At 45 years old, my lifestyle fully embraces the principles of not eating sweets, committing to regular exercise, continuous learning, and quitting smoking, drinking, and even coffee. Some might wonder, is there really any joy in living this way? From my perspective, the true pleasure of life comes precisely from such discipline and a positive attitude. In your forties, having a healthy body, abundant energy, stable emotions, and a strong curiosity to experience the world in various ways is an incomparable form of happiness.
1. Confidence and Achievement from Stable Weight and Body Fat
I maintain a relatively stable weight and body fat percentage. Even when I occasionally indulge during travel or social gatherings and gain 5 to 10 pounds, I can bring it back under control within one or two weeks. After workouts, looking at the muscle definition in the mirror gives me a strong sense of achievement and boosts my confidence. With a well-proportioned body and no belly fat, clothes fit comfortably and neatly—sometimes my clothes are close in size to my child’s. This ease and comfort is something many peers might find hard to relate to.
2. Nutrition Knowledge Enhances Both Health and Enjoyment of Food
I have spent considerable time learning about nutrition, understanding which foods benefit my body and which suit me best. This knowledge frees me from overly strict dieting, allowing a scientific approach to choosing ingredients. I eat less unhealthy food but enjoy my favorite dishes in moderation. I tolerate both cold and hot foods well, rarely experiencing stomach discomfort. For example, I like buying fresh beef, marinate it simply, roast it in the oven, and pair it with a few bottles of chilled soda water while watching a movie. Such meals are relaxed yet satisfying.
3. Regular Sleep Patterns Provide Abundant Energy
After years of adjustments, my sleep quality has improved significantly. I fall asleep quickly, enjoy deep sleep, and wake up naturally feeling refreshed—even without an alarm clock. Good sleep guarantees mental alertness and efficiency during the day, helping me handle stress with ease.
4. Regular Exercise Boosts Physical Fitness and Endurance
Exercise is a constant part of my life. Recently, I went on a 10-day trip and easily averaged 15,000 steps a day, sometimes reaching 30,000. I spent a whole day hiking Huangshan Mountain from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and felt surprisingly fresh afterward. The next day, I toured Nanjing’s Zhongshan and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleums, walking all day again. Muscle soreness lasted only a day or two, and my overall physical condition remains close to what it was in my thirties.
I attend 2 to 3 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes weekly, each lasting 90 minutes, including 30 minutes of sparring where I keep up with much younger participants—sometimes outperforming them. To build muscle strength, I’ve recently added 2 to 3 private training sessions per week. Initially, muscle soreness lasted three days, but now I recover quickly and maintain a 5 to 6-day exercise routine weekly, reserving 1 to 2 days for recovery. My physical condition steadily improves.
5. An Ever-Persistent Curiosity and Passion for Learning
I’ve been taking on “100-day challenges” for 10 years, trying new knowledge and skills each year. I keep up with the latest developments in technology, economics, politics, and related fields. Learning has become an integral part of life, constantly broadening my horizons and abilities.
6. Resolute Abstinence from Smoking and Drinking for a Clearer Life
I have never smoked. In my twenties, I quit hard liquor due to alcohol intolerance; occasional beer drinking for work purposes followed. In my thirties, I quit coffee and gradually stopped beer as well. Now I mostly drink tea and water, with tea usually in the morning. When faced with toasts at the table, I explain my alcohol intolerance and refuse politely but firmly, respecting myself and others.
7. Rich Experience in Content Creation and Writing
Having written for social media for 17 years, I have produced notes and reflections on over 2,000 books. I consistently read 1 to 2 hours daily, and writing has become a habit. Driven by curiosity, I continuously learn and try new skills. This accumulation of knowledge and expression grants me greater influence and enriches my inner world.
8. Emotional Stability and Harmonious Family Life
I manage my emotions well, rarely losing temper or feeling anxious. My psychological burden is light. I have been married for 21 years, and the relationship remains as sweet as ever. We often go on dates, watch movies, and travel. We’ve already explored one-third of China and plan to gradually cover the rest before venturing abroad.
I relate to my child more like a friend—we practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu together, play games, and openly discuss school, relationships, travel, and finances. I keep regular gatherings with friends, sharing life and feelings. My social circle is broad and sincere.
9. Enhanced Focus and Self-Control
I easily enter a “flow state” when reading, watching movies, or gaming. I understand my attention span limits and regulate my pace. When tired during the day, I meditate for 10 to 20 minutes and consciously reduce phone use. Occasionally, I watch short videos but control the time well, preventing fragmented information from disrupting my life.
10. Freedom to Choose One’s Lifestyle with Confidence
Starting to learn in my twenties helped me build skills, vision, and networks. Whether in the workplace or freelancing, many opportunities come my way. Now I have the freedom to choose the lifestyle I want—spiritually, temporally, and in handling affairs—a true “life hacker.”
A stable, regular lifestyle brings greater confidence and enjoyment, makes me more in tune with my body, and fills me with energy to pursue passions. For those who don’t eat sweets, quit smoking and drinking, the joy of life does not stem from indulgence, but from the freedom born of discipline and the deep love for living.