Art, obsession, and identity
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can exacerbate the effects of anxiety, so consider cutting them out of your diet.
If feelings of anxiety or despair don't go away or worsen, contact a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. These mental health professionals can help you cope through talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Sources: (Healthline) (Emotion Matters)
See also: Foods that help combat stress, anxiety, and depression
Each of us is unique and has unique abilities. Identify your strengths and find ways to use more of them, whether that's public speaking or knitting.
Purpose anxiety can lead to an existential crisis, which is defined as a recurring pattern of thoughts regarding your identity, purpose in life, and legacy.
Your life probably has more meaning and purpose than you think. Each day, write down everything you're grateful for. This might include work, family, and your own qualities and accomplishments.
Learn breathing techniques to be grounded in the present moment instead of being consumed by thoughts of your purpose in life.
Create change to make your life healthier and happier. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising will make you feel more in control and capable.
Start a new hobby you've always wanted to try, whether training for a long-distance run or auditioning for a play. Life is short, so make the most of it.
No one really has their life figured out. And if we knew the answers right away, life wouldn't be exciting. It's okay to take your time finding purpose.
Purpose can be defined in a plethora of ways, and the purpose you find today might not be the same as the one you find yourself living in a few weeks, months, or years from now.
Purpose isn't something just waiting to be discovered, it's a goal to always work toward.
Identify what's really important to you so you can look at ways to achieve it. By recognizing values, you can bring in shorter, obtainable goals.
Purpose sounds like a huge venture—like ending world hunger or achieving world peace—but you can also find purpose in the day-to-day, whether that's being a good parent or making a loved one's life more pleasant.
Talk about your thoughts with a loved one. You may find that they can relate; everyone feels lost at some point or another. Remind yourself that you are never alone.
Curiosity, self-discovery, and self-acceptance are essential for finding a sense of purpose. Take the time to know, understand, and accept yourself.
If striving for purpose is causing stress, you may need to proactively switch up your mindset and pursue your purpose in more positive ways.
Rainey also states that purpose anxiety can be experienced at two different stages: While struggling to uncover what your purpose might be and while attempting to enact or live your purpose.
Purpose anxiety keeps people trapped in a cycle of limiting and negative emotions, which ultimately blocks them from the benefits of a purposeful existence.
If you find yourself stuck in a negative thought loop, it becomes difficult to recall positive experiences and accomplishments.
According to researcher Larissa Rainey, purpose anxiety can be "provisionally defined as the negative emotions experienced in direct relation to the search for purpose."
While having a sense of purpose comes with amazing benefits, it puts pressure on those who have no idea what their purpose might be.
Purpose covers such a vast expanse of human experience that it's difficult to know where to begin. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt says to understand the meaning of life we should answer two questions: What is the purpose of life? and what is the purpose within life?
If you find yourself job-hopping to find the "perfect" role or looking to external cues through your job or company to indicate you've "found purpose" you may be experiencing purpose anxiety.
A 2014 study found that having a sense of purpose in life led to better physical health, resulting in a longer life expectancy.
With young social media influencers and other high-profile individuals routinely sharing how they found purpose, people can end up negatively comparing their own journeys.
Research has shown there is a link between a strong sense of purpose and resilience. A downside to searching for purpose is that it can lead to purpose anxiety.
If you're experiencing purpose anxiety, finding purpose can feel daunting and like a stab in the dark rather than a positive journey.
Causes of an existential crisis include guilt, the loss of a loved one, dissatisfaction with oneself, and a history of repressing emotions.
The concept of the universe can make us feel insignificant; humanity is nothing more than a tiny blip in the vast expanse of time and space. It's not unusual to ponder our existence on Earth, but if you find yourself questioning if your life has direction or meaning, you may be struggling with a lack of purpose, which can lead to purpose anxiety.
If this resonates with you, click through the gallery to discover what a lack of purpose may feel like and how you can overcome it.
Purpose anxiety can cause a range of emotions, including stress, frustration, and fear. These emotions can be experienced on a spectrum from mild to severe.
What is purpose anxiety, and how can you tell if you have it?
Do you feel like your life has no meaning?
LIFESTYLE Existential crisis
The concept of the universe can make us feel insignificant; humanity is nothing more than a tiny blip in the vast expanse of time and space. It's not unusual to ponder our existence on Earth, but if you find yourself questioning if your life has direction or meaning, you may be struggling with a lack of purpose, which can lead to purpose anxiety.
If this resonates with you, click through the gallery to discover what a lack of purpose may feel like and how you can overcome it.