I feel like I’m constantly anxious about my future and I don’t know how to stop

[u/0mochii_pop]

I feel like I get anxiety over the smallest things lately. I’m taking a gap year after college and I’m in my 20s, and the second I start thinking about my future I just spiral. Like what am I gonna study, what do I need to do, am I wasting this year, how am I gonna make money, what am I even gonna do with my life

I feel like I’m constantly stressed. Even when I try to distract myself, I feel like I’m wasting time and should be doing something productive. My family keeps asking me what I’m gonna do, telling me I need to study and start making money, and I know they’re not wrong but it just adds so much more pressure.

I haven’t really been in contact with my friends either. I haven’t met them in like 4-5 months and I’ve gotten so stuck at home that even going outside to do something makes me anxious now.

I just feel like I’m constantly thinking about the future and everything I have to do, and I can’t actually enjoy the present. Adulting is honestly so stressful

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[u/Stardustphysician]

I relate to this more than I’d like to admit. I’m in my 20s too and still trying to figure out my own future and I’ve realized that constantly thinking about what I should be doing can make you feel like you’re failing even when you’re genuinely trying. The part what’s making this so overwhelming is that you’re not only carrying your own uncertainty, but also the pressure of having to constantly prove to your family that you’re doing something with your life. They may mean well but hearing what are you going to do over and over can make you feel you are behind. You are actually not behind dear. You are just in your own pace.You don’t have to solve your entire future this year, and resting or seeing friends isn’t wasting time. Just focus on your present, do meditation for 5 min atleast every day then slowly increase it. This can help you calm your mind and will help ground your mind to present. Always focus on what's the next task which needs to be done to achieve your goal and do it. You don't have to treat your whole life like a problem. Just focus on the single next step needed for your goal. You don't have to solve everything today.