Most of us have felt it at one point or another – a sudden, deep unease that floats in beneath the obvious worries of daily life. It's less about a looming deadline or bills to pay, and more about the silent questions: Why are we here? What truly matters? Will what we do ever be enough? This isn’t everyday stress; it’s something quieter and deeper. It’s existential anxiety.
What is existential anxiety?
Existential anxiety is the emotional response to questions about meaning, freedom, mortality, and our place in the world. While it may sound philosophical, most people experience this kind of anxiety at some time. Sometimes it rises after a big life change, loss, or even in moments of stillness. The questions can feel overwhelming: Is my life meaningful? Am I making the right choices? What happens after this?
Unlike general anxiety that grabs onto a specific worry, existential anxiety circles around the bigger picture. We might not even realize it at first—it simply feels like a quiet restlessness, a cloud we can’t explain. But we believe recognizing it is the first step to working with it.
The roots of existential anxiety
In our view, existential anxiety grows from four core human experiences. These are:
- Awareness of mortality
- Confronting freedom and responsibility
- Searching for meaning
- Recognizing isolation, even when surrounded by people
These roots draw from our capacity for self-reflection. When we stop and face these realities, the discomfort can catch us off guard. But this discomfort is a sign of our own depth and honesty.
Existential anxiety shows we care about our place in life.
How existential anxiety appears in daily life
We have noticed existential anxiety is rarely loud. It often passes as:
- Feelings of emptiness or restlessness, even if everything “seems fine”
- Moments of questioning your purpose or direction
- Doubts about past choices or worry about making the wrong ones
- Difficulty feeling connected, even in relationships
Strong, complex, sometimes quiet – but never meaningless.
Seven ways to manage existential anxiety daily
The good news is that existential anxiety can be lessened, even if it is never fully erased. Here are seven practices we have found helpful for bringing more presence and clarity into daily life.
1. Acknowledge and name what you feel
The first step is simple, but powerful. When we give our anxiety a name, it often loses some of its overwhelming power. Pause, tune in to your emotions, and recognize: “I’m experiencing existential anxiety.” Just saying it, even silently, can help us gently separate ourselves from the feeling, seeing it as one experience among many.
2. Practice daily grounding in your body
Often, existential thoughts swirl in the mind. One way to break this loop is to ground your attention in your body. Focus on your breath, feel your feet on the floor, notice physical surroundings. Yoga, walking, or even gentle stretching can create this return to the present.
These small moments anchor us to what is real, right now, which soothes the mind.
3. Cultivate mindful acceptance
Existential anxiety often grows stronger when we try to resist it. When we make space for discomfort instead of running from it, we free ourselves to feel lighter and braver. Mindful acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means allowing the uncertainty to be part of us, not all of us.
4. Connect with your values
It’s easy to get lost in big questions, but day-to-day meaning often comes from simple things. Ask yourself: What matters to me today? What kind of person do I want to be? When we act in line with our values, even in small ways, we bring meaning into ordinary moments.
5. Create small rituals
Building short, meaningful rituals into your day can provide structure and comfort. This could be morning journaling, evening walks, or lighting a candle before bed. These moments ground us and give our lives rhythm—touchstones, not just routines.
6. Allow for creative self-expression
Expressing our feelings can help us process and understand them. Art, writing, music, or any creative outlet gives our inner uncertainties a form. Even scribbling a few lines in a notebook can transform restless thoughts into something we can see outside ourselves.
Creativity is a bridge between inside and out.
7. Foster genuine human connection
Existential questions sometimes leave us feeling alone, even among others. Reach out and share a conversation—about anything, not just big worries. Speak honestly, listen fully. Being seen and heard, even in small exchanges, reminds us we are not separate from the world.
We find meaning together, not alone.
Moving from fear to presence
Treating existential anxiety is not about making it disappear forever, but about learning to face it with curiosity and care. It can be a doorway to deeper maturity, clarity, and freedom. We have seen that when we face uncertainty with presence, we stop running, and start living with more intention.
It’s normal for the questions to return—but every time we meet them, we build self-awareness and strength. Small steps, taken daily, add up to a real change in how we feel. We can befriend our anxiety by staying connected to our body, our values, and each other.
Conclusion
Existential anxiety is not a flaw. It’s a sign that we are awake, asking questions, and longing for meaning beyond the surface. By bringing awareness to what we feel, staying grounded in our bodies, honoring our values, creating ritual, expressing ourselves, and connecting honestly with others, we can shape a more coherent response to life’s mysteries.
We believe that the goal is not perfect certainty, but a life lived with purpose and conscious presence—one day, and one question, at a time.
Frequently asked questions
What is existential anxiety?
Existential anxiety is a deeper form of worry that comes from reflecting on life’s meaning, freedom, mortality, and the search for purpose. It can show up as restlessness or even emptiness, when we start to ask “What is the point?”, “Am I making the right choices?” or “What happens when we die?”
How can I manage existential anxiety?
We suggest starting by naming what you feel and accepting it as part of being human. Daily practices like grounding in the body, connecting with values, creating small rituals, self-expression, and focusing on relationships can help ease the discomfort and turn it into something meaningful.
What are daily tips for coping?
Some helpful ideas include being mindful of your emotions, practicing grounding techniques, journaling, staying connected with people you trust, and expressing yourself creatively. Bringing gentle structure and intention to your actions each day can also help reduce anxiety over time.
Is existential anxiety common?
Yes, it is very common, especially during major life changes or moments of reflection. Most people experience existential anxiety at some stage, even if they do not realize it or give it that name.
When should I seek professional help?
If existential anxiety begins to interfere with everyday functioning, causes long-term distress, or leads to feelings of hopelessness, it’s wise to seek support from a mental health professional. The right guidance can make these feelings easier to manage and offer new perspectives.
