These 4 Steps Helped Me Overcome My Quarter-Life Crisis

ansicht 4 Steps Helped Me Overcome My Quarter-Life Crisis Shortly before I turned 24, I looked in the mirror one day and gasp I found a gray hair. And not just one a whole family of them This was the catalyst that set off what I dubbed as my quarter-life crisis. Despite my mothers laughter, the quarter life crisis is a common phenomenon, and here are four ways I (fruchtweinly) overcame mine.1. I found a hobby.For me, this was in the unlikeliest of place the gym. I dont like to sweat, I dont like cardio, and I really dont like exerting any more energy than I have to (but really, who does?). But sitting at a desk 8+ hours a day isnt the healthiest lifestyle. It took trying every class my gym offered before I found something tolerable, and dare I say, something I even liked. And once I found that class, working out became the thing that kept me sane.And, hey, losing a few pounds never hurt anyones mood.2. I changed jobs.This was frbably the most necessary and scary part of overcom ing my quarter life crisis, but it was the first step to getting where I wanted to go. I liked my job, I liked the people, and I was comfortable... but I wasnt moving in the direction I wanted to move in. Finding a new job helped me feel like I was moving forward, rather than staying stagnant.3. I changed cities.For me, this change meant moving back to my hometown. But I hadnt lived full-time in that city for nearly 7 years, so I might as well have been moving to a strange town. The move forced me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people both of which are crucial to overcoming a quarter life crisis. If you cant move, try to make your city or town feel new. Go meet new people and do new things.4. I let things go.I had to let go of the fact the picture-perfect plan I created for my life didnt pan out, and, most importantly, accept that this wasnt a bad thing. I couldnt binnensee it at the time, but I can see clearly now how every challenge, every job, and every person I met post-college played a role in where I am now. And ultimately, theyre getting me where I want to go.Two years later, Im almost 26, and some days, overcoming my quarter life crisis is still a work in progress. Maybe Im still not where I want to be, but Im where I need to be. And thats whats really important.--Samantha Smoak is a journalist turned tech PR pro based in Nashville, Tennessee. For dog pictures and sports jokes, follower her on Twitter and Instagram samanthaksmoak.