'I asked women in their 40s what they'd tell their younger selves. Their answers might surprise you.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Ostelin

Is it just me or is it a striking coincidence that hindsight is "20-20" and 20 plus 20 equals 40 — the age at which we really start to get some perspective on our lives?

As a 43-year-old woman, I've experienced firsthand the clarity that comes with time and the cringe-worthy flashbacks that sneak up on you when you're least expecting it —– from wishing you'd never thought that outfit was cool to regretting the guys who just weren't that into you, even if you told yourself otherwise.

Age has also served me some pretty clear wake-up calls about my health. Like most women, I took my health and strength for granted in my 20s and 30s. I'd roll out of bed each morning with the kind of pep in my step that this midlife gal can only dream of now. Because as young as I might feel on the inside, sometimes my body tells me otherwise.

Staying strong.

As we age, maintaining muscle health becomes increasingly important — particularly for women. Supporting muscle function can play a role in helping us stay mobile and reduce the risk of falls and injury as we get older.

Incorporating regular movement and strength training is key. However, according to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care, more than half (55 per cent) of Australian adults do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. This makes it especially important for women in their 40s and beyond to assess their activity levels.

Certain nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D3 and magnesium, play a role in supporting bone and muscle health. Ostelin's Calcium & Vitamin D3 + Magnesium combines these ingredients to provide nutritional support — helping to reduce muscle tiredness and relieve muscle cramps and mild muscle spasms when dietary intake of magnesium is inadequate.

If I could travel back in time, I'd tell my younger self so many things. To slow down and enjoy the journey rather than fixating on the destination. To drink more water. To learn to say no rather than defaulting to yes as an approval-seeking people-pleaser.

And it made me wonder what other women in their 40s would tell their younger selves — about love, life, health, career. All of it. Here's what they had to say.

Move to feel good.

Many of the women I spoke with said they wished they'd been kinder to themselves when they were younger, especially about the way they looked. They also spoke about exercise and health — but with the right motivations.

Diana, 44, said she'd tell her younger self: "Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Or something you do to lose weight. Or to make up for the calories consumed over the weekend.

"Once you stop connecting it to all of that, your world will change! Ditch the spin classes you hate, get outdoors (look at where you live!) and exercise with friends. You'll look forward to it, feel amazing afterwards and lose the 'weight' of exercise guilt you didn't even realise you were carrying for so many years."

Trust your intuition.

Melissa, 42, said she would tell her younger self to be aware of the subtle signals from both body and mind:

"Those quiet cues that often go unnoticed yet hold exactly what you need. Understanding your unique hormonal rhythms and the natural ebb and flow of energy, motivation and the need for rest is crucial; embrace these cycles as they come and go daily, weekly and monthly each year.

"And trust your intuition. If something feels off, it likely is. Choosing what you don't want is as important as choosing what you do.

"Begin each day with the sunrise; a touch of exercise, some fresh air and the awareness that each time the sun comes up you get a fresh start."

For Brooke, 45, intuition is a guide she'd also tell her younger self to use on her career path: "Don't get tricked into believing that you need to do a job that can make you the most money. Follow your instincts and back yourself to find a job that will bring you the most joy and satisfaction."

Find the right relationship.

There was also a common theme of relationship mistakes and spending too much time and effort on partners who weren't right or chasing the wrong kind of love.

Paula, 41, said she'd tell her younger self: "Don't compromise or let a man take away what you have learnt or how you are just because it makes him uncomfortable. He will always expect you to compromise your dreams."

Naomi, 42, had a hopeful message for her younger self: "Your soulmate will find you and when he does you will understand why you waited. You will know no other love like his and he will still be your biggest rock."

Just do it.

40-year-old Emma lives by the philosophy of going for it and would love her younger self to do the same:

"My advice to my younger self is always, as Nike put it so eloquently, just do it. Try the thing. Take the trip. Start the business. Give it a go. Just start. You'll live and learn. It's advice I still have to tell myself today because although there may be a bit more skin in the game, this approach serves me well."

Whatever you'd tell your younger self, there's no denying that ageing comes with a healthy dose of perspective and lessons learned — sometimes the hard way.

But as well as reflecting on how far we've come, it's essential to look ahead to where we're going and set ourselves up for the next amazing decades with good health and a strong body.

Because we're going to need all the support we can get.

Find Ostelin's Calcium & Vitamin D3 + Magnesium at your local pharmacy.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Ostelin is made to support health and strength for women. We believe all women are different and experience the stages of life in unique ways, with different highs and lows. Ostelin products are scientifically formulated to support your very own health journey. Ostelin. Find your Strong.