6 Ways of Getting Through an Existential Crisis
You might have seen people making some fundamental questions about the meaninglessness of life, about the inevitability of death, feeling isolated from society and questioning the relevance of goals or objectives in life. This happens when the existential philosophy of freedom, choice and human development through one's own free will is taken to the extreme level. On the one hand, it is helpful in setting the mind free of established norms or beliefs. Yet the philosophy may be used to hide failure, frustrations, and unfulfilled desires.
The harm with an existential crisis is that you become skeptical of every issue, lose all enthusiasm for life, find no meaningful ways to address problems and existence itself becomes a drudgery. This can lead to depression, loss of interest in living and no hopes about the future.
Here are six ways of getting through existential crisis
1. Get Rid of Underlying Problems and Anxieties
Most often, an existential crisis is triggered by an underlying unresolved problem. It could be an unfulfilled desire of not buying a car, home or having enough savings. Having trouble in marriage or financial problems can make you despair. Connect to people, friends or family members who are sympathetic and understand your issues to get relief.
2. Overcome Crisis and Disasters
However good you have done to others, however honest you are, disasters and setbacks may come up in life. It could be related to health- you may be a vegetarian or teetotaler but get afflicted with Cancer, you may be robbed of your wealth or don’t get a deserved reward. Remember, a bull doesn’t spare a vegetarian. Accept the dark and bright side of life.
3. Change Routines and Try Something New
If you are stressed out in your daily chores, work and home, you may feel frustrated, depressed and lonely. This is the time when you can try something new. Learn a new skill- dancing, music, gardening , find time to travel, meet people and enjoy new experiences. Even undertaking a pilgrimage can calm the mind and help you feel good.
4. Reading Books and Attending Discourses Help
Books have changed the world and if you are in the habit of reading, get your hands on good titles in psychology, religion or philosophy which recount the experiences of people and latest research on brain functioning. Reading enlarges your mind and vision and helps to clear the cluttering thoughts.
5. Yoga, Meditation, and Outdoor Activities Help
Yoga and meditation help overcome anxieties, fears, inertia and feeling of helplessness which are at the root of existential crisis. Yoga, meditation, and outdoor activity are known to have a beneficial impact on our neural systems. It re-energizes our cells, metabolism, and breathing bringing more energy to life.
6. Embrace Positivity
Dr. Joseph Murphy in his book, The Power of the Subconscious Mind, has emphasized how feeding positive thoughts in your subconscious mind can help you get rid of the negative feelings in the conscious mind which is more rational and factual. Visualizing all the positive things you want in life through imagery can help overcome your existential crisis.
Existential crisis can impact intelligent people and geniuses more than ordinary people who may come to accept whatever life has offered them or are in store. The way to come back to life is not through isolating yourself and feeling sarcastic about things happening around. The first and most important step is to identify the underlying cause associated with it- deprivation, loss, trauma of separation, failure, an accident, prolonged illness or dissatisfaction in marriage and relationships. You have the freedom to shape your destiny irrespective of what has happened in your life.
