Mid life is a natural process that happens to us all. It typically happens at about 40 years of age, give or take 20 or so years... and can continue for another 20 or so years. It's a normal part of "maturing" and can be a difficult time for many people, particularly women who also go through menopause at this time.

Whether we like it or not, it will arrive! Many dread the thought of it happening... it's a sure sign we are getting older!

If you are going through mid life may experience a wide range of things including:

• feelings of restlessness... and wanting to do something completely different with your life including changing career, going back to study, traveling...
• discontent with life and the lifestyle you've had prior to now.... this lifestyle may have provided you with happiness or fulfillment in the past, but it's not what you want for the rest of your life
• boredom with things or people that have been central in your life up until now... this could include groups you belong to and have done for many years, your house, your car, certain friends, your partner
• questioning the meaning of life... it's is often a time of reflecting on your life... taking stock of what you've achieved, what you're doing compared to what you've always wanted to do, questioning decisions you've made and the consequences of those decisions on your current life
• questioning "who am I?" and "where is my life going?"
• hormonal changes...can create much disruption to a woman's life including all kinds of physical and emotional symptoms such as mood swings, sleeping problems, weight gain...

Living through mid life can be a tricky thing (and sometimes downright horrendous) for the one going through it as well as for those close to the person.

Although we cannot prevent this stage of our life from taking place, been aware of realistic and practical techniques that can help control and manage the symptoms of this period of life can go a long way in dealing with it and reducing the intensity of what's happening.