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STEPHANIE HAYWOOD: Useful Strategies for Writers to Overcome a Midlife Crisis

Individuals aged between 40 and 50 years are at the highest risk of experiencing a midlife crisis, according to research by the University of Warwick. A key thing to note is that individuals across genders and professions have similar chances of experiencing a midlife crisis, and book authors are no exception.

Individuals aged between 40 and 50 years are at the highest risk of experiencing a midlife crisis, according to research by the University of Warwick. A key thing to note is that individuals across genders and professions have similar chances of experiencing a midlife crisis, and book authors are no exception. While going through this crisis is no doubt tough, in this article by Writers’ Connection, we’ll explore a host of helpful strategies one can employ to re-ignite that passion for writing and life in general.

Embrace Health & Wellness

Having a grim outlook on life is one of the main symptoms of going through a midlife crisis. But it’s important to understand that your emotions and hormones are closely dependent on your lifestyle choices.

Here are a host of healthy changes one can consider making to reduce stress and develop a positive outlook toward life:

Take Time to Exercise: Start dedicating 15-20 minutes daily to exercise. This can include dynamic stretching, jogging, weight-training, or other forms of exercise. As reported by Healthline, exercise acts as a natural stress buster, owing to the release of numerous feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, adrenaline, and more. Additionally, the positive effect of exercise lasts for hours after your workout is complete and improves sleep and creativity as well!

Cook for Yourself: Consistently eating out or ordering takeout can also serve as a cause for lethargic and depressed moods. These foods are high in sugar and other additives that spike your blood sugar levels for the short term. However, as these levels naturally drop, we start feeling lazy and unmotivated.

If this sounds familiar, then consider investing in some useful kitchen gadgets like blenders for smoothies and air fryers for healthier cooking. However, prior to purchasing, remember to conduct thorough research and read reviews to make an informed decision.

Reconnect with Your Roots

A common experience during a midlife crisis is a feeling of disconnection from one’s past which can lead to a sense of nostalgia. Additionally, these thoughts can start to interfere with work as well, especially for authors who rely on their creative thinking skills to function.

Hence, if you are yearning for a sense of belonging and connecting with those whom you were once close with, make an effort to reach out to old friends, colleagues, and family members you miss. While this might seem like a daunting task, often others might be going through similar challenges as you, and reaching out might help them as much as it would help you!

The easiest way to find lost connections is to research online. Search for fellow high school graduates from your town or city and the surrounding area by typing in your name, graduation date, and school. Narrowing down your search will help to yield accurate results. Additionally, you can also use networking platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with others and find their latest contact details.

Spend Time in Nature

Having writer’s block is an experience most writers go through regardless of their age. However, having a writer’s block during a midlife crisis can seem harder to manage than those before. But don’t fret, as spending time with Mother Nature is a great way to enjoy some much-needed digital detox and rejuvenate your creative juices.

As reported by Unplugged, spending time in nature not only improves mental well-being but can serve as a great source of inspiration as well. Taking a stroll through a natural park provided the perfect setting for introspection. Additionally, going with a partner or friend will certainly lead to great conversations and a well-deserved break from the usual texting or endless social media scrolling, which is known to hamper creativity.

Although challenging, a midlife crisis can serve as a transformative experience as well. Making an effort towards improving your well-being through healthy lifestyle choices will no doubt help alleviate stress and rejuvenate your passion for writing. Additionally, reconnecting with family and friends serves as a great way to socialize, meet like-minded individuals, and understand that you do not need to deal with your problems alone.

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