Exploring Life’s “Second Act”

Some researchers claim that happiness is U-shaped. While that may seem like an odd way to describe it, studies show that we are happy in our 20s, but that tends to dip in our 40s and 50s. Other people even refer to this time as a “midlife crisis” brought on by financial concerns, career stress, physical changes and even raising kids while caring for your own aging parents.

While there doesn’t seem to be a definitive answer for why we experience this dip in happiness, the good news is that our mood gets back on the upswing in our 60s. But what we can do between now and then is:

• Acknowledge the feelings, then pivot. It’s okay if you’re disappointed or sad. But after you explore how you feel, think of ways to silence that inner critic and plan what’s next—and we don’t mean buying a sports car. Learning a new hobby, setting a new goal or discovering what will bring you long-term joy can help you work your way out of a slump.
• Be more mindful. The dip in the “happiness U” may be accompanied by feelings of regret about the past or what we haven’t accomplished yet. However, it’s important to live in the present moment and focus on the positive aspects of your life. One way to do that is through meditation. In a 2022 review of over 80 studies, researchers found that meditation reduced stress by more than 89%.
• Form strong connections. Fewer than 40% of American adults feel closely connected to others. Maybe that’s because friendships often take a back seat to our careers and families. However, forging strong connections with others has been found to lower blood pressure, boost cognition, improve mental health and help us live longer. Regularly socializing with friends and family members could even increase our survival rate by as much as 50%.
• Prioritize quality sleep. Studies show that both middle-aged men and women have trouble both falling and staying asleep. This may be due to declining hormone levels in midlife, including women going through menopause. To avoid daytime fatigue, poor concentration and stress, make sure to sleep seven to nine hours per night. It also helps to keep your bedroom dark and cool (between 60–67° F), keep a consistent sleep schedule and power down your devices at least an hour before bed.
• Stay active. Maybe life is hectic, and your body doesn’t move like it used to. However, you can still be healthier in midlife than you’ve ever been. Regular exercise not only can boost your mood and energy, but also can keep your muscles, bones and heart healthy enough to enjoy the joyful years ahead. So, try to get in at least 20 minutes of exercise per day, alternating between aerobic activity and strength training.

Because remember, we shouldn’t be thinking of midlife as a slump. It’s a slope, and that means there’s a lot of happiness ahead.

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