Have you ever lost sleep pondering the true meaning of life or wondering what you are doing here?
Have you ever questioned your choices and worried about what’s next? Have you ever felt stuck? If so, welcome to the club – it looks like you’ve gone through an existential crisis.
The American Psychology Association defines existential crisis as any psychological or moral crisis that causes an individual to ask fundamental questions about human existence. Unfortunately, these questions aren’t easy to answer, leaving us worried, anxious, helpless – lost, even.
Worry not; you are not alone! Our existence is weird enough for us to lose ourselves thinking about it occasionally. I know I do.
While existential crises are mostly associated with negative impacts on one’s life, the truth is that there’s a positive side to them. This state of mind allows us to get back in touch with our values, meaning, purpose, and what we want to make of our lives.Â
But why do we have existential crises? Many things can trigger one – from significant life changes, unexpected turns, and loss – there’s no telling when it will hit at full force. Even disappointment and dissatisfaction with the current state of your life are often enough to activate the existential crisis mode on. And it’s more common than you think.
Addressing the worries, anxiety, depression, loss of motivation, and any other mental state ignited by a crisis can be challenging. So here are a few tips for surviving an existential crisis:
- Practice self-awareness and meditation to reconnect with your thoughts, feelings, values, beliefs, and actions.
- Change your perspective. Instead of drowning in thoughts of inevitable death, try to live as passionately and authentically as possible.
- Keep a gratitude journal about everything you’re thankful for and everything that makes life worth living.
- Reconnect with your authentic self to live a more meaningful life.
Let me know if you need help turning off the existential crisis mode.
Expect Miracles,
Lisa
