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Graduate Advice
5 min read

Existential Crisis After University: How To Handle The Loss Of Meaning

The university years are an exciting time in one's life. But, like with all good things in life, it comes to an end, leaving you with the terrible feeling of not knowing what comes next. Read to find out!
Written by
Cristina Pucci
Guest Post
Published on
September 27, 2022

The university years are an exciting time in one's life.

But, like with all good things in life, it comes to an end, leaving you with the terrible feeling of not knowing what comes next.

The thought of leaving campus, finding employment, and tackling adulthood can be daunting, to the point where some graduates may face an existential crisis after university.

However, there are things you can do to deal with the situation. Let's get right to it!

What is an Existential Crisis?

An existential crisis is a time when a person questions the meaning and purpose of their life. This can be a time of great anxiety and angst as the person struggles to find a new way to see themselves and the world.

An existential crisis can be tough to deal with for some people and may even lead to mental health issues.

How To Overcome Your Existential Crisis After University

It's natural to experience a feeling of dread when going through an existential crisis. You may feel like you're losing your grip on reality or that everything you've believed in is suddenly called into question. The secret is to recognise these feelings and give yourself time to process them.

Here are a few ways you can overcome your existential crisis after university:

Tell someone how you feel

Talking to someone about your existential crisis can be beneficial – a friend, family member, therapist, or any other trusted confidante.

Sharing your feelings can genuinely help you make sense of it all and gain a new perspective on things.

Plus, it just feels good to know that you're not alone in this.

Have more contact with nature

The modern world has been kind to us, providing us with several comforts and luxuries. But with all these goodies comes the risk of alienating ourselves from nature's beauty and the pleasures of a simpler lifestyle.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, go for a walk in the woods, enjoy a run, or simply spend some time outside. This can help you reconnect with the world around you and remind you of your place in it.

Find time for self-care

When we're struggling emotionally, it's easy to neglect our own needs. However, we must take care of ourselves during an existential crisis after university.

This means making time for activities that bring us joy and peace, such as yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply doing something we are passionate about.

It's also important to eat healthy foods and get enough sleep – after all, we can't heal if we're not taking care of our physical selves too.

Stop comparing yourself to others

It's easy to feel down on yourself when you see others succeeding. Social media often amplifies this by giving us a curated view of people's lives that can make us feel inadequate.

Don't get me wrong – competition is healthy, but it isn't worth obsessing over.

All of the time and energy you spend comparing yourself to others could be better spent improving your circumstances on your own journey. Focus that energy inwardly instead!

A positive outlook can help you overcome your existential crisis and feel more content in your own life.

Conclusion

Experiencing an existential crisis after university can make you feel lost and without a sense of purpose. It can be a difficult time, but there are ways to cope.

The secret is to stop worrying about things that are out of your control and focus on what you can change or improve.

Most importantly, don’t forget to stay positive and keep moving forward!

Planning to apply for jobs when you’re all done with university? Check out The UK Careers Fair today! We’re the United Kingdom’s leading provider of job fairs, recruitment events and career fairs.

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