How to Turn a Midlife Crisis into a Fresh Re(start)

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What is a midlife crisis?

The midlife crisis is a period of doubt that appears more or less in the middle of our lives as we move from youth to adulthood.
The first thing that usually happens is that we become aware of death. We feel that, as it were, the countdown is beginning and this makes us ask many important questions.

We review what we have experienced so far, our goals achieved or not, and our dreams, values, beliefs, and desires.

There are many factors that can trigger it, such as menopause, the death or abandonment of a relative, or the very verification of aging.

In women, it usually presents more progressively and in men, it usually appears suddenly.

Not all people go through this crisis and not all who go through it have the same characteristics, but there are common patterns that we will see below.

Focus some energy on yourself

It is common for middle-aged people to report burnout.

You may feel overwhelmed. You may be stressed from taking care of your children or an elderly parent. You may be juggling your relationship with financial and other difficulties.

No matter what you're doing, it can be hard to stop and breathe. You might even feel selfish about making time for yourself.

You do not need. Mental health experts agree that focusing on yourself is incredibly important. Taking the time to ask yourself what you want and feel can be the first step in knowing if you need to make a change.

So before you do anything else, take some time to think about how things have been going for you in recent years. It's the best way to start your midlife renewal.

Learn something new

There are several benefits of learning something new. It can keep your mind active, give you something to be excited about, and give you an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment.

That is why it is highly recommended by mental health professionals for middle-aged people. It's also a great way to take a break and have some time to yourself.

You can learn an amazing variety of things from the comfort of your own home. You can learn to speak a new language or write computer code using apps on your phone.

You can take entire courses from top universities on just about any subject you can think of. Some online course programs even allow you to earn credits or certificates.

If you prefer to get out there, your local community college is a great place to start. Most community colleges offer a full list of courses just for adult students looking to pick up a new skill.

Reconnect with friends and family

Therapists and researchers have strongly suggested that social connections are important for mental health.

It can make a world of difference in your life to have people you can share the good times and celebrations with, people you can call on for good conversation, and people you can count on for support during difficult times.

It's also common to feel isolated, especially in middle age. Communicating with family and friends and trying to stay connected can help.

You don't have to plan a party or big event to reconnect. It's best to start with a simple hello, whether that's texting your sister, Facebooking a local friend, or emailing a friend you haven't seen in years.

Make time for your love life

Unfortunately, difficulties in marriage are often associated with middle age. Divorces, affairs, or just cooling of romantic and sexual feelings are often reported to therapists.

Of course, that doesn't mean that the deterioration of relationships is an inevitable part of middle age. Marriage and family therapists recommend that you take some time right now to think about what you want from yourself, from your life, and from your partner.

If you're still devoted to them, it might be a good time to find new ways to celebrate each other.

Actions like planning a romantic vacation, a night out, or caring about appreciating yourself more can go a long way toward a happy midlife love life.

Find new ways to stay active

Exercise is important. In addition to its many physical benefits, it can improve your mental health, sharpen your concentration, and reduce your stress. You may also start to feel bored, especially if you are already restless or struggling with negative thoughts in your life.

So even if you already hit the gym several days a week, finding new ways to stay active can help. It can keep you motivated, improve your mood, and boost your confidence.

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to being fit. A ballroom dance class, walking group, or local recreational sports league can be great ways to stay in shape.

Plus, they can be a fun, stress-free way to make new friends.

Get into a healthy habit

Small changes can go a long way. Middle age is an ideal time to start a new healthy habit.

You don't have to overhaul your entire lifestyle: you can pick one small change and stick with it. You'll reap the health benefits of change and the satisfaction of sticking with a new habit.

That means increased mental and physical health for a single action, and it's hard to top that.

You can start walking up the stairs every day at work, bring a planned lunch from home, eat fruit every morning, or drink plenty of water. You might also consider cutting out some less healthy habits, like drinking soda or smoking.

Spend time on a project that you are passionate about

It is common to experience job dissatisfaction in midlife. You may feel exhausted, bored, or like you've wasted your time in a career you don't love.

While it can be tempting to give up tomorrow, there are better ways to deal with that feeling. Experts agree that middle age is an ideal time to work on something you are passionate about.

Maybe you've always wanted to write a novel, or maybe you've always wanted to sell your homemade jewelry online. No matter what, focusing on a project that really interests you can boost your energy and optimism.

Also, you can bring an additional source of income or even change your career path.

Consider therapy

You may think of therapy only for moments of distress, trauma, or crisis, but this is not the case. Therapy is also a great tool for times of transition. Middle age can be a good time to talk to a therapist.

A therapist can help you sort through your feelings about past events, manage your current stress, and plan for your future. They can help you make the most of your middle-age years and help you feel confident about the road ahead.

Also, if middle age has brought major changes, such as divorce, marital difficulties, or death, or if it has caused important reflections on your past, a therapist can guide you through your thoughts and feelings.

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