Midlife Stress In Men

Do you think that midlife transition is stressful only for women? No, that isn’t true. Midlife stress is experienced by both men and women. While all the attention is grabbed by women and their change of life phase, men go through this phase silently.
Sometimes, you may not be aware of what you are going through or that midlife stress is bothering you. By understanding the emotional aspects of midlife stress in men, you will find it to deal with the problem.

Midlife transition – stressors in men

Midlife is the period when you are somewhere in between – be it your age, you at work or in your family. By around 40 – 45 years of age, you feel matured and confident enough and wish to be in charge of your life. But the midlife transition is that period when your roles, responsibilities and other pressures do not allow you to do what you want.
A midlife transition can cause an identity crisis. Changes in the physical appearance – loss of youth, bulging bellies and baldness may bring in dissatisfaction. Some may even have health problems and be under medication, which adds to the displeasure. However, many men are unable to adopt a healthy lifestyle while some are inclined to being fit and active. The need to follow an active lifestyle to remain healthy causes stress in men.
While these feelings grab men off and on during the midlife transition, the pressures at work and demands of the family make them feel trapped. At the workplace many have reached middle to higher positions and the work pressure is ever increasing. However, as financial needs are also high, men have to struggle to maintain their positions or find better jobs to meet their demands. Family life is also challenging for growing children and parents to take care of. With demanding situations and rising egos, adjustments with spouses may be a stressor for many men. With an ill family member or death of a dear one, it can be very stressful.
You may feel that time is rapidly passing and you are unable to do what you want to do. You may feel an emptiness within you and may want to do something different than your routine. This can lead to an adventurous behaviour, indulging in risk-taking activities or result in ignorant behaviour, with social withdrawal. This can hamper the relationships, invite more problems in personal and professional life.

What can do you?

It is necessary to avoid stressors and protect yourself from the midlife crisis. Some minor changes in your diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference.
• Diet – Choose lean proteins, whole grain products and low-fat dairy for a healthy diet. Stock up on fruits, fresh veggies and leafy greens for essential vitamins and minerals. Have nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds to boost healthy fats. Have salt and sugar in moderation. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

• Fitness – Daily brisk walk for 30 mins is good to start with but if you are already active, jogging, cycling, swimming or any sports would be great for you. Yoga is a great way to stay fit – both physically and emotionally.

• Relax – Along with healthy eating and an active lifestyle, you need adequate sleep at night and some relaxation for your mind. Indulge in your favourite hobbies, read books, paint a picture or enjoy music. Plan enjoyable and relaxing weekends and vacations with your friends you get along well with.

• Express yourself – The most important thing is to feel free and express yourself rather than piling up things in your mind. Everyone has some midlife transition experiences – so you are not alone. Communicate with your spouse, family and friends more often, express your true feelings, have healthy conversations and grow together.

Midlife can be more interesting if you can accept the transition wholeheartedly and enjoy every moment of it. In our next blogs, we will discuss the ways to deal with midlife stress and health and lifestyle tips for a healthy midlife transition.