Life is full of changes—some big, some small.
Of course, there are a few major life phases that most adults go through. They might come easier to some than others, but learning how to cope with these different stages in healthy ways can make a big difference.
When you’re able to transition from stage to stage gracefully, you can accept where you are and where you’re going. And that can offer you a sense of peace and contentment.
With that in mind, let’s cover some of the major life phases, and how you can cope with each one by making adjustments.
1. Young Adult
By the time you’re 20-29 years old, you’re considered a “young adult”. You have moved out of your adolescent years and have started to become more independent. During these years, you might go to college, start a job, buy/build a home, and get married. You may even start a family of your own.
As a young adult, you will undoubtedly experience a lot of major life changes at once. But those milestones can help you to realize when it’s time for a change. Use your energy and your passion for trying new things at this stage to make each major change exciting and welcomed.
2. Adult
While the adult phase of your life might not be as exciting or as “full” as the young adult stage, that doesn’t mean it isn’t busy. In fact, this is the stage of life where most people often start to feel more stress and added pressures. If they have children, they might be busy thinking and planning on how they can help them get through college or get other important things started in their lives.
Take your increased responsibilities seriously, but cope by finding time for yourself and practicing self-care and mindfulness as much as possible. Stay present in the moment rather than focusing on the past or future.
3. Middle Age
When you’re anywhere from 40-60, your life might feel like it’s speeding up in some ways and slowing down in others. The effects of aging can also begin to kick in. You might become a grandparent or start to think about retirement. And you may also have to deal with some health issues that weren’t a problem in your younger years. Aging takes a toll on your mental and physical health.
Again, mindfulness can help you to focus on the present and appreciate the things around you. Rather than worrying about what the future might hold, this will allow you to experience the positive moments in your life to the full.
4. Old Age (Independent)
Once you’re over the age of 60, everything from retirement to health problems can take a physical and mental toll on your well-being. In this stage, it can be helpful to set goals for yourself and work with someone to help you achieve them.
It’s also important to understand how to accept your feelings about the aging process. Some people handle it better than others. But learning to accept and embrace these feelings can make it easier to deal with this stage of life.
5. End of Life
While no one likes to think about the end of life stage before it happens, it is simply a fact of life. During this stage, it’s important to surround yourself with the people who matter most in your life. Finding love, care, comfort, and peace will help you to get through this stage with some sense of contentment.
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The biggest thing to keep in mind as you’re going through any major life phase is to learn to accept it. Life will continue to move forward whether you fight against it or not. Working with a therapist can help you to better accept those changes and learn how to make the most of each one.
If you’re struggling to cope with your current phase of life or how your life might be changing, feel free to contact me. Together, we can work on acceptance and find ways to encourage and empower you as you go through this phase and into the next.