When it comes to a midlife crisis, actions often reveal more than words ever could. You might notice a shift toward taking more risks or behaving in unexpected ways. So, if you’re worried that you might be experiencing a mid-life crisis, here are 17 behaviors that are a dead giveaway.
Going Back to School
It may seem like a good idea to go back to school, but it can have its downfalls, especially later on in life. For example, HuffPost writes, “(University) isn’t cheap and there’s no guarantee that further schooling will lead to a new job or fatten your paycheck.”
Posting Frequently on Social Media
If you’ve recently acquired a new lifestyle, made new purchases, or even taken part in a new experience, you may feel the need to frequently post this on social media. This is because you want to seek online validation and attention from both peers and strangers. It’s an attempt to project an image of happiness and success.
Splurging on Expensive Purchases
You may find yourself gaining an interest in luxury items, and this can cause you to make expensive purchases. This is supported by Reuters, which writes, “Whether it’s for an extravagant vacation, a pricey hobby, or a shiny new ride, the many challenges of midlife can lead us to throw off our usual financial restrictions, if only for a moment.”
Drastic Changes in Appearance
Making drastic changes to your appearance could be anything from investing in a new wardrobe with items unlike anything you’ve ever worn before to getting a completely new style at the hairdresser. If you’re trying to look younger and more attractive, then it can be a sign you’re having a midlife crisis.
Picking Up New Hobbies
These new hobbies are often on the more extreme side and could include marathon running, motorcycle riding, or even skydiving. You choose these hobbies because you’re seeking excitement and you want a break from routine, even if it puts your safety at risk. It’s also a way to prove that you can still excel at new skills.
Changing Career Paths Suddenly
If you find yourself thinking about a new career path or even taking up a new job suddenly, then it could be a sign you’re having a midlife crisis. It’s usually because you want something more fulfilling or adventurous. You may even risk your financial security to pursue a new career, especially if it’s for a passion.
Exhibiting Reckless Behavior
Mind Body Green writes that a person going through a midlife crisis may exhibit a more reckless lifestyle because of the urgency to reevaluate life and really live. This reckless behavior could include an increased consumption of alcohol or even taking part in dangerous activities without thinking of the consequences.
Overhauling Your Lifestyle
This can include making significant changes to your diet and exercise, even taking extreme measures at times. Another way you may overhaul your lifestyle is by moving to a completely new and different place or city to “start fresh.” You may even find yourself abandoning new relationships for newer and younger friends.
Having Affairs or Changing Relationships
If you find that you start seeking emotional and physical affairs outside of your long-term relationship, then it can mean you’re in a midlife crisis. This is usually because you have the desire to feel young again and want to feel wanted by someone new. Affairs can lead to the breakdown of marriages or long-term partnerships.
Rediscovering Youth Through Music or Culture
One way of doing this is by immersing yourself in current trends or music that’s popular with younger generations. It can also include attending concerts, festivals, or clubs that are often visited by a younger crowd. It’s a way to feel connected to the energy of youth and a way for you to feel alive.
Obsessing Over Physical Fitness
Obsessing over your physical fitness might mean that you join a new gym, hire a personal trainer, or maybe even take part in extreme fitness challenges. You start to put lots of effort into combating aging and trying to maintain your physical attractiveness. Just try not to let this lead to injury because of unrealistic goals.
Taking Solo Trips or Adventure Travel
Embarking on solo travel trips or taking part in thrill-seeking adventures across the globe shows that you may be having a midlife crisis. You see it as being a part of self-discovery, freedom, and an escape from your mundane everyday responsibilities. While it can be a great time to travel, you should also keep in mind any responsibilities.
Developing an Obsession with Health and Aging
This obsession can include having an intense focus on anti-aging products, treatments, and any health fads. You may develop a fear of mortality or a desire to extend your youthfulness for as long as possible. This can sometimes lead to anxiety or health-related obsessions.
Rekindling Old Flames
According to the NZ Herald, reunions from old flames are usually between first and early loves and with relationships that occurred in teenage or early adult life. Attempting to reconnect with previous romantic interests can be down to the feeling of nostalgia for the “one that got away.” However, it can often lead to disappointment.
Pursuing Fame or Recognition
If you find yourself seeking fame, whether that’s through social media, local endeavors, or new talents, it can signal a midlife crisis. It shows a desire for acknowledgment and wanting to leave a legacy. You should be careful because it can lead to significant changes in behavior and priorities.
Renovating Everything
Even if your home doesn’t need it, you may find yourself carrying out huge renovation projects. This could be because you want a new environment and something that reflects your “new” self. It can be seen as a metaphor for wanting a change in your life.
Withdrawing from Family and Friends
If you find yourself becoming anxious during a midlife crisis, it can cause you to become distant from those you love the most. Sometimes, you may feel misunderstood or disconnected from your current life, and unfortunately, that means friends and family. It can also be a sign of underlying depression, so always seek medical help if that’s the case.