Everyone knows about the mid-life crisis. Unfortunately, many adults believe that they cannot avoid it. If you feel a crisis approaching, you need to focus on positivity and find inspiration instead of panic. Know All The Things outlines a few ways to do just that.
Reconnect With Loved Ones
BetterHelp notes that connecting with your family gives you a sense of belonging. Family is a support system that will always have your back. When you are under stress, they are the people you can lean on and the ones most likely to spot the signs. If there is any distance between you and your family, it can help to start the process of reconnecting.
In addition to the family, think about your friends. Do you have old friends you no longer speak to but remember fondly? Many people lose touch with their friends after about 25. Connecting with old friends can have various mental health benefits. Not only do you relive happy memories, but you can gain a new perspective on your life. You have the opportunity to see what someone thinks who knew you before and that knows your life now.
If you lost touch with old friends, you can find them through a search engine that allows you to look for fellow high school graduates. For example, you can find people who graduated from your school via online searches or checking out social media like Facebook. Just type in the name, graduation date, school and look through the results with options to reach out to your old friends.
Change Your Living Arrangement With a Smaller Home (and Mortgage)
Midlife is a good time to consider downsizing to live in new digs. The kids have moved out and the empty nest has left you with a home that may be unnecessarily too spacious. Even if it’s in the same locale, you have a few options, whether that’s moving into a condo or apartment, or purchasing a new, smaller house. The latter calls for securing a mortgage, which will be reduced when you use the proceeds from your old home’s sale for a down payment. Check online to see what are mortgage rates today so you’ll have an idea of what to expect when you approach a lender. Current rates for a 20-year fixed rate mortgage range from 4.625 to 4.750 percent.
Reevaluate Your Career Goals
Is your career still right for you? CareerFoundry points out that if you feel anxiety when the first day of the work week comes around, it is probably time to think about shifting careers. You do not have to stay with the same career for your entire life. It may be better to choose something that makes you happy. Many people have mid-life crises when they are unhappy with their job and feel stuck. A mid-life crisis never has to be inevitable.
If you want to change your career, consider starting your own business. Before you start a company, create a thorough business plan to improve your chances of success. The business plan needs to describe the company, sell your services and explain the overall business structure. According to the experts, business plans are blueprints that describe your company and explain the funding you need and financial projections.
Give Yourself New Hobbies
Hobbies can give you enjoyment and purpose. Consider a healthy hobby, like physical activity. Exercise and going to the gym are more important for everyone, especially those over 40 years old. You should have at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
Consider hobbies that make you happy, like creative pursuits. Paper crafting only requires notebooks and a pencil or pen. Coloring can also reduce stress and help spark your creativity.
Reiki can help give you peace of mind. Reiki not only helps with your mental health, but it can help your physical health too. For example, reiki can benefit those who experience back pain. Practitioners transfer universal life energy for healing properties. Other relaxing, health-focused activities you can try include meditation and yoga.
As you choose how to spend your time, consider finding mental health support. You can find mental health support online if you feel emotionally overwhelmed. Seek mental health services virtually. Online therapy is convenient, private and secure. It is also less of a commitment than in-person therapy. When looking for an online therapist, you have a wide variety of licensed professionals to choose from.
You do not have to fear mid-life. Instead, welcome it with new hobbies, friends and family. Growing older can be a chance for new opportunities.
Featured Photo by Yan Krukov