How To Cope When You Realize 'GoT' Is Coming To An End

Like all good (and bad) things, Game of Thrones must eventually end. And with the news that there will only be two more seasons of the popular HBO series, and that these seasons might also be shorter than previous seasons, the end feels even more daunting. There's bound to be a lot of intense feelings in light of this news that may be difficult to process, but don't worry, it's all quite normal. And if you're worried about how you're going to handle the show's end, don't fret — I got you. There are plenty of ways to cope when you realize Game of Thrones is coming to an end so soon.

It's going to be a difficult, maybe even painful, journey, but we'll make it through together. Maybe we'll figure out that we can live without a dramatic HBO TV series to keep us stimulated, or maybe we won't— I hear Westworld is a delight. Regardless, there is totally more to our existences than Iron Thrones and dueling houses in fictional worlds (probably). The loss of Game of Thrones every week will not and should not break us or define us. Luckily, there's a series of ways we can stay strong during this rough time.

1. Reach Out To Other Fans That Are Also Going Through This Dramatic Change

Reminisce about the good times while also being hopeful for the future. Solidarity is key.

2. Educate Yourself With Real-Live Historical Knowledge That Is Equally Dramatic

Hey, take your thirst for drama and antiquated outfits and channel it into researching history about the Middle Ages. There's a lot of very horrible, very real historical events that parallel a few of the storylines in GoT and now is the perfect time to research them. Bring it on, history.

3. Get That Fan Fiction Coming

Get your creative juices flowing and keep the story going. You might not be a George R.R. Martin, but don't let that limit you. When the events of GoT inevitably don't go how you were anticipating, fan-fiction will be your only real friend.

4. Take A 'GoT' Roadtrip

This is kind of a pricey way to deal with your sadness, so start saving up. But how about a lovely tour of all the locations Game of Thrones shoots in? Ireland is lovely any time of year, so get there. The series has also shot in beautiful locations like Malta, Iceland, Morocco, and more.

5. Find Something Else To Watch

Pick yourself up and deal with the loss the only way you know how... with more television. There's always some series out there to quench your thirst for GOT-like entertainment. Now is your chance to explore a whole new beautiful world.

6. Take That Energy And Put It Somewhere Else

You probably spend a lot more time thinking about GoT than you realize, between reading about spoilers, studying fan theories, watching cast interviews, actually watching the series itself, or reading the A Song of Ice and Fire series. When GoT is gone, you might find yourself with some spare time. Get a hobby! Volunteer somewhere! Exercise! The world is your oyster.

7. Read The Books

Even if you've already gotten through the incredibly dense series, A Song of Ice and Fire is always worth a re-read. There are a bunch of characters and story lines that haven't made it into the series (yet?), and they really are a treat to meet.

8. Re-Watch The Series

Who's to say you can't just watch it over and over and over and over again?

9. Keep On Making Up Theories

Reddit exists, guys. There's always going to be GoT-debating, don't you worry. Additionally, there will continue to be new and old viewers developing conspiracies based on the series. Just because Game of Thrones is over doesn't mean you need to take off your thinking cap.

10. Lose Yourself In Jason Momoa's Instagram

The delights of Khal Drogo's AKA Jason Momoa's Instagram have kept my soul occupied in between seasons, so it stands to reason that the same medicine would work for the post-GoT world to come. If Momoa's social justice activism, Guinness appreciation, and intense rock-climbing adventure photos aren't enough for you, there are a bunch of other actors from the series with on-point 'gram presences like Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams.

And most importantly,

11. Remember You Are So More Than What You Watch

Just like there was a world and life for you before Game of Thrones, there will be one after. And now, you'll have been enriched by some really quality television.

When GoT ends, it's going to be weird for all of us. We've been following the escapades of the Starks and co. since 2011. Finally knowing how everything ends is going to feel unreal and maybe a little disappointing, if things don't go well, but alas, all good things must come to an end. With the support of each other, we'll get past this. I'll see y'all on the other side.