Four Must Have Strategies For Midlife

Time To Reinvent: Beverley Glazer

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by commitments, responsibilities, and many other demands?

Welcome to the reality that many women face in midlife. This is the time when roles multiply like rabbits: you’re a parent, a partner, an employee or boss, a caretaker for aging parents, and, oh, don’t forget, you have your own needs and dreams, too. Whether it’s good stuff, bad stuff, or any other stuff, they’re all stressors when you add it all up.

The Reality That Many Women Face In Midlife:

Let me tell you about my dynamo client Sarah. Sarah ran a big company and was always on the go. Her week was chock-full of business trips and events; on the weekend, she’d escape to her sanctuary in the country.

“Just start with something as simple as enjoying your morning coffee.”

Sounds like a dream, right? Except for one thing: Sarah could never unwind or relax. She had a case of the “shoulds”: she ‘should’ be entertaining friends and family in the country, she ‘should’ be joining her husband’s activities on the weekend, and so on and so on. She was running herself ragged with all of her ‘shoulds’ and the way she wound down, was with wine and rich food – and she hated herself for doing this.

This is a classic “can’t switch off” story. And trust me, I’ve been there too. It’s easy to get caught up and keep pushing yourself further. But what if I told you that you can reclaim control, one soothing breath at a time?

Four Must Have Strategies For Midlife:

So when you have the ‘shoulds’ spinning around in your head, that’s the perfect time to adopt these strategies, to dial down the pressure and maintain your sanity, when your mind is on overdrive.

1. Embrace Mindfulness:

That’s right, you’ve heard it before, but there’s a reason why mindfulness is all the rage. It is the art of living in the present moment and a key strategy for midlife. This doesn’t mean ignoring the future or forgetting the past. It’s giving your full attention to the moment. And you don’t need escape to an ashram to do it. Just start with something as simple as enjoying your morning coffee – feel its warmth, smell the aroma, taste its bitterness or sweetness. Being mindful creates a buffer between you and your stressors, helping you to respond and not react.

2. Regular Exercise:

Physical activity isn’t just for your body. It’s for your mind too. When you’re active, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. It doesn’t mean you have to train for a marathon. Start small – a walk around the block, a gentle yoga routine, or even dancing in your living room can make a difference to relieve stress.

“Quality sleep is non-negotiable.”

Recharge For Tomorrow:

3. Prioritize Sleep:

Just like your phone, your mind needs to recharge too. Quality sleep is non-negotiable. When you sleep your mind processes emotions, makes sense of the day, and recharges for tomorrow. Prioritize good sleep – maintain regular sleep hours, create a calm environment, and minimize screen time before bed.

4. Seek Connection:

You’re not alone. Reach out to a friend, join a club, or consider talking to a professional. Human connection gives a sense of belonging and helps to handle anxiety and relax. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re human. We all need someone who understands us.

So, here’s a small but mighty shift to take your life from ‘ordinary’ to ‘extraordinary’. These strategies for midlife will make all the difference. Peace and fulfillment are just a heartbeat away, so grab on with both hands. Your mind will thank you.

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