weights, dance, or hit the mat. It doesn’t matter what they do—it matters that they move.

You don’t stay toned, graceful, or energetic past 40 by default. And more than looking good, movement helps with circulation, posture, hormone balance, and energy levels.

For me, daily runs are a form of therapy. But even on days I don’t run, I’ll at least do some mobility work or get on the exercise bike. It keeps me sane—and makes me feel sharper, younger.

5. Talking negatively about themselves

There’s something powerfully attractive about people who speak kindly about themselves—especially as they age.

Attractive people past 40 often say goodbye to self-deprecating humor, body shaming, or comparing themselves to 25-year-olds on Instagram. They accept themselves, flaws and all, and speak accordingly.

This isn't toxic positivity. It's self-respect. And it shows.

You can see it in how they carry themselves. Confidence, without trying too hard. They’re not trying to “look young.” They’re just fully themselves. That kind of authenticity is magnetic.

I’ve been guilty of calling myself “the tired dad with the dad bod” more than once. But I’ve noticed how much better I feel—and even look—when I talk about myself with respect, rather than mockery.

6. Wearing stress on their face

Furrowed brows. Tight lips. Eyes constantly scanning. It’s not just your skin that shows your age—it’s your expression.

People who age gracefully learn to soften their face. They let go of micro-tensions. They smile more. They look open.

You ever meet someone whose resting face just looks peaceful? That’s not Botox. That’s inner calm.

I’ve caught myself many times in the mirror, hunched over a laptop, brow tense, jaw locked. And I get it—it’s the entrepreneur life. But when I soften my face, breathe deeper, and smile more often… I genuinely feel lighter. And weirdly, I look better in photos.

7. Living out of alignment with their values

You know what really makes someone look haggard by 45?

Living a life they secretly hate.

Whether it’s a job they despise, a relationship they’re just tolerating, or habits that go against their beliefs—disconnection from your core values shows up in your body.

In contrast, people who stay attractive often lead aligned lives. Not perfect ones. But honest ones.

They’ve usually said goodbye to people-pleasing, to over-committing, to chasing goals they don’t care about.

They sleep better. They breathe easier. They smile more. Because they’re living in integrity.

For me, starting my own company with my brothers—doing meaningful work on my own terms—was a major turning point. It didn’t just change my bank balance. It changed how I looked at myself in the mirror.

Final thoughts: Attractiveness after 40 is about energy, not youth

The truth is, you can’t turn back time.

But you can absolutely shape how you show up—how vibrant, peaceful, strong, and aligned you are in this next chapter.

People who remain attractive after 40 don’t do it by chasing youth. They do it by embracing presence, health, and authenticity. They say goodbye to daily habits that drain them and double down on the ones that energize them.

And if you’re interested in digging deeper into how to cultivate this kind of energy from the inside out, check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s not a beauty manual—but it is a guide to living in a way that makes you magnetic, grounded, and deeply attractive—at any age.

Aging is inevitable. But radiance? That’s a choice.

And it starts with what you say goodbye to.