5 Tips for Finding Peace During a Midlife Crisis
The term midlife crisis often has a negative connotation. However, it really just means you’ve reached a crossroads, you’re feeling a little burned out, and it’s time for a change. And it doesn’t have to be anything major either. You can make small changes in life to improve that feeling and recharge. Consider these simple tips from Bottoms Up! Yoga to help you start recovering from burnout.
1. Change Your Career
Considering the amount of time work consumes in your daily life, it is safe to assume being unhappy with your job could largely contribute to negative feelings. If your job is the problem it is likely time to consider a new one. Think of something you enjoy and how you can monetize it.
For example, if you have an eye for colors and design, and are great with people, perhaps a side hustle as an interior designer is a good fit. This is a good option to consider if you are creative and are good at managing projects in a flexible work environment. You may also have to deal with challenging personalities, so make sure that you are patient.
If you decide to start your own business, be sure to choose the right business structure. For example, registering as an LLC has tax advantages, limited liability coverage, flexibility, and minimal paperwork. In fact, after starting your LLC, you can declare to the IRS that you prefer to use an S Corp tax designation, which has additional benefits. If all of this sounds a bit technical, don’t worry; an online formation service can help you set up an S Corp in no time!
2. Start Meditating
If you find yourself scrambling to get everything together and get out the door in the morning, you can carry that negative energy throughout the day. Instead, try to wake up just 30 minutes earlier and spend a few minutes meditating in silence every day.
The Harvard Gazette reports that meditation can ease stress, boost focus, lower blood pressure, and reduce sensitivity to pain. All you need is a quiet area, a few pleasing candles, and something comfortable to sit on. Then, you just practice some simple breathing techniques to help you focus on your breath. Before long, you'll see the benefits.
You can also pair meditation with yoga for a relaxing and centering practice. You can try virtual yoga, community yoga, private sessions, or even yoga and brew sessions at Bottoms Up! Yoga.
3. Find a Hobby
Hobbies are a great way to enhance your mood. The goal is to find something you enjoy doing and dedicate your free time to that hobby. It can be as simple as putting together puzzles, bird watching, collecting stamps, or binge-watching television shows.
You might also find gardening to be rewarding. Working the soil and watching things you cultivated grow can be very fulfilling. Plus, being outside is great for your mental health. If you’re not sure where to start, visit Home Garden Hero for care guides and to learn which plants might work best in your area. Finding a hobby is a personal experience, but you need to find a balance between engaging in your hobby and participating in other important aspects of your life as well.
4. Go on a Solo Trip
If you need a quick recharge, going on a solo vacation is a great way to relax and evaluate your needs. Going alone blocks out all the noise of everyday life and allows you to reassess. It can be a weekend at a nearby spa resort, a staycation where you just take time off of your job to relax at home, or an international trip to do something you always wanted to do but never had the time. Make a bucket list of all your solo vacation ideas and prioritize checking places off your list.
5. Make Time for Your Family
Many people go through a midlife crisis as their children start to get older and become more independent. One way to nurture that change is to be more active in establishing family time. Talk about having one night a week where everyone gets together for a special experience. You can go out and try something new. Rotate making plans so everyone gets to choose how they spend the family night. You'll learn more about each other that way.
Find Your New Balance
Midlife crises do not have to be all-consuming. These simple tips can help you combat negative feelings and refocus your life in a positive direction. Implement one or two of these tips at a time to slowly figure out what works for you. You can always add more things as you integrate positive practices into your routine. Before long you’ll wonder how you got along without things like meditation, beer yoga, and family time.
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