Women's midlife crisis: 3 signs and 7 tips for dealing with it positively
The midlife crisis sets in. Your body is slowly changing. Your children are about to move out, and you feel a sense of dissatisfaction. You wonder what will happen next. But how exactly does a woman's midlife crisis manifest itself? Could it even bring with it completely new opportunities? Find out here.
The midlife crisis in women: these are the signs
1. Eternal youth
For some women, the midlife crisis manifests itself in a second youth. This can be seen, for example, in tight, trendy clothing or the purchase of countless expensive cosmetic products. Women in this phase also tend to take up sports again, which their partners also “suffer” from. Some men have probably heard phrases like “We used to be so active, let's bring that back!” during their wife's midlife crisis.
2. Reinventing oneself
Many women begin to reinvent themselves during their midlife crisis. This can manifest itself in completely different ways. Some women realize that their relationship no longer fulfills them and separate from their long-term partner. Others reinvent themselves by taking up new hobbies, finally going on a big trip, or otherwise realizing their potential. The motto is: now is my time!
3. Pessimism
However, a woman's midlife crisis can also manifest itself in the opposite way: with pessimism and resignation. Thoughts such as “My children don't need me anymore, they're grown up” or “I'm too old to realize this dream” take over and the life crisis takes its course. This can also be a real test for the relationship and, in the worst case, even lead to separation.
What are the physical symptoms of a woman's midlife crisis?
For many women, menopause heralds a radical change.
Estrogen levels drop relatively quickly.
Women sweat more frequently. The well-known hot flashes make their appearance.
Increased pain in the chest and arms.
Sleep disturbances.
These physical changes signal to a woman—watch out, something is changing dramatically here and somehow it doesn't feel good.
Am I in a midlife crisis? The self-test
Take this quick self-test and find out whether you are in a midlife crisis or not.
Onset and duration: How long does a woman struggle with the crisis?
Most women experience an identity crisis between the ages of 35 and 50. The first visible wrinkles or the odd gray hair usually herald the onset of a woman's midlife crisis. Of course, there are also changes in life circumstances, such as children moving out, and psychological changes. Many women also experience last-minute panic at this time. The biological clock is ticking, further intensifying the midlife crisis.
The duration of a woman's midlife crisis depends heavily on her circumstances. Someone who partied hard in their twenties is at a different point in life at the same age than someone who had children early or started working as a teenager, for example.
Overcoming a woman's midlife crisis – with these 7 tips
The duration and severity of a midlife crisis vary from woman to woman. However, dealing with it in the right way enables every woman to see opportunities in the crisis and significantly mitigate and shorten it. With these tips, we want to help you emerge from this difficult phase of life feeling stronger and full of positive energy.
1. Think about your future
You have reached the point where half your life is over. So what?! You still have half your life ahead of you! And now is the time to make plans for it. Take time for yourself and think about what you enjoy, what you feel like doing, and what fulfills you—and then go for it. The most important thing during this phase is to focus on the beautiful things in life.
2. Be active
Exercise is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. Exercise can have a particularly positive impact during a woman's midlife crisis. If you are very critical of your body and appearance during this phase, physical activity can be especially beneficial.
3. Become aware of your situation
During a woman's midlife crisis, it is important to realize that you are in a phase of life that is not permanent, but will pass. With this thought as a basis, you can look forward to the future. It is important to resist the urge to throw everything away. Our tip: Try meditation.
4. Write down your thoughts
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you organize them and create clarity. Address the following questions: What is my current situation? What do I want for the future? What do I need to change to get there? The answers can help you visualize the important things in your life and focus on them.
5. What can you do?
It is important to involve your partner. Talk openly about your fears and feelings and listen to your partner as well. Open communication is very important during this phase so that your relationship can survive unscathed. Being open about your feelings also gives your partner the chance to respond to you better and support you in everything.
6. Let others help you.
Are you stuck in a midlife crisis and unable to get out of it on your own? Or are you and your partner both going through this difficult phase? Then maybe it's time to seek help together. Therapy can achieve what you haven't been able to do without help: look forward to the second half of your life with positivity and joy.
7. See this phase of life as an opportunity
Even though the midlife crisis is mostly a tiresome topic, it can also be seen as a real opportunity. Your perspectives on things may change and you have the chance to reorganize your life, set new priorities, and start afresh. How wonderful! Look forward to what is yet to come.
Conclusion: Half of your life is still ahead of you
Many things change during a woman's midlife crisis: some women start to panic that they are missing out on opportunities, while others experience an identity crisis when their children move out. The body changes and many women feel that their best years are behind them. However, this is far from the case. Half of your life is still ahead of you and this part is also full of possibilities. Now is the time to reinvent yourself, to have time for yourself, and to do what makes you happiest.
The midlife crisis is just another test that you face in the course of your life, and you have the chance to emerge from this phase more mature, happier, and full of energy. Take heart!
