"Two years ago, there was a particular moment at work that I still remember vividly: my female colleagues, most of whom were between 30 and 40, were talking about class reunions they had coming up. These seasoned women, all of whom I would describe as strong and self-confident, turned into hysterical chickens over the next few weeks. During our usually cherished breaks, I now went to eat alone while my colleagues nibbled on their crispbread.

And suddenly I realized the absurdity of this situation and had to laugh out loud. And: I was so glad that I was no longer one of them. One of those women who constantly make themselves beautiful and chic for everyone else, who are on a permanent diet just to please some men. Don't get me wrong, I was like that myself for long enough. I let everything and everyone drive me crazy.

I remember when I was 28 and discovered the first wrinkles around my mouth. For days and weeks, my thoughts revolved around these little lines. I couldn't walk past a mirror without quietly whispering to myself: now you're getting old, my dear. Today I can only laugh about it. My wrinkles have become almost innumerable, but they are part of me and no longer get me down. I feel the same way about a few kilos too many. So what? I love cooking and eating. It's a great luxury that I can enjoy much more today than I used to when I counted calories and denied myself sweet sins far too often.

Serenity at work

Admittedly: I was lucky. A year ago, I was transferred to a new department. Within the same company, but with new colleagues and a new boss. My work as a laboratory technician was always very stressful. We have to concentrate very hard and the workload is tight and almost impossible to manage. What's more, for a long time I had the problem of being too strict with myself and never being able to say no. Once I started, I couldn't get out of this spiral. My colleagues and bosses knew that they could do anything to me. In fact, I once even heard them say: 'Ask Maria, she never says no anyway! So I was permanently stressed and constantly under pressure.

I wanted to change something, but I never knew how to be taken seriously. When I moved to a new department, I set new rules of the game. I confidently said to myself: Why should I always be the stupid one! Today I act differently, I don't take everything to heart straight away and I know my qualities. I can't tell you how much I enjoy going to work with this new calmness. My uptight nature meant that I only ever put myself under pressure - now I love this new feeling of self-determination and self-awareness.

Serenity with friends

Whenever advice was needed, whether from friends or relatives, I was there. I empathized with everyone and tried to solve their problems. I dealt with other people's conflicts around the clock - a huge burden. Then a friend gave me a tip: I should try to set myself apart. Ask myself what would happen if I just didn't do anything. The answer is usually not as bad as I thought. Many of my friends had to get used to the fact that I no longer jumped on every problem straight away, but they accepted it. I have the feeling that this clear boundary has even earned me respect.

When I look back over the years today, I am grateful. Grateful for my new-found composure and strength. I no longer have to please everyone, and that's a good thing. Therefore: Life, I love you - more and more!"

Tips and information: Contentment in old age keeps you healthy

Calmness is the key to health: a recent study found that older people who are more relaxed about missed opportunities are less likely to suffer from old-age depression. According to the study, emotional health is closely linked to missed opportunities.

The increasing happiness of later years

Older people are more resistant to stress. This was the result of a study by US scientists. They found that people between the ages of 20 and 30 are particularly depressed and stressed. According to the researchers, well-being improves with age and satisfaction increases. Why is this the case? At a certain age, we realize that life is finite. We then make wiser decisions and are emotionally stronger.

The level of stress in society increases

Stress, stress, stress. According to a study, more and more people in Germany are under a lot of pressure. 80 percent of Germans between the ages of 36 and 45 feel particularly stressed. Experts advise this generation to be more relaxed and content and, above all, to be more forgiving of themselves and others.