Around the age of 45, many men start to question their lives and struggle with the thought of aging, which can prompt a midlife crisis. This can make them feel dissatisfied or stressed, causing them to make big changes to alleviate their fear that time’s running out. Sometimes, they might resort to doing things that create upheaval in their lives instead of making them feel more fulfilled. Although it’s a time filled with restlessness and tension, they can find healthy ways to avoid a midlife crisis. Here are 15 suggestions.
1. They should confront their mortality.
Midlife crises are usually triggered by major life events, such as a health diagnosis or the death of a loved one. These can make men become more aware of the fact that life is short and time’s running out. Instead of trying to avoid talking about death, it’s better to open the discussion with friends and family members. By facing their mortality, men can live more intentionally because it increases awareness of what truly matters.
2. They should meditate regularly.
Men approaching a midlife crisis might feel more restless and fearful, so meditating daily can help them to calm their thoughts and get in tune with their inner truth. It also encourages a deeper connection to their spirituality, which provides a sense of purpose and peace. Meditation is great for de-stressing and increasing one’s self-understanding. This, in turn, encourages better decision-making, which can alleviate feelings of disillusionment often associated with a midlife crisis.
3. They should be grateful for what they have.
In one’s quest to find a meaning and purpose in life, it’s easy to stop being grateful for what one already has. Men should take up the daily practice of keeping a gratitude journal. This will remind them of everything they have in life that they shouldn’t take for granted, such as in terms of their career, relationship, and achievements. It can lead to lower anxiety and depression, promoting a more optimistic mindset. Gratitude helps one to be more mindful on the present moment, instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
4. They should help others in need.
When men help others who are less fortunate than they are, this benefits them in numerous ways. It gives them a greater purpose and meaning, which is important when dealing with “What now?” questions that come up during life transitions. It boosts happiness by releasing “feel-good” chemicals, while also strengthening social connections. In addition, volunteering builds community ties, which provide more support and reduce feelings of isolation that can contribute to a midlife crisis.
5. They should confide in trusted loved ones.
It can help men to speak about what they’re feeling as this prevents them from bottling up their emotions. Although this is something men might feel afraid to do because they don’t want to be seen as vulnerable, it’s beneficial because it encourages emotional support and validation. Friends and loved ones can offer men a fresh perspective on their situation, brainstorming new solutions to their problems. It also helps men to hear from other men who are experiencing the same feelings.
6. They should maintain a positive outlook.
While it sounds simple to say that men should remain optimistic, a positive mindset fosters resilience. It enables men to cope better with life’s challenges while finding opportunities for personal growth. Rather than dwelling on what one doesn’t have or what one hasn’t achieved yet, being positive can help men to focus on what they can still accomplish. A positive mindset prevents men from feeling hopeless or negative about the future, which are common feelings during a midlife crisis.
7. They should re-evaluate their life path.
Sometimes, men in their 40s and older might start to feel hopeless or unsure about their life and what they want to do with their remaining years. Stopping to take stock of what they’ve achieved and what they want out of life can help them to find greater meaning and purpose. It’s also valuable to consider their values regarding personal growth, health, career, and relationships. These can guide them to making good decisions. If their values are in sync with their current lifestyle, this will prevent a sense of meaningless.
8. They should invest in their friendships.
Maintaining strong social connections can provide men with emotional support while reducing feelings of isolation. Being around likeminded friends creates a sense of belonging and community, helping them to navigate life’s challenges. Strong friendships can also be a source of joy, advice, and fun, helping men to find more pleasure in life instead of only focusing on what’s stressing them out.
9. They should maintain their physical health.
Failing health and aging can cause men to fear their mortality and feel more stressed out. Therefore, focusing on a healthier lifestyle can help them to experience greater physical wellbeing. Doing regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and having regular health checkups can keep them feeling positive about their bodies while preventing certain health conditions. A healthy lifestyle also improves one’s mental health, such as by reducing depression and anxiety.
10. They should have a growth mindset.
Men who are approaching a midlife crisis might see the future as being filled with threats instead of opportunities. They might think that the best years are behind them, which can make life feel like a dead-end. By focusing on learning new things and growing throughout life, they’ll remain open to new experiences that help them enjoy themselves while maintaining a youthful sense of hope. This can make midlife transitions feel exciting instead of daunting, helping them to create a more meaningful life.
11. They should shake things up with new hobbies.
Exploring new interests can help men bring more excitement and a sense of accomplishment into their lives. It helps them to break out of their mundane daily routines, while encouraging them to meet new people. By focusing on finding new, fulfilling hobbies instead of taking up unhealthy habits such as drinking more or buying flashy cars, men can avoid making bad decisions in an attempt to reignite a sense of passion in their lives.
12. They should foster acceptance.
Sometimes, people try to distract themselves from the feelings surrounding a midlife crisis. By accepting them instead, this can help men to better embrace changes in their lives and themselves. This reduces stress and anxiety linked to unmet expectations or unachieved goals. By accepting the natural course of life and the evolution of one’s purpose or professional roles, men can find greater peace and satisfaction in their current life stage.
13. They should stop defining themselves according to their career.
If men think that their career achievements somehow define them, this can cause them to feel dissatisfied in their lives. Shifting the focus from career achievements to other aspects of their lives can provide a more balanced life. For example, recognizing the value of their relationships and personal interests can build a sense of self-worth that isn’t solely tied to professional success, which can be fleeting. This can help to provide greater satisfaction and stability, especially if career changes or retirement are approaching.
14. They should avoid social comparisons.
If men keep making comparisons with other men in their age group, such as in terms of what they’ve achieved, this can cause them to become too competitive, leading to stress and low self-esteem. By avoiding making these comparisons, it can help them to stop feeling inadequate and embrace what’s wonderful about their own lives. It also helps them to focus on their personal journey and accomplishments, giving them a greater sense of satisfaction.
15. They should get professional help if necessary.
Seeking professional help from a qualified therapist can be a good idea if men are struggling to manage their anxiety, stress, or other emotional challenges. It can offer them support, new insights, coping mechanisms, and an objective perspective on their personal issues. Therapy can help men to navigate difficult periods in their lives more effectively while avoiding a midlife crisis.
