Mid Life Crisis: What is it? Is it inevitable? Is it even a real phenomenon? Or is it an invention of the media — that is, corporate advertising trying to sell us things we don’t need? (Not only do we not need these cosmetic and quasi-medical accoutrements, they are downright insulting and sometimes even dangerous.)

I have been inundated lately by articles, poems, and stories about the so-called “Midlife Crisis.” Clearly it is a subject very much on the minds of many, many women. The writings that I have been sharing with you cover the gamut of opinions, ideas, and suggestions about coping with a Midlife Crisis, ours or someone else’s. I offer them up to you to for your interest and edification.

As always, I invite you to send me your stories — experiences, advice, and inspiration to share with our community of Midlife Queens. And special thanks to all oof you who have shared their ideas, research, and creativity with us.

Midlife Crisis or Midlife Consciousness? You choose!

xxQueen Mama Donna

Women in the 45- to 55-year old age group — the largest demographic in the U.S. today.

Gail Sheehy, a journalist and the author of the ’70s best-seller “Passages,” told ABC News that this group was in particular crisis.

“This generation of women at midlife has a lower level of well-being than any other generation,” Sheehy told ABC News. “It’s always been that [when] women got to their 40s and 50s, they were happier than at any other time in their lives. This generation is the most stressed and distressed.”

USA Today asked Gallup-Healthways to identify what contributed to well-being in the midlife age group.

In addition to a good marriage, a strong support network of friends and a positive attitude is important. Gallup-Healthways found that having a career and finding a good work-life balance also helped.

Pollsters said that many women at this midlife stage still worked full-time.

Gallup-Healthways’ data also found that having a flexible work schedule and a short commute was also important for happiness in the 45-55 age group.

Healthways shared these three general tips to improve your well-being:

• Take 3 deep breaths: Doing abdominal breathing exercises in stressful situations — or twice a day — can help relieve your tension and make you feel more calm.

• Picture yourself in 6 months: Big resolutions can fail because they’re too unrealistic or vague. Small actions can make an impact if they’re a priority and you take daily steps to reach them.

• Create a gratitude list: Taking the time to regularly count your blessings by writing them down is a happiness booster and can improve physical health and raise energy levels.

* ***
Donna Henes is the author of The Queen of My Self: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife. She offers counseling and upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity. Consult the MIDLIFE MIDWIFE™

The Queen welcomes questions concerning all issues of interest to women in their mature years. Send your inquiries to thequeenofmyself@aol.com.