Existential Angst: Part 8- Responding to Existential Angst- 2. Distraction

2. Distraction- if you can keep yourself distracted, busy, running out of time, exhausted, etc., then you won't have the time or energy to worry about life stuff.  You can get so absorbed into anything sufficiently that you won't worry about the meaning of life, or the fact that you are free to act in the world, or that you are going to die.  If you are fully distracted, you will have (kind of) solved your problem.  Favourites in this category include work, busy family life, social engagements, taking on multiple projects, relationships, and of course any addictive behaviour- gambling, drinking, gaming, shopping, social media, and drugs.  Other distractions may include dreaming, fantasizing, playing sports, watching sports, or watching the news.  You will know for yourself what it is you might be doing to distract yourself.

And if you are distracting yourself... is it good for you? Is it working? Is this the way to live your best life?