For some people middle age is a delicate time in their life, which can cause the popular midlife crisis .

It’s not unusual to arrive at this moment in life and start to question, for example, what are my goals now? Have I really enjoyed life so far? What do I want from now on?…

How to overcome the mid-life crisis?

Asking these questions need not be a bad thing, the problem arises when we get stuck in these thoughts and don’t move forward. Then, the mid-life crisis can become an existential crisis.

Related article: “Existential crisis: when we don’t find meaning in our life”

Leaving behind the existential crisis of this stage

Not finding meaning in our lives during middle age can make us tremendously unhappy. Therefore, this is a time to get to know each other better and to accept that life takes its course.

Now, this doesn’t mean we have to stop being young. But at forty, the mentality of the 20’s no longer works , because as we get older, we become more aware that at that age we still have a way to go. Now we have matured and gained experience. So this learning should also help us to continue being happy, adapting to this new situation.

Tips for being happy after 40 if you are a woman

At this age, reality hits us hard . We start to realize that all our dreams have not come true (and nothing is happening because of that). We begin to re-evaluate our expectations to fit with the present reality. We think about what our retirement will be like and worry about wasting time on things that are not our priority. Come on, this time in our lives can be very stressful.

But, is it possible to be happy at 40? what can we do to leave the mid-life crisis behind? Here are some tips to continue enjoying your life at this stage:

1. Take care of your health

Taking care of your health will make you feel good and will bring you many benefits both on a physical and psychological level . Eating well will allow you to have energy throughout the day and will help you take care of your health.

In addition, physical exercise is one of the keys to happiness at all stages of life, because continued practice of this activity will also increase your energy levels and reduce your stress levels, among many other benefits. Stepping into the gym a minimum of three times a week or going for a run also helps release brain chemicals such as endorphins, which will make you perceive reality in a positive way. Don’t forget that practicing yoga will also provide psychological benefits and will help you improve your mood .

Did you know that physical exercise also has a beneficial effect on your mind? Learn about these advantages in our article: “The 10 psychological benefits of physical exercise”

2. Analyze your objectives and goals

As discussed in the previous lines, unfulfilled expectations and dreams can be a source of frustration during midlife . That is why, in order to achieve greater emotional well-being, it is important to analyse our objectives and goals and adapt them to our reality.

This does not mean that it is not possible to carry out some of our dreams and we must renounce everything that motivated us in the past. Rather, it is important to detect those unrealistic thoughts that can cause us discomfort. Undoubtedly one of the keys to personal development and a very useful strategy at this age.

Recommended article: “Personal Development: 5 reasons for self-reflection”

3. Pay attention to your interpersonal relationships

Spending time with family and friends is one of the keys to happiness that we should always keep in mind , also after 40. In fact, a study published in the book The Longevity Project states that interpersonal relationships are fundamental to living a long and happy life. So don’t neglect the people who are important to your life.

4. And… surround yourself with positive people

Research from BMJ Group concludes that happiness of the self depends largely on the happiness of the people with whom you have constant contact , i.e. happiness can be contagious. Surrounding yourself with positive people and having contact with those people who breathe a positive and enthusiastic attitude has a positive effect on your emotional health.

5. Make peace with the past

The grudges of the past can drag you back again and again to those bad moments you lived through . This is not good for your well-being because it will only make you unhappy with yourself. To be happy in your 40’s you need to undo the resentments and live the present in its totality.

6. Accept that you are in your 40s

Acceptance is the best therapy for happiness . If living from grudges is bad for your emotional health, living anchored in the past, that is, in the 1920s or 30s does you a disservice. Accept that the 40’s are a great time in your life, full of new experiences and good times.

7. Develops new interests

And of course, middle age is an excellent time to develop new interests. Maybe you’ve never thought about trying yoga and its benefits or attending salsa classes and now you feel it’s time. 40 is a great age to keep learning , keep growing and keep being happy.

8. Exercise your mind

It is important that you keep your mind active in your 40s , because this will have a positive impact on the years to come. Make a habit of reading or keep up with the newspaper instead of spending hours and hours in front of the television.

9. Maintain a positive attitude

Much of your happiness depends on you, on your optimism as the brave woman that you are . Negative thoughts will make you sad and unmotivated. In other words, a paralyzed person. But having a positive attitude will help you to keep feeling young and energetic, to keep moving. So adopt a positive attitude because it will benefit you.

10. Live for you

You may now be at a point where your children are not so dependent on you, because they are getting older. You have invested a large part of your life in them, so that they grow up healthy and prepared for the future that awaits them. Now is the time to give yourself some treats . It is time to think about you again and focus on what really fills you in this life.

11. Enjoy the little things in life

We live in a world where we are connected to the internet practically all day long and we are constantly thinking about our expectations. Rarely do we disconnect and stop to think about ourselves or just enjoy life.

S we smell thinking big and this may not help us to be in the here and now , with what surrounds us in this moment and with our own emotions and sensations. Witnessing a beautiful sunset, lying under a starry night or taking a walk on the beach, away from our busy pace of life, can bring us many benefits. Life goes by pretty fast, if you don’t stop to watch it, you can miss it.