The transitional period of life between young adulthood and old age is clinically referred to as midlife. Usually, during this stage of life, people undergo significant changes in their relationships, jobs, health and even on their appearance. One common narrative surrounding midlife is the ‘midlife crisis’. However, many people are nonchalant about it as if it is something not to be concerned about or something to be ashamed of, while in fact, it is a normal part of human life which we should discuss, be open about, face outwardly, overcome exquisitely, and celebrate hand in hand.
According to Psychology Today, midlife is a time when many people start to worry about their health, their long-term relationships, their physical aging, their aging parents or children leaving home, how much money they will have left over for retirement, and other issues. Due to those worries, a midlife crisis manifests by means of mood irregularities (notably increased anger or irritability, anxiety, or sadness), weight loss or gain, sleep disruption, insomnia, and withdrawal from the regular routine and relationships. Midlife pitfall generally creates an urgent desire among individuals to make some drastic changes in their life.
Midlife crises could be a lot easier to deal with if one does not have to think about other things while passing through this phase of life. Unfortunately, teachers have a pile on their plates that they cannot simply put aside just so they can sort their way out of this midlife battle. Nevertheless, the openness of health practitioners on this topic have provided us free advises on how we can surpass this with flying colors. Here is an excerpt of some recommendations from wellness experts that we can try as teachers when we feel the weight of midlife crisis:
Redirect your energy to yourself. As much as you want to give your 100 percent to everyone that you care about and your job, but at this point, you need to give it all to yourself simply because you need it the most at this time.
Be fully aware of your life’s changes. As the cliché goes, the only constant thing in this world is change. We cannot control what is meant to change. But we can be fully aware of these changes so we can prepare and be able to take the right responses and actions.
Learn new skills and take new hobbies. Explore! We need to catch a fire to keep us burning, to keep us motivated and to keep us alive. Learning new skills and trying out unfamiliar activities are always the best to strike back at life.
Be healthy. Pick up a healthy habit, find new ways to stay active and spend time outdoors. Believe it, you need it this time more than any other time.
Have a therapy or professional consultation. Sometimes, things can go out of hand. It is always good to know that there are a lot of people out there who can help us in this trying period of our life. Just visit your health care provider and be as much open as you can.
By: Jennifer R. Talaugon|Teacher III|City of Balanga National High School – SHS| Balanga City
