Being in your 40s and 50s gets a bad wrap. Many people this age have spent years caring for their
children and are typically at a stage now when the kids are more independent. This allows parents the opportunity to reclaim more of their time and identity. No matter where you are during this time, instead of dreading the idea of a midlife crisis, embrace the opportunity to rediscover your passions while keeping the bonds you have worked hard to develop with your children.
Here are five ideas that can help rejuvenate your zest for life:
1. Go on a Retreat
Taking time off from your busy schedule to go on a retreat and spending time in nature will help you meet new friends, as well as reconnect with yourself. Try something new like rock climbing, yoga, or meditation as you spend time away from home, and come back rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.
Getting out of your comfort zone, facing your fears, and taking part in new experiences will also boost your self-confidence, and you’ll feel better in your own skin – and mind – after a retreat.
2. Take a Break from Social Media
Too much time spent scrolling through your social media feeds can be detrimental to yourmental health and your self-esteem. Mind Help explains that FOMO, or the fear of missing out, doesn’t just plague the younger generations.
Mature people can also feel rejected and isolated or compare themselves negatively as they look at their friends’ “highlight reels” on social media posts. So log off and stay away from your electronics for a while. Instead, indulge in a book you’ve been meaning to read or relax in front of a movie or tv series your friends recommended.
3. Change Careers or Start Your Own Business
If you are always feeling concerned about your finances, consider adding to your revenue stream by starting a new side hustle from home. Using your personal computer, you can tutor students, become a personal assistant, help companies with their marketing campaigns, or
perform a number of other lucrative activities that will make you feel more optimistic about your future.
When you know what you want to do, then revise your resume or CV to reflect that goal. Find a template for a CV online and simply add in your information. There are plenty of templates to choose from, and you can modify the font, colors, and text easily to make it into your unique document.
You could also start a new business if you are unhappy with your current employment. Think about what you enjoy doing and what skills you have. Then look online to see what people are hiring others to do for them. If you’re good with people and have an
eye for colors and details, consider starting an interior design company. If you’re passionate about design, enjoy getting out to new locations, and think on your feet, then click here for more information about what it takes to get into the interior design business.
4. Spend Time With Old Friends
When you don’t have kids at home anymore, it’s easy to start feeling lonely and unneeded. But The Science of People encourages you to take advantage of the free time you now have to reconnect with old friends and gather together for coffee, dinner, a visit to an art gallery, or a fun night out. Chances are some of them are experiencing the same thing you’re going through with their own family, and they’re also craving opportunities for get-togethers with people their own age.
If you’ve lost touch with classmates you’d like to catch up with, turn to the Internet for help. You may be able to find them on social media or by entering the name of your school and the year you graduated or via mutual friends. Once you’ve located them, send them a message and revive your friendship!
5. Learn a New Skill
Take a class on a subject you have a deep interest in, such as art or photography, or spend time on a hobby that makes you feel accomplished, like puzzles, journaling, or cooking. Pursuing your passion can help you fight off anxiety and depression as it raises your
happiness levels, whether you’re doing it solo or with a group of like-minded people. Your confidence will also rise as you start mastering your new craft, and you’ll be motivated to continue making self-care a priority.
BONUS: Make Time for Yourself
You have spent many years caring for other people. Now it’s time to really think about what you want out of life. As you go through a midlife crisis, keep busy and carve out time to experience new things. Keep depression and anxiety at bay as you work on self-care and increase your self- confidence. And make plenty of room for happiness as you embark on your new journey.
– Article and Resources Contribution by Jason Kenner
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To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!
To your self-care!
