Existential angst is part of the human experience- it’s SO normal to be going through it! But you have to make sure you don’t get stuck there. Here are 3 ways I shake it off and keep it moving
Start your reflecting/healing journey from my very first post here
1. Touch Grass (Literally)
- N-A-T-U-R-E, baby. Barefoot in the grass? Yes. (always check for ticks)
- Why this works- Being barefoot — aka “grounding” — is something humans were literally designed to do. Pressing my toes into grass or dirt reminds me that I’m part of something bigger. It makes me feel stronger.
“Connecting the body to the Earth enables free electrons from the Earth’s surface to spread over and into the body, where they can have antioxidant effects.” – James L Oschman et al.
Read full article here
- Why this works- Being barefoot — aka “grounding” — is something humans were literally designed to do. Pressing my toes into grass or dirt reminds me that I’m part of something bigger. It makes me feel stronger.
- Place your hand on trees. Talk to the plants. Stare at clouds.
- Seriously, don’t get me started on the endless benefits nature will bring if you let it.
- Check out this short film about how forests heal people
- Play your favorite music or — better yet — listen to the World breathe around you.
- 🎧 Play your favorite music — or better yet, just listen to the world breathe.
Nature sounds activate your parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body return to its natural “rest and digest” rhythm.
How nature influences brain function
- 🎧 Play your favorite music — or better yet, just listen to the world breathe.
- Pro tip: If you wear earbuds, keep one out so you’re still aware of your surroundings. Love you. Be safe.
2. Call in the Real Ones (seriously, existential angst- GONE when I connect with my people)
- Talking to your real friends is a whole damn superpower
- Real Talk: There was a period of my late 20s when I was in a relationship I knew was wonderful in some ways, but overall not meant to be forever. THE WAYS I SPIRALED figuring out what to do — too caught up with myself, too embarrassed to realize my closest friends were struggling with the same thing the whole time.
- Once I finally opened up about it- we were able to share stories, strategies, encouragement, book recs, and ultimately made each other laugh about this temporary chapter<3 Having real friends, and being my real self with them brings me right back to the meaningful, purposeful life I intend to live.
Moral of the story: Your people are going through it too. Be real. Share the mess. It makes life 1000x lighter.
3. Anchor Yourself to Meaning (it doesn’t have to be the same meaning for the rest of your life)
- Even when life feels chaotic, you can anchor yourself back to what matters
- For me, existential angst doesn’t come from feeling life is meaningless — it’s the overwhelming depth of meaning that freezes me.
I need to remind myself to stop chasing the “perfect” move and just take any aligned step forward. And don’t quit after one week.
Conclusion: Your Move, Babe
Existential angst isn’t some monster to defeat — it’s just proof that you’re awake and alive.
But staying stuck? That’s not your fate. You are doing way better than you think.
✨Now tell me: what are your go-to techniques when the existential spirals hit? Drop them below — let’s build a survival guide together
