If you've opened a newspaper or turned on the TV lately, odds are good you've come across something about the end of the world in 2012.
Doomsday and end of world prophesies and predictions are arguably at an all time high.
Remember Y2K? At least then, everyone agreed, nobody knew what would happen.
This year, the common theme seems to be the world will end on December 21, 2012.
The only thing being debated by the doomsayers is how it will happen.
Television shows and articles that explore theories or delve into possible end of the world scenarios are entertaining - to a point.
Watch too many of these, or read a bit too much about nuclear holocaust or mass human extinction, and you may find yourself wondering when this all stopped being fun.
It can be a fine line between curiosity and anxiety when it comes to end-times.
In fact, end of the world hype is big business today, and many believe this is rightly so.
If the end of the world really is coming, shouldn't everyone have easy access to the best survivalist gear available? Everyone has a choice when it comes to what they believe about 2012 doomsday prophesies and predictions.
But it's hard to make an informed choice when you're overwhelmed with world-ending hype.
In the midst of all the madness, use the following ten tips to make 2012 manageable:

1. Don't obsess about Doomsday.
   Live your life one day at a time, which is all anyone truly has, after all.
   
2. Chew carefully before swallowing.
   Help yourself digest the news by taking small bites you can sink your teeth into one at a time.
   
3. Don't believe everything you hear.
   No matter how convincing a theory about the end of the world seems, remember P.
   T.
   Barnum's words: There's a sucker born every minute.
   Don't let it be you.
   
4. Research ideas that interest you.
   Are you curious about what could happen if a rogue planet smashes into the earth? By all means, look up information - but insist on quality.
   
5. Don't be made afraid.
   If a website, news story or talk show feels scary, tune out.
   You can gain knowledge about even an event like the world's end without feeling terrified.
   
6. Consider both sides.
   If a particular theory about the world ending in 2012 makes sense to you, take the time to read information from its strongest opponents before you rest your case.
   
7. Proceed with caution.
   If preparing for the end of the world in some physical, mental or spiritual way feels right to you, go for it - but proceed with care.
   Ask yourself if your actions are bringing a sense of peace or creating more anxiety in your life.
   
8. Remember you're mortal.
   It's a fact: we're all going to die.
   If you're at peace with your own mortality, you're far more likely to act rationally when considering the possible demise of our planet.
   
9. Avoid arguments about The End.
   If you have a strong opinion about a particular end of world scenario, share it respectfully, or don't share it at all.
   
10. Have a sense of humor.
    No, the earth ending or mass human extinction is not funny.
    However, if you don't take yourself too seriously, it's possible to bring a light approach to a heavy subject without disrespecting the earth or mankind.