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 your
mental 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 awhile. 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 choose to start a brand 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 thinking on your feet, then
click for more information about what it takes to get into this industry.
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. Carve time out for experiencing new things as you go through midlife.
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
Are you looking for inspiration for helping your tween and teen grow? Are you tired of
feeling run down and want guidance on how to feel better and be healthier?
Work with me personally! If you looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs, click here for more information on my personal coaching sessions. You can e-mail me at: info@doughaddad.com
To your self-care!
