What Yungblud Taught Me About Midlife, Misbehaving & Making Health Fun Again
OK, I have to admit it.
I have a bit of a crush on Yungblud. And it seems I’m not alone.
Turns out, there’s a quiet wave of midlife women who are low-key obsessed with him. And no, it’s not just about the eyeliner (although… let’s be honest, it doesn’t hurt).
The gothic rock aesthetic, the unapologetic self-expression, the eyeliner, the activism… there’s something about him that feels refreshingly raw and honest — especially in a world where casual misogyny seems to be creeping back in. There’s a flicker of Billy Idol and a whisper of Mick Jagger – but with less arrogance, more humility, and the kind of emotional intelligence you’d have killed for in your 20s.
There’s something about the leather trousers, the eyeliner, the punk energy, and the raw feeling he brings to his music that’s weirdly magnetic — especially when you're deep into midlife and wondering where your own rebellious spark wandered off to.
But before you throw me into the “Cougar” category (seriously, can we retire that word?), let me offer an explanation that might resonate if you're a fellow Gen Xer or elder millennial having similarly confusing feelings.
What Yungblud represents reminds me of my youth.
I grew up when music was electric — and not just in sound. It was political. Defiant.
Fashion wasn’t about trends — it was about statement. Cue punk, Vivienne Westwood, New Romantics… but also the rise of house, garage, and early hip hop. Grandmaster Flash, breakdancing on bits of cardboard, rave flyers slipped into your hand after college, pirate radio, and warehouse parties that vibrated in your chest. The Face magazine told us what was cool before anyone else did. We had creative freedom, a sense of experimentation and adventure that felt thrilling. We could stomp around in combat boots one week and float about in batwing sleeves the next. It was glorious. We were wild. Weird. Loud. Alive.
And then… life.
Somewhere along the way — between the laundry piles, the school forms, the mortgage appointments, and the food intolerances — that vibrant, anarchic spirit got a bit… muted. Somehow many of us became too grown up.
And oh boy, does our body love to remind us of this —
The hips that now come with a built-in flotation device.
The heroic effort required to get off the sofa without an involuntary “oof.”
The knees that click just to remind you who’s boss.
But Yungblud — in all his shirtless, sweaty, stomping glory — reminds me that fun, energy and individuality aren’t just for the under-30s.
They never were.
He’s a walking permission slip to say:
You don’t have to fade into beige just because you turned 40 (or 50… or 60). Not ever.
A reminder that fun, mischief, passion and rebellion aren’t exclusive to the young.
That adventures are still very much on the table — even if they now involve Spanx and a good quality moisturiser.
And that, my friends, is something I passionately believe when it comes to health and wellbeing too. It’s also at the heart of how I work with my clients.
Health, in my world, isn’t about restriction or rules. It’s about freedom.
It’s about building a life that feels good — playful, enjoyable, and tailored to you.
Whether it’s getting your energy back, feeling more confident in your body, or just remembering what it feels like to have fun again…
It’s never too late to experiment. To shake things up. To put on the metaphorical tartan skirt and belt out your truth.
So, if you’ve been feeling a little disconnected from that version of yourself — the one who danced till 2am and wore questionable eyeliner with pride — here are a few midlife-friendly ways to reclaim a bit of that spark:
1. Wear the thing you think you “shouldn’t”
That bold lipstick. That leather jacket. The band tee you’ve been saving since ‘98. Who’s stopping you?
2. Find your anthem again
Create a playlist of music that used to make you feel unstoppable. Blast it when you clean the kitchen, walk the dog, or need a confidence boost before a Zoom call.
3. Make your health habits yours
If the gym bores you but dancing in your kitchen lights you up — do that. If you want to eat better but hate diets — let’s make it delicious instead of punishing.
Your version of healthy should feel good, not grim.
4. Start something that scares you (just a bit)
Take a class. Join a group. Try something you always said “maybe one day” to. That spark? It is still in there. You just need to poke it.
5. Watch someone who inspires you — then ask yourself why
Crushes can be clues. Yungblud might not be your cup of tea, but anyone who makes you sit up and say “oooh yes” probably represents something you are craving more of. Follow the trail.
So yes, I might have a not-so-secret admiration for Yungblud.
But really? I think it’s less about him and more about what he reminds me of:
That being true to yourself, making your own rules, and embracing a little mischief is not just allowed — it’s essential.
And that’s exactly the vibe I bring to my coaching work, too.
If you’ve been feeling tired, stuck, or like you’ve drifted away from yourself…
You’re not broken. You’re just overdue for a bit of you time.
Health should feel fun. Life should feel like yours again.
Let’s make it an adventure — leather trousers optional.