How To Survive Your Quarter-Life Crisis

As told by Dan Howell, aka danisnotonfire on YouTube, natch.

What is a "quarter-life crisis"?

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Definition: a feeling of overwhelming doubt about your future and what you're going to do for the rest of your life, casting a dark, depressing shadow upon your life; usually occurs around or after college, early 20's.

Example: "I've just realized that I don't want to do/major in/etc. ________ anymore. Now what do I do? What do I do with my life? WHAT DO I DO?"

Many people go through this quarter-life crisis without a way to deal with it, so here's a few steps to ease you through this dark time in your life.

1. Cry

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This feeling of overwhelming gloom will not pass if you repress all of your emotions. Cry! Scream at the heavens! Cry some more! Just let it out! (In a healthy way, of course.)

2. Eat some chocolate

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Dark chocolate has been shown to increase levels of calmness. Plus, a little chocolate never hurt anybody. Unless you're allergic to chocolate.

(Please doesn't eat chocolate if you're allergic to it.)

3. Think realistically about your future

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It's time to take a good, hard look at your prospects. Don't base your decisions on one thing; for instance, if you're changing your major, don't pick business because it's employable or music because it's fun. Try to strike a balance between what's realistic and, for lack of a better term, what won't consume your soul. Remember that the decisions you make now for your current future will not determine your entire life path. This is not the end of the road.

4. Don't panic!

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While the near future seems like a terrifying concept that makes you want to hit your head repeatedly, you have to realize that the future is supposed to be scary. If the future wasn't scary, life would be so boring and predictable. And if that line of thinking fails, eat some more chocolate.

5. Find something to do that you love

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Your interests and passions will keep your sanity intact, which is currently your main goal. You'll drive yourself insane if you don't allow some bits of pleasure in your life. Sometimes your passions can turn into something bigger. Nurture that passion. Love that passion.

6. Get shit done!

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Okay, now that you've regained some parts of your sanity, it's time to get off of tumblr and down to business. If you want that internship, write that cover letter. If you want that 4.0, start studying your notes. If you don't do anything to help change your current situation, you will not make it through this quarter-life crisis. To reiterate, GET SHIT DONE!

7. Accept the fact that you are an adult

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Since you're probably in college/just out of college, it's time you accept the cold, hard fact that you are an adult. Eventually, everyone has to come to terms that they are an agent of being, or rather that they are in charge of their life. Yes, being an adult leads to full-fledged responsibility, but it is a necessary step in getting through your quarter-life crisis.

8. ...but in your heart, you don't have to grow up just yet

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While you may look like and accept the fact that you are an adult, no one ever sees themselves as a "grown-up". Realize that while you're doing these adult things, you can still retain your inner child. Have dance parties by yourself! Eat a slice of cake for breakfast! Listen to One Direction! (Or your preferred boy band.) All in all, it's okay to still have a bit of growing up to do.

9. Finally, don't stress about the future

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I know, easier said than done. But seriously, don't stress too hard. You will not get through your quarter-life crisis if you spend 90% of the time as a gigantic ball of stress. So stay calm, or at least try to, and remember: you can get through this.