Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by middle-aged individuals, particularly focusing on their coping mechanisms and the pressures of daily life, highlighting the need for personal space and relaxation amidst their responsibilities [3][4][5]. Group 1: Middle-aged Men's Coping Mechanisms - Middle-aged men often resort to various activities to relieve stress, with fishing being a popular choice despite the irony of not catching fish [5][7]. - Other common stress-relief methods include drinking alcohol (32.24%), exercising (29.58%), and engaging in photography (22.38%) [7]. - The article notes that many men find solace in gaming, which serves as a nostalgic escape from their daily pressures [8]. Group 2: Middle-aged Women's Coping Mechanisms - Middle-aged women seek brief escapes from their responsibilities, often finding solace in hotels, where they can enjoy peace away from family duties [13][20]. - Common activities for women include sleeping, indulging in takeout, and watching shows, with a significant focus on self-care during these rare moments of solitude [16][17]. - The article highlights that many women use work-related excuses to carve out time for themselves, reflecting the societal pressures they face [26][27]. Group 3: The Burden of Family Responsibilities - The article emphasizes the overwhelming responsibilities of middle-aged parents, particularly mothers, who often feel trapped by their roles [20][22]. - Research indicates that mothers lose significantly more leisure time to childcare compared to fathers, with the average loss being 1.8 hours per day for mothers [22]. - The relentless cycle of work and family obligations leaves little room for personal time, making moments of solitude a rare luxury [25][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by middle-aged individuals, particularly focusing on their coping mechanisms and the pressures of work and family life, highlighting the need for personal space and self-care amidst their busy lives [5][19][20]. Group 1: Middle-aged Men's Coping Mechanisms - Middle-aged men often turn to hobbies such as fishing and gaming as a way to relieve stress, despite the pressures of work and family responsibilities [7][10]. - The article notes that many men engage in activities like smoking and drinking, while some choose healthier options like fitness and photography to cope with their anxiety [10][11]. Group 2: Middle-aged Women's Coping Mechanisms - Middle-aged women seek brief escapes from their daily responsibilities, often finding solace in activities like singing at KTV or relaxing in hotels, which provide a much-needed break from family duties [14][15]. - The article highlights that many women struggle with feelings of guilt when attempting to carve out personal time, often using work-related excuses to justify their need for solitude [22][23]. Group 3: The Burden of Family Responsibilities - The article emphasizes the overwhelming responsibilities that middle-aged parents face, particularly mothers, who often juggle work and extensive household duties, leading to a lack of personal time [18][19]. - Statistics indicate that mothers lose significantly more leisure time to childcare compared to fathers, exacerbating feelings of being overwhelmed [19][20]. Group 4: The Value of Alone Time - The article posits that alone time has become a luxury for middle-aged individuals, especially mothers, who often feel guilty for seeking personal space [20][22]. - Despite the challenges, brief moments of solitude are portrayed as essential for mental well-being, allowing individuals to recharge and face their daily lives with renewed energy [26].