Melody Yin Yue effortlessly juggles multiple roles as a fashion-forward mom, actress, singer, and popular podcast host. Despite her busy life, she always looks flawless on camera. Reflecting on her journey from her 30s to her 40s, Melody shares, “Things have changed a lot, from hormonal shifts to environmental pressures and mood swings. I used to sleep for eight hours at 30, but now I naturally wake up after six hours.
Finding various ways to maintain oneself is essential. It’s not just about appearance but also about lifestyle, including exercise, routines, and diet. Emotions need care too, through reading, therapy, and other means to feel better.”
Here are Melody’s insights for women navigating their 40s
1. Be proud of yourself and face the world bravely
With masks coming off the post-pandemic, many feel anxious about showing their faces. Melody, however, looks forward to it. “We need to return to normal life and accept our true selves. If you feel your skin isn’t great, like if it looks dull, use a good serum to brighten it up. Be brave and proud of yourself, and face the world with confidence.”
2. Focus on eliminating fatigue
As you enter your 40s, the biggest fear is hearing, “You look tired.” Thus, eliminating fatigue becomes a key focus for Melody. Her favourite product recently is SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum, which helps with skin elasticity and radiance.
3. Maintain a youthful spirit
Ageing is inevitable, but Melody believes women can maintain a great appearance through self-care. Beyond looks, it’s about adapting to changes in body and mind. “Every age has its characteristics, but keeping a youthful spirit is crucial. I have two daughters, and I often gain new insights and ideas from them.”
4. Exercise for both body and mind
Melody exercises in the morning, starting with stretching and gradually increasing intensity in spring and summer with aerobic activities. She enjoys Pilates, TRX, tennis, and hiking. “In the past, I exercised to maintain my figure. Now, in my 40s, I exercise for my mental well-being.”
5. Understand yourself deeply
“A significant part of a woman’s beauty comes from her mood. Being authentic, sincere, and genuine reflects on the outside. We must deeply understand ourselves and explore who we are and what kind of future we want.”
6. Calm your mind during bad moods
What to do when feeling down? “I often feel low, too. When things get overwhelming, I slow down, adjust my breathing, and write things down. Listing tasks makes them seem more manageable and gives clear goals to work towards.”
7. What you eat reflects on your appearance
Melody believes, “I don’t binge eat because I trust that what I eat reflects on my appearance. I avoid junk food, and occasionally indulge, but mostly choose wisely. I also avoid sugary drinks, which burden the body, and drink plenty of water.” During interviews, she always keeps a large water bottle nearby, aiming to drink at least 2000 c.c. of water daily.
8. Let go of social media anxiety and maintain privacy
Modern life easily leads to social media anxiety. “With IG Reels and TikTok, life seems to move in 15-second intervals. When was the last time you sat down with a book or spent time without checking your phone? I consciously choose what to share on social media to stay present with friends and family. Social media is important, but it’s vital to decide what to share and what to keep private.”
Lastly, Melody shares her thoughts on marriage, “Marriage is a significant learning journey with different lessons at various stages. It requires a lot of communication and willingness from both sides. If only one person is trying, it’s hard to solve issues. Marriage is like a tennis game; both players need to engage. If one stops playing, it’s time for a change.”
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Taiwan
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer