5 Ways to Find Inspiration in a Midlife Slump
A midlife crisis can mean different things to different people, but it’s also a very common experience. Statistics show that 47 is the age adults in developed nations report the most unhappiness. The years you can experience a crisis can vary, but depression or listlessness are challenging to go through at any time. Fortunately, you can take steps to make this transition easier and find inspiration and vigor. Here are five ideas to consider, courtesy of Paige Bond.
1. Change Your Surroundings
Traveling is a great way to see the world through a new lens and take the focus off of what is worrying you. Often, going to a new environment will quickly clarify problems you have dwelled on for long periods of time. Whether you are married with children or flying solo, there are likely tons of places to see that you’ve never been able to. From a romantic weekend staycation around the corner to a month-long trip across the world, start thinking of destinations that light your fire.
2. Relocate
Moving during a midlife transition can have numerous benefits. For one thing, it helps to free us from the distractions and constraints of our old life. In addition, starting over can allow us to reassess what is really important in our lives and find ways to fill any gaps that exist. Ultimately, moving during our midlife crisis can help us discover who we truly want to be and pave the way for a brighter future.
If you’re thinking about moving but aren’t sure if you want to reside in an area long term, consider renting a home before buying. View listings online and find an affordable home with the amenities you need. Some listings offer virtual tours so you won’t have to visit in person.
3. Find Your Zen
If you’ve been running on adrenaline and find yourself swept up in day-to-day chaos, practicing yoga or learning to meditate may be the key to your peace. Yoga can now be done entirely free from the comfort of your living room, thanks to YouTube and other sites. Channels like “Yoga with Adriene” provide challenges and issue-specific videos that work for a wide range of people.
For meditation, you can also find free videos online or sign up for a course that teaches you the basics. Thankfully, though, you don’t need any tools or money to get started. Just practice a simple breathing meditation for 5-10 minutes per day and see the benefits for yourself.
Gardening is another great way to stay active and get plenty of fresh air. If you’re just getting started, no worries. The experts at HomeGardenHero can help introduce you to an exciting new hobby that’ll do wonders for your discipline and relaxation.
4. Start a Business
Whether you’ve been working for a company you no longer feel connected to or have been a stay-at-home parent for years, you might have a business vision you want to make a reality. You don’t have to immediately quit your 9 to 5 or sacrifice everything in your life to make it happen. Set aside some time to brainstorm, create a business plan, and organize your schedule so you have pockets where you can work. Then, as your dream takes off, you can decide how to move forward.
If you do start a business, you may want to choose an LLC for your structure. Forming an LLC will give you limited liability, make filing taxes more manageable, and reduce your paperwork. If you’re worried about a costly lawyer, you can hire a formation service to set up your company for you. Be sure to check the rules in your state before beginning the LLC formation process.
Also, if you’re a freelancer looking to attract clients and your creative work calls for a curriculum vitae rather than a traditional resume, this site could be helpful. These tried-and-true templates allow you to highlight your skills and creative work in greater detail, giving you a big advantage over the competition.
5. Strengthen Your Relationships
If you’re feeling lonely and misunderstood, poor communication could be to blame. Instead of assuming others aren’t on the same page with you, you may want to enlist help to improve how you talk with your loved ones. Relationships take work and can often get put on the back burner while work, kids, and other activities take precedence. Working with a therapist like Paige Bond can help you sort out where interactions aren’t living up to their potential.
The tips above can help you find inspiration and remain positive during your midlife slump. It’s normal to reach middle age and experience regret about the past or confusion about the future. Whether you’re relocating or starting a new business, remember to take it one day at a time, and life will be even better on the other side.
The tips above can help you find inspiration and remain positive during your midlife slump. It’s normal to reach middle age and experience regret about the past or confusion about the future. Whether you’re relocating or starting a new business, remember to take it one day at a time, and life will be even better on the other side.
Paige Bond, provides relationship therapy, poly friendly therapy, lgbtq counseling, individual therapy, marriage counseling, and open relationship counseling online to residents of South Carolina. Click here to request an appointment.