First off, let’s take a moment to appreciate the fact that we’ve made it to midlife. We’ve survived questionable fashion choices, dial-up internet, and the belief that tanning beds were a good idea. (Ugh.) We’ve lived, we’ve learned, and we’ve earned the right to roll our eyes at things that used to stress us out. And, without putting too fine a point on it – some people don’t have the honour of reaching midlife. So we must be grateful.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t also moan. Gratitude and moaning aren’t mutually exclusive (okay, maybe they are … but we’re only human.)
As I keep saying: midlife isn’t a crisis – it’s a plot twist. And while we wouldn’t trade the wisdom we’ve gained for anything, we also wouldn’t mind keeping a little of the spark (and flexibility) of our younger years. So how do we feel young in midlife … without pretending to be 25?
What we love about midlife
There’s a lot to celebrate about reaching this stage of life. For one, we finally know what we want – and more importantly, what we don’t want. We’ve (hopefully) stopped saying yes out of obligation, we care less about what other people think, and we’ve mastered the art of the well-timed “nope.”
We also have confidence now that we wish we’d had in our twenties. We’re done with the self-doubt, the people-pleasing, and the trying-too-hard. We wear what we like, do what makes us happy, and no longer apologise for ordering dessert (or skipping it). We’ve realised that life is too short for uncomfortable shoes, toxic relationships, or pretending to like things we don’t.
What we don’t love (but won’t let define us)
Of course, midlife comes with its challenges. Hangovers now require a full recovery plan … across two days. If we sleep in the wrong position, we need a chiropractic adjustment. And let’s not even talk about the fact that we suddenly have a “bad knee.” When did that happen?
But consider this: while these little realities may be unavoidable, they don’t have to define us. We can acknowledge the creaky joints and occasional brain fog without surrendering to them. Maybe we need reading glasses, but that doesn’t mean we have to start dressing like a librarian (unless that’s your aesthetic – in which case, own that look like the Queen you are). The key is to adapt and keep moving forward, rather than lamenting what’s changed. After all, the right mindset can help us feel young in midlife, even when our knees disagree.
How to Feel Young in Midlife
The secret to feeling young in midlife isn’t about chasing youth – it’s about staying engaged, playful, and open to new experiences. Here are a few things that can help:
Move in ways you enjoy
I don’t run anymore. Sometimes I wish I still did – just for that runner’s high – but I just. Can’t. Be bothered. Forget those punishing workouts. Dance in the kitchen, take up a martial art (why not?), or go on long walks just for the joy of it. Movement shouldn’t be an atonement for imagined sins – it should be therapy (physical and mental).
Stay curious
Read, learn, travel, or try something new. The excitement of discovery isn’t just for the young. Think: podcasts, TED Talks, biographies, history. Even the news. Although if you’re like me, be selective about what news you consume (all that death and destruction can be a lot to carry around in your head). Even politics can be interesting (says the politics nerd).
Laugh often
Laughter has amazing short-term benefits, like: releasing stored up stress, stimulating organs (all those gasps for oxygen), soothing tension by stimulating circulation and aiding muscle relaxation. Over the long-term, though, all that oxytocin from laughing can boost your immune system, relieve pain and improve your mood. So, if you have friends who make you laugh until you snort, cry and your ribs hurt, keep them close. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel young in midlife.
Wear what makes you feel good
No arbitrary age rules. If you love it, wear it. Comfort and confidence reign supreme in midlife. I no longer totter around in heels at work. It’s sneakers and flats these days (I’m fortunate to be able to dress casually at work). If it fits me well, is comfortable and in-line with my personal style (sporty casual), I’m wearing it – I don’t care if it’s out of fashion.
Keep up with fun things
Music, movies, trends – stay connected to what’s happening in the world, even if just to have an opinion on it. Occasionally I dip into a new Spotify playlist – just to see what’s out there. Being engaged with the world around us is another way to feel young in midlife.
Embrace play
Whether it’s learning an instrument, roller skating, or getting overly competitive at board games, fun shouldn’t have an age limit.
A Toast to Midlife
So here’s to us – the wise, witty, and wonderfully complex midlifers figuring it out as we go. We can appreciate where we’ve been without feeling like we have to slow down. We can embrace the best parts of midlife while keeping a foot firmly planted in all the things that make life fun.
At the end of the day, age is just a number. And we have far better things to count – like memories, laughs, and how many pairs of comfortable-but-stylish shoes we can fit in our wardrobe. Cheers to that!
Em x
