Are You Languishing?
In the aftermath of a national pandemic and waves of racial reckoning, many may be experiencing an overwhelming sense of restlessness or discontent. They feel "stuck" and have difficulty mustering motivation or engagement in activities that used to be meaningful. While there may be no specific issue immediately identifiable, a sense of life dissatisfaction may permeate their everyday activities. This feeling is known as "languishing."
Languishing is a state of mind in which a person feels unfulfilled, unproductive, and dissatisfied. It’s not dissimilar to the concept of limbo, where enthusiasm and drive to engage fully in life is missing. Languishing as a concept was first labeled by psychologist Corey Keyes in 2002, who described it as "the absence of well-being." To boil it down as simply as possible: if you’re not actively growing in your work, relationships, or personal goals, you may be languishing. It’s important to note that this isn’t the same as depression or burnout. People who are languishing can still function and fulfill their responsibilities, but they lack the vitality and sense of purpose that are typically associated with well-being. And it’s a more common experience than you may think.
In a recent study, the American Psychological Association found that as many as 61% of adults in the United States are experiencing symptoms of languishing. The aforementioned stressful events have undoubtedly contributed to this as people have been struggling to adjust to a “new normal” along with experiences of isolation, grief, prejudice, and economic uncertainty.
Research shows that languishing can have adverse effects on one's health and well-being, with an increased risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also contribute to physical health problems, such as a weakened immune system, heart disease, and premature cognitive decline. So what can we do to combat these experiences? Well, there are a few things you can try implementing into your lifestyle:
Focus on Meaningful Activities - Having activities that align with your passions and interests can help combat feelings of languishing. Whether they are mastery skills, new initiatives or simply just for fun, recreational endeavors are essential for “play”. Find the things you enjoy and provide a sense of purpose and be sure to make time for them regularly.
Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness empowers you to stay present and focused on the moment rather than dwelling on negative thoughts and emotions. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety and invite positivity and thoughtfulness into your everyday experience.
Cultivate Positive Relationships - Not only are interpersonal relationships essential for our well-being, there’s the idea that in order to flourish, we need to pursue causes and connections bigger than ourselves. Interacting with friends, family, and loved ones regularly can be the fulfilling experience we need to reorient our day to day choices. Joining clubs or groups that share your interests is an excellent way to build new relationships and connect with others as well.
Get Adequate Sleep and Exercise - No surprise here. Routine exercise and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day and 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Seek Professional Help - If you're struggling with languishing or other mental health problems, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A trained therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome these challenges and address experiences of dissatisfaction in your life.
Languishing is a common experience that can have adverse effects on one's health and well-being. However, by engaging in meaningful activities, practicing mindfulness, cultivating positive relationships, getting adequate sleep and exercise, and seeking professional help when needed, we can work to combat languishing and imbue our life with steadfast meaning and purpose. And always remember: everyone struggles from time to time, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.