If you’re an adult in your 40s to 60s, and you crave a drastic change from the humdrum of life? If so, then you might be experiencing a midlife crisis, and that’s okay! It’s not all that farfetched to have gotten comfortable at some point in your life, and fallen into a routine that hasn’t seen a shakeup for years.
Many people think, especially when you’re young, that your identity has to be defined by the time you’re in your 30s and that by then, you should be a respectable, well-rounded adult who has it all figured out. But if you’ve lived past those years, you know that you’re constantly changing and not afraid of new adventures that might be hiding just around the corner.
What Causes A Midlife Crisis?
A midlife crisis is usually the result of an event that reminds us of our age — or gives us the impression that time is running out to do the things we’ve missed out on in our lives. It’s a complex set of feelings and emotions, bringing up memories from your past, present and projecting experiences for the future. Dive deeper into the topic here. Other reasons you may have feelings of a midlife crisis:
- Having an empty nest and finding yourself without purpose now that your children are out of the house.
- A divorce or the end of a meaningful long-term relationship
- A health scare that reminds you of your mortality
If any of these events have occurred to you and you’re looking for a way to reframe this natural aging process, here are some things you can do to alleviate anxiety about the future:
Remember To Be Grateful
Taking a moment to look back on all of the fantastic things you’ve accomplished in life can make you feel more present in your day-to-day. Find a moment of quiet and either write down what you’re grateful for practice mindfulness meditation to help you feel more comfortable living in the moment.
Engage In Creative Endeavors
Being creative is a substantial stress-relieving activity! Consider doing an art class or community group that will help you express yourself creatively once or a couple of times a week. This will also help dispel negative emotions by allowing you to socialize and create new friendships.
Reconnect With Your Partner, Family, Or Friends
As we grow, it’s only natural that our emotional and physical needs change with us, and your midlife crisis may be due to some unresolved resentment or unmet need in one of your relationships. Attempt to reconnect with those you love and be honest about your feelings. You may just get the resolutions you were looking for, and if not, at least take some pressure off your shoulders from bottling it all up.
Make New Memories
Sometimes when life starts slipping through our fingers, it can be because we’ve made a routine of our lives that hasn’t changed in a long time. When you make an effort to make new memories, you can feel time slowing down. Find something to do that gets you out of your comfort zone, and you’ll see how refreshing and enriching it can be.
Talk To Someone
Finally, these feelings can be challenging to deal with on your own, so it may be time that you open yourself up to a close friend, relative, or even a therapist. Speaking to someone else gives you a different perspective and can help you see your situation through a new lens, which may make you see your current life progress in a more positive light.
