Find a Partner in Tough Times
“A life-threatening situation or a major loss can make anyone question who they really are and why they’re here. These moments shake our self-esteem and parts of our identity can get lost. If you want to recover quickly, leaning on your support network helps a lot. A close friend or family member who’s been through something similar can support you with mutual love and understanding as you get back on your feet,” starts Barbara Becker Holstein with this helpful tip.
Focus on Solutions, Not Problems
Jeff Saperstein points out that we often create our own existential lows, and seeing them this way changes the picture:
“Our worries often come from the story we tell ourselves. The question is: are you living the story of joy, abundance, and optimism, or the one of lack, fear, and pessimism? In a crisis, it’s often enough to clarify whether you’re the kind of person who finds the root of the problem and its solution, or one who keeps seeing the problem despite all solutions. If you can shift from problem-creator to problem-solver, you’re already on the path to healing.”
Amy Armstrong offers similar advice for overcoming existential crises, emphasizing acceptance and finding a way forward:
“An existential crisis happens when we don’t realize that hitting lows is necessary to start a fresh, clear chapter in life. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself now is to ask: what can I learn from this? You have to trust that this situation is temporary, part of healing or growth, and that it opens the door to moving forward successfully and living life on a higher level.”
Never Lose Your Optimism
“Gratitude can help ease an existential crisis. When life feels meaningless, turn to the present and be thankful you can embrace the moment. Remember you have people who love you and love you back, food to eat, and a place to sleep! You might not understand your situation yet, but try to see the bright side and feel special for being part of this whole mystery,” says Cyndera Quackenbush.
“To reduce stress, try to leave behind the feeling of crisis and the awareness of being in trouble! Recognize that the present is just a situation, and situations can always be managed somehow. Encourage yourself by recalling times you faced tough moments but overcame obstacles and challenges. In that light, your current situation might not seem so bad!” advises Rhonda Harris-Choudhry.
Reconnect with Yourself!
Crises can also happen when you lose touch with yourself and your actions don’t align with your thoughts or true self. Carolyn Hidalgo says the best move then is to quietly step back, clarify your situation, and give yourself time:
“We all come to this world with goals, but if we stray from our path, we can feel disconnected from our roots. The first step is finding calm, and nature offers a perfect place for that. Go outside, observe nature’s cycle of life, and remind yourself that you’re part of it. You’ll start to feel you belong somewhere!”
“Practicing mindfulness—even just ten minutes a day—can work wonders. Self-awareness, yoga, and meditation help you stand tall again, reconnect with yourself, and strengthen your resilience and adaptability.”
Remember, you can’t always control what happens to you, but you do control how you respond. You can choose acceptance and calm over fear and worry, problem-solving over magnifying problems. Which side are you choosing today?
