Many people find that as they get older, they undergo a mid life crisis. This crisis of identity often happens between ages 35 and 55. Men and women alike may worry that they are no longer part of the active world and that life has passed them by.
The stereotype of a mid life crisis men is that they will buy a sports car and otherwise try to act much younger. Women may act out in less obvious ways, but be just as concerned with the idea that they are losing their youth, their attractiveness, and their effectiveness.
Here are 9 simple and effective to deal with a mid life crisis and to reach a new feeling of satisfaction with your life.
1. Are You Actually Having a Mid Life Crisis?
It is worthwhile to figure out whether the problems you are having are part of a mid life crisis or are coming from a deeper and more serious source. It may be helpful to talk with a therapist.
When they are undergoing a mid life crisis, men stereotypically want to make huge changes in their lives, from leaving a marriage to leaving a career. Women are more likely to feel dissatisfaction with their career or home life, and to be concerned with their attractiveness.
A huge change that affects couples is when children leave home or go to college. “Empty nest syndrome” is not the same thing as a midlife crisis, but the two problems can be intertwined.
2. Think About New Goals
If you feel that your old life goals are no longer meaningful, midlife is a great time to change them. Giving up on your previous dreams can be very hard, but changing your expectations will help you feel better about yourself. Mid life crisis women may find this tip especially helpful.
3. Be Thankful
Even though you are feeling dissatisfied with your life, it’s worthwhile to sit down and make a list of everything you’re thankful for. This can help take the focus off your problems and remind you that you have accomplished a lot in your life. Mid life crisis men need to pay attention to this tip in particular.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Constantly comparing yourself to others your age can be damaging to your self esteem. It may seem that others “have everything,” but consider that everyone is fighting some kind of battle. Especially on social media, where people’s lives are curated, you might get a distorted picture of what people’s lives are like.
5. Be Careful When Making Changes
If you’ve carefully considered your life and feel like you do need to make a change, talk to a therapist or a trusted friend first. For example, if you think your marriage is floundering and that you need to leave, make sure you have realistic expectations. If you truly have marriage problems, involve your spouse in fixing them until it is impossible.
6. Volunteer Your Time
If you are feeling ineffective and down on yourself, taking time to volunteer in the community may be just what you need to feel better. Spending time with children and young people will invigorate you. Mid life crisis women may be especially interested in this.
7. Try Something New
Trying something new may help you shake up your doldrums. Whether it’s a new hobby, a new area to visit, or a new skill, making a positive change may help you. Making these small changes may stave off your itch to make huge and irreversible changes in your life.
8. Realize You Are Loved
Spend quality time with your friends and family members. Being a kind source of support to friends and family is another way to stave off the self-centered feelings of the midlife crisis.
9. It’s Not Necessarily A Bad Thing
A mid life crisis isn’t necessarily a disaster. Being honest with yourself about your feelings and thoughts can help you draw up new ways to move forward with your life. Acknowledge your feelings, don’t try to sweep them under the rug or they will only get worse.
Final Thoughts
A midlife crisis can be a difficult time for both men and women. It is worth thinking carefully about all the aspects of your life and seeing where you can make positive changes to foster your self esteem. Be careful when making any changes, and try to stay positive.
The dissatisfaction felt during a midlife crisis is a natural part of leaving young adulthood, but it doesn’t have to completely uproot your life. Make changes that will help you move forward in a thoughtful way.
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