Jane Witherspoon is a Canadian expat adventurer, yoga instructor and passionate rambler who recently relocated from Panama to Denia, Spain.
How is it that even the slightest amount of stress can create overwhelming feelings of anxiety during what are supposed to be the best years of my life?
When I reflect on my life now, I see it as one filled with ease and blessings that many people are not fortunate enough to experience. However, there are days when I wake up feeling anxious and struggle to motivate myself.
There used to be a time when I handled any situation that life threw my way, including navigating the challenges of being a single parent with two small children and working full-time while trying to make ends meet.
There was a sense of pride in the ability to keep it together amidst the chaos, not only for myself but also for those around me. I faced many cycles of struggles and difficult times, carrying a mentality of invincibility that allowed me to push through and keep going.
However, in my mid-forties, during the depths of perimenopause, everything felt overwhelming. I struggled just to get through each day, often feeling as if I was losing my mind. Waves of anxiety would incapacitate me, and spiraling thoughts of what my future entailed created an unsettling sense of instability.
With the support of my doctor, I found my way through this challenging time. The cliché of a midlife crisis often echoes in my mind, but I believe that transitions can be difficult at any stage of life and can test our limits.
Years have passed since I faced that crisis, but I still contend with a lingering low-grade anxiety that can escalate with even a small amount of stress. Initially, I felt isolated in dealing with this new emotion. However, after connecting with many women navigating midlife and beyond, I discovered that this struggle is common.
Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide, particularly affecting women more significantly in recent decades. While anxiety can manifest at any age, midlife frequently brings profound transitions that prompt reflection on our priorities, hormonal changes, and shifts in our home and work lives.
As we move beyond midlife, we increasingly recognize the physical effects of aging. This awareness can heighten feelings of anxiety and fears about how we will navigate life as we grow older. It's natural to encounter changes such as reduced mobility, muscle loss, and joint stiffness. Nevertheless, adapting to these changes by staying active and fit can help maintain our agility and reduce anxiety.
To navigate the complexities of midlife and beyond while managing anxiety, it's vital to embrace both the challenges and opportunities this stage of life presents.
Incorporating these habits—both physical and mental—into our daily lives can ease anxiety and foster healthy routines:
Prioritize self-care - Nourish yourself with good food, regular exercise, breaks, and adequate sleep. Remember, self-care is essential for your health and happiness during midlife and beyond.
Accept change - change becomes an unavoidable part of life, and embracing it is crucial for finding contentment in midlife and beyond. Feeling uncertain or anxious is normal.
Try something new - Exploring new hobbies or rediscovering old ones can bring excitement and fulfillment to your life. Engaging in activities that spark your passion will keep your mind sharp, expand your social circle, and provide a new purpose.
Change your thinking - Shift your view of aging with a positive outlook that acknowledges new opportunities, such as having more time to spend doing the things you love, like traveling—either solo, with loved ones, or friends.
Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for alleviating anxiety. Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, journaling, and yoga to reduce anxiety and enhance your ability to cope with life's stressors.
And so, my Sole Sisters, as you ramble out into your week, may you embrace self-care, take a deep breath, and remember you are not alone.
Anxiety: It can make you feel so overwhelmed
that you have trouble doing simple things.
Breathe.
Take things one small step at a time.
You’ve got this. – Karen Salmansohn
Mantra for anxiety: Anxiety is not you.
It’s something moving through you.
It can leave out of the same door it came in. – James Clear
READ MORE > Jane's Mindful Musings, Rambler Cafe Blog
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