How to Get Out of a Midlife Funk

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Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by Erin

Do you find yourself feeling a little lost and in a bit of a slump? You might be wondering how to get out of a midlife funk, and that’s totally normal. This post shares some fun ways to get back your zest for life and move forward in a positive direction.

woman sitting on a bench overlooking the mountains — Photo by Sage Friedman on Unsplash

Here’s the thing – you might feel like you’re struggling alone, but you’re not! Plenty of people go through a midlife funk, and it’s totally normal. It’s like hitting a speed bump on the road of life. It might slow you down for a bit, but it doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks.

The “happiness slump” is a very real thing that has been demonstrated in studies. Our happiness tends to start decreasing in our late teens and hits rock bottom during our 40s. Then it starts to move upwards again.

While we are in that bottom part of the curve, it can feel like we are stuck, and we will never feel happy again. But that’s not true!

If you’re new here, hello and welcome to Mom Meets Midlife. My name is Erin, and as you can probably guess, I’m a mom entering midlife. I experienced an early midlife crisis which led to a career change and lots of personal development. I started this blog to help other women who might also be navigating a bit of a midlife funk or slump.

In this post, I’m going to highlight a few of the ways you can shake things up, make some positive changes, and get out of your midlife funk. The key is rediscovering your ZEST for life!

How does one do that exactly? Well…let’s read to find out!

How Do I Get Out of a Midlife Funk?

Pursue a hobby or passion

Remember those activities that you used to love but haven’t done in a while? Whether it’s playing music, painting, or hiking, try to reignite your passion and make time for it. It can be a great way to bring more joy and fulfillment into your life.

There are physical and mental health benefits to picking up a new hobby in midlife, too. Engaging in a hobby can provide a sense of accomplishment.

It will also challenge your mind and body in new ways. Doesn’t it feel good to learn something new?

Starting a blog has been one of the most revitalizing things I’ve done in a long time. It was something I had been considering for several years and I’m so glad I finally ripped the band aid off and did the dang thing! I love to write and share what I’ve learned with others. It’s fun and rewarding at the same time. I’ve started a blog on Bluehost and on Cloudways.

Need some inspiration for midlife hobbies?

Yoga
Photography

Cooking or baking
Gardening
Crafting or DIY projects

Writing or journaling
Learning a new language

Challenge yourself

It’s easy to fall into a routine and feel stuck in your ways. But pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be invigorating. Consider taking a class, learning a new skill, or trying a new sport. The sense of accomplishment and growth can be incredibly rewarding.

Challenging yourself in midlife can be beneficial for a number of reasons. First, trying new things and taking on new challenges can help you develop new skills, increase your knowledge, and gain a sense of accomplishment. This can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem, which can be especially important in midlife when we may be experiencing a sense of stagnation or uncertainty.

Second, challenging yourself can help you stay engaged and interested in life, which can lead to a greater sense of purpose and meaning. It can be easy to fall into a routine or become complacent in midlife, but trying new things and taking on new challenges can help keep life interesting and exciting.

Third, challenging yourself in midlife can help you adapt to changing circumstances and prepare for future challenges. As we age, we may face new and unexpected challenges, such as health issues or changes in work or family responsibilities. Developing resilience and a willingness to take on new challenges can help us better navigate these changes and maintain a positive outlook on life.

Connect with others

Feeling isolated can contribute to a midlife funk. Make an effort to connect with friends, family, or even join a social group or club. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.

Connecting with others in midlife can provide opportunities for personal growth and learning. Meeting new people can expose you to new perspectives and ideas and can help you develop new skills and knowledge.

Connection can also help us cope with life’s challenges. As we age, we may face new and unexpected midlife challenges, such as health issues or changes in work or family responsibilities. Having a supportive network of people can provide a sense of comfort and help us navigate these challenges more effectively.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is important at any age, but it can be especially crucial during midlife. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health as well. Here are a few basic ways to take care of yourself, if you aren’t already on top of it:

Engage in regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain good physical and mental health and can reduce stress and anxiety. Consider joining a gym, taking fitness classes, or simply going for a walk or jog. I adopted a dog, and it’s forced me to get into a regular walking routine. It’s been fantastic!
Prioritize sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for physical and mental health. Try to establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Melatonin and white noise are crucial parts of my bedtime routine.

Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet can help maintain good physical and mental health. Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit processed and high-fat foods. Consider intermittent fasting if you’re having difficulty maintaining or losing weight due to hormonal changes.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation, yoga, or other practices can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Try incorporating a daily mindfulness practice into your routine. I use and love the Headspace app.

By prioritizing your own needs and taking care of yourself, you are sending a message that you value yourself and your own well-being. This can help you feel more confident and empowered and can contribute to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.

Consider therapy

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to talk to a therapist. A therapist can provide a non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings and can offer tools and strategies to help you navigate midlife changes and challenges.

Remember, a midlife funk is a common experience, and there’s no shame! But by taking small steps towards positive change, you can find new meaning and joy in your life.

Do something bold

Get the tattoo you’ve always wanted. Get the piercing. Dye your hair a fun color OR let it grow out au natural. Start wearing fun, bright tennis shoes. Wear red lipstick every day.

Doing fun bold things I’ve always wanted to do has helped immensely.

Making a midlife career change is also helping me get out of a rut. You don’t have to go THAT bold, but if it’s something you’ve had on your heart for a while, there are things you can do to prepare for a bold move like that.

What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis?

How do you know if your midlife funk is turning into a full-blown midlife crisis? Let’s take a look at some signs.

First, if you find yourself making impulsive decisions, like suddenly quitting your job to join a traveling circus, it might be time to take a step back. It’s natural to want to make some big changes at this point in your life but make sure you’re not leaping without looking first.

If you’re constantly seeking out new thrills and adventures, like buying a sports car or skydiving, it could be a sign of a midlife crisis. Make sure you’re not doing anything reckless that could hurt yourself or your loved ones. You absolutely deserve some fun. Again, make sure you’ve thought it through. Is it innocent fun or is it dangerous?

And lastly, if you’re feeling a sense of dissatisfaction or regret with your life, it might be time to reflect on some things and maybe seek professional counseling.

But don’t worry – a midlife crisis doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. It can actually be a great opportunity to make positive changes in your life.

Just remember to take things slow, think things through, and don’t make any decisions you might regret later on.

Final Thoughts on Getting Out of a Midlife Funk

Feeling stuck in a midlife funk can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state.

By taking small steps, such as finding a new hobby and making time for self-care, you can start to move forward.

Have any of these actions helped you get out of a funk? Anything you would add to the list? I’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments.

Before you go, you might also be interested in these posts:

Don’t forget to share or save this post if you found it helpful 🙂

Sincerely,
Erin