6 Ways to Handle a Midlife Crisis with Optimism

Guest article provided by: Emily Graham from mightymoms.net. Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms and a mom herself to daughters Mia (7) and Ella (4). She knows from experience that being a mom is a 24/7 job that is tough and demanding, but also extremely rewarding. Because of this, she wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.

A midlife crisis can leave you feeling downcast and uncertain of the future. It is common to get caught up in the patterns of early life, such as building a career and a family, and then be struck by the reality of aging and time when life slows down. If you find yourself in need of inspiration and a new direction, here are six ways to do so with a positive attitude.

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1. Embrace the Unknown

While the unknown can be scary, embracing it can lead to all sorts of opportunities and experiences that you haven’t had before. It can also mean reconnecting with hobbies or friends and family that you’ve lost touch with. Seeing the unknown as a chance for growth and excitement will help keep you inspired instead of dejected. Remember to include your loved ones in the process by communicating your feelings instead of making impulsive, self-serving decisions.

2. Get Help

Dealing with big emotions, regrets, or concerns can be challenging to handle on your own. In addition to talking to your spouse or friends and family, consider enlisting professional help. A therapist or counselor will have a lot of wisdom and experience to offer when dealing with your dilemma. They can help minimize mistakes along the way and aid communication through any difficulties. This is particularly helpful if you tend to be a negative or critical thinker. A therapist can help transform your thought patterns and model constructive thinking for you.

3. Change Careers or Start a Business

Many people realize in middle age that they have been pursuing a career that no longer fulfills them. While you can attempt to make your job work for you, you may want to close a chapter and seek something new. If you’re considering entering a new sector, remember that your years of experience are likely useful in many different lines of business. Get creative when thinking about how your skills apply to new areas of interest, and update your resume to reflect that.

You may want to start your own business. In that case, you can file an LLC in North Carolina to limit your liability and make filing taxes easier. It will also give you tax advantages and reduce paperwork. Check the rules in your state, as they vary. If you want to avoid large lawyer fees, you can use a formation service that is already familiar with the regulations in your state.

4. Start a New Hobby Like Gardening

Taking up a new hobby can bring tons of great benefits. From reducing stress to developing creativity, many hobbies have amazing potential for the mind and body. Gardening is no exception. Not only is it a great way to get out in nature and connect with the environment, gardening also has practical benefits such as growing one’s own food or refreshing outdoor spaces. Additionally, it can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment when plants are cultivated and cared for over time. You can also reach out for expert advice for gardening lovers.

5. Consider Relocating

Moving can be a great way to help one overcome a midlife crisis. Taking this step can provide a fresh start and new perspectives on life, giving the chance for an individual to rediscover themselves. Moving allows an individual to gain independence from their current environment and explore a different location with entirely different opportunities. New surroundings can foster creativity in many ways, giving an individual a platform for making changes that will help them adapt and navigate through this difficult stage of life more effectively. If you’re not committed to an area long term, consider renting out your current home before selling it. Just keep in mind that by being a landlord, you’ll be taking on additional responsibilities. 

6. Learn to Meditate

Meditation is an extremely valuable practice. Daily meditation can even physically change your brain, increasing its volume in positive areas and reducing stress activity. It can also lower blood pressure, help pain, aid memory, and increase focus, among many other benefits.