What is languishing?
It’s not a common term we use in our day to day language. However, it IS something we feel often. Think of languishing as the middle ground between depressed and feeling hopeless – and – flourishing and feeling a sense of purpose.
It’s that feeling of coasting, or getting by in life.
According to Corey Keyes, a sociologist who coined the term ‘languishing’, and explains it as, “Languishing is an emotion (or combination of emotions)that we feel when we are experiencing emptiness or a lack of energy and focus. It puts us in a state where we are not necessarily in a fight-or-flight survival mode, but we are also not thriving.”
Since the start of the pandemic, languishing has risen, especially in young people who are feeling restless, bored, and dissatisfied with their current state of being. It’s a concern in the mental health world, as we enter year three of isolation, grief, and worry.
Corey Keyes: “A state in which an individual is devoid of positive emotion toward life, and is not functioning well either psychologically or socially and has not been depressed during the past year.”
These emotions and states of mind can be indicators that an individual is in a state of languishing.
You may be able to recognize these signs within yourself or your loved ones:
- Lack of Motivation
- Feeling unfocused
- Low enthusiasm
- Feeling empty
- Dullness
- Not engaged at work or school
- Working to avoid negativity instead of achieving positivity
Although languishing is not depression, it does increase the risk of depressive episodes by 6x.
So, if you’re surviving, but not thriving, try some of these simple ways to cope with ‘getting by’ or ‘coasting’ so you’re more likely to flourish in 2022.
Mindfulness – Be more mindful by taking daily walks, practicing yoga, and mediatiting. Mindfulness allows us to be more present and not focus on the past or future.
Flow – Find your state of flow by picking up an activity or hobby that immerses you in the moment.
Connection – Connect with others and build your social support system with friends, family, and colleagues.
Small, daily achievements – Achieve small tasks like washing your car or donating clothes to feel a sense of satisfaction.
Savoring our experiences – Appreciate and savor moments in your daily routine that help you feel purpose.
Changing your environment – Take a road trip or visit a friend to change your environment for the day.
Do good for others – Send a card to someone who you miss or perform an act of kindness for someone you don’t know.
Source: 7 Signs of Languishing, and How Young Adults Can Move Toward Flourishing