How to Navigate a Quarter-Life Crisis
Most people have heard of a mid-life crisis and some of the stereotypes associated with it. People in their 40s-60s who are dealing with a mid-life crisis might buy a new car, change the way they look, or try to find meaning in their lives as they recognize their age and mortality.
But you can also experience a quarter-life crisis.
A quarter-life crisis occurs in a person’s mid-twenties or early thirties and is overlooked a bit more often than a mid-life crisis because society might think of that state of life as a time when one has countless opportunities.
Unfortunately, that’s part of the problem.
Let’s take a closer look at what a quarter-life crisis looks like and what you can do to work your way through it.
What Is a Quarter-Life Crisis?
Have you recently found yourself wondering what you’re going to do with the rest of your life? Maybe you recently graduated college or moved to a new city, and the possibilities are endless. But that feels overwhelming. Maybe you’re questioning the choices that have brought you to this point. Or, you’re questioning who you really are. Maybe you thought you would be in a different place by this point in life, or you’re not satisfied with the things you’ve done.
Sound familiar? Obviously, these thoughts and feelings can become overwhelming very quickly. They’re also indicative of a quarter-life crisis.
Some of the common signs of a quarter-life crisis include feeling like your life has no purpose, questioning your identity, struggling to make decisions, and feeling like your life is stagnant.
These thoughts can impact your career, making it hard to find motivation to do your job. They can also impact your relationships. You might develop a fear of missing out (FOMO), or you might withdraw from friends and loved ones, isolating yourself because you already feel disconnected.
What Causes a Quarter-Life Crisis?
A quarter-life crisis might make you feel anxious about the future and depressed about the present. It can stem from dissatisfaction at work, relationship issues, financial problems, or even comparing yourself with other people your age and letting negative self-talk take over.
There’s no one common cause, but things like social media can often trigger thoughts that make a quarter-life crisis worse. We live in a world where it’s easy to compare yourself with others, or to feel like you’re “stuck” when everyone else is living their best lives.
What Can You Do?
Navigating a quarter-life crisis doesn’t have to be daunting. One of the best things you can do to overcome your negative thoughts and feelings is to practice self-reflection. Try journaling, meditating, or practicing mindfulness to connect with your true identity and what you really want. Calming the noise that surrounds you will help you connect with your thoughts, feelings, and even your goals.
Let go of any unrealistic expectations you’ve put on yourself. It’s okay to have lofty goals. But, if those goals are causing you to doubt yourself or burning you out emotionally, they aren’t worth it. Take a closer look at your expectations and re-evaluate what you really want. Additionally, avoid comparing yourself to others in the process. Don’t set goals because you feel like you have to achieve the same things as everyone else. Focus on what matters most to you, not anyone else.
Don’t isolate yourself, no matter how tempting it might be. Leaning on your support system is one of the best things you can do to boost your confidence, reduce stress, and feel more like yourself.
Finally, consider working with a mental health professional to better understand where these negative thoughts are coming from. Therapy is a great way to dive deeper into your thoughts and emotions and find healthy, effective coping methods.