Feeling kind of aimless and blah these days? You’re not alone. The New York Times recently published an article on the phenomenon of “languishing.” Though we may be feeling less anxious than when the pandemic began, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re functioning at our best. Languishing can manifest as lack of motivation, feeling zoned out, having trouble finishing tasks, or getting too little or too much sleep.
So how do you address this feeling? Start small with these simple practices:
Be present with your feelings.
If you’re feeling burnt out or exhausted, it’s important to acknowledge and name what you’re experiencing. Instead of trying to muscle through the tiredness, try to be gentle with yourself and accept that it’s ok not to feel 100% after all the challenges of the past year. Think of how you would encourage a friend who was experiencing your same feelings - what would you tell him or her?
Ask yourself, what does real rest look like for you? Then schedule in time for it.
What are ways that you experience renewal? That could be anything from taking a nap, doing a short guided meditation, reading quietly, walking in a park, or calling a friend. It depends on what your unique body and soul needs! While it may seem counterintuitive to schedule rest, it can actually help to make sure it happens. Try scheduling a 15-minute power nap in between calls or a brief walk in the morning. Try to think of rest less as a luxury and more as a necessity to help you function your best.
Also, learn to check in with yourself on how you feel during your leisure time. Is scrolling on your phone and simultaneously watching a show restful or is it contributing to the zoned out feeling you’re experiencing?
“Try to think of rest less as a luxury and more as a necessity to help you function your best.”
Try something new
Part of our feelings of listlessness may be due to the “Groundhog Day” feeling of the past year, with every day similar to the last. Experiencing something new, even if it’s just in your same city, can activate dopamine pathways in your brain, increase the brain’s potential for learning new things, and actually help improve memory function. Try mixing things up: drive to a new part of town to walk your dog. Stop by a coffee shop you haven’t tried to work for the afternoon. Introduce yourself to someone new after religious services. These small changes can activate those novelty-seeking parts of your brain in a healthy way.
Start small
Big projects can feel overwhelming, and even more so when you’re unmotivated. If you have work or school tasks hanging over your head that you just can’t muster up the energy to complete, try starting small. Block out an hour to work without interruptions, then take a break. If you find your mind spinning with what needs to get done, try doing a brain dump and writing it all down on a piece of paper. This can help to calm the feeling of chaos and provide direction.
If you feel like you’re languishing, remember that there is hope. No feeling lasts forever, and there are resources (like a counselor, friends, and family members) you can access if you’re feeling stuck.
Liz Downey
