For many, midlife happens around age 45. During this period, some adults may experience feelings of dissatisfaction with their lives, or a midlife crisis. This could be an opportunity to make big changes. Here are some ways you can grow during a midlife crisis.

Transform Eating and Exercise Habits

Middle age can be rough on the body. Instead of feeling depressed about your aging body, make some positive changes. Transform the way you eat and switch to a clean diet of lean proteins, fresh produce and whole grains. Start a weight training and exercise program to make yourself stronger and leaner.

Travel to Top Destinations

Travel can also help you overcome feelings of life dissatisfaction. Get a passport and start tackling your travel bucket list. Explore new countries and experience new cultures to see what else is out there.

Start Your Own Business

Another idea to help you feel more fulfilled in your career is to start your own business. Make sure you choose the right business structure, develop a marketing plan, determine your funding needs, and figure out whether you’ll need to hire any employees.

When you start your own company, you also have to be diligent about your new venture’s finances. Choose powerful accounting software to monitor your business accounts, work smarter, be more efficient and understand cash flow. You can organize and store receipts to help with tax deductions and compliance.

Change Your Mindset

You may also need to work on your thought process and your entire mindset. If you feel anxious, depressed or on edge often, therapy may help you manage your emotions. Work with a therapist that matches your goals and personality to feel more confident and positive.

You can get counseling online which has a variety of benefits:

• It’s more convenient than in-person therapy, since you don’t have to travel to and from appointments.
• You can see a therapist who specializes in treating your specific problem, even if they don’t live near you.
• Online therapy is often less expensive than in-person therapy.
• You may feel more comfortable talking about sensitive topics online than in person.

Repair Romantic Relationships

Long-term romantic relationships may also be strained during a midlife crisis. Divorce and affairs may be more common during middle age or after the kids grow up. You and your partner have to work harder to stay connected during a time of change and uncertainty with mindfulness exercises.

Reconnect With Old Friends

Middle age is also the perfect time to start reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. Consider reaching out to friends via social media and making plans together. For people you’ve lost touch with, use a search engine to find them. Just type in the person’s name, graduation date and school to get in touch.

Prepare Your Finances for Retirement

It’s also important to make sure your finances are healthy for retirement and rising healthcare costs. Make sure you have a plan to pay off debt and increase your retirement contributions so you can enjoy your later years. Work with a financial planner to achieve your retirement goals.

Downsize Your Home

During a midlife crisis, you may feel tempted to spend money on things you don’t need, like a sports car. Avoid this urge and focus your energy on downsizing your home or getting rid of the clutter.

If you feel a midlife crisis coming on, don’t panic. This may be a time to change the way you live so you can continue to be healthy and happy in the future. Take steps like improving fitness and nutrition, working with a mental health professional, and reconnecting with old friends.