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Feeling a bit “meh?” -

That emotion has a name: it’s called "languishing." Here’s what you need to know about the pandemic blues.

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Pandemic side effect -

It’s been a while since we began living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives have changed substantially, and the way we feel has changed too.

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Origins -

The word languishing comes from the Latin "languere," which means to feel faint or weak.

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Origins -

The word was first used by the sociologist Corey Keyes. It was used to describe a mix of feelings of monotony, stagnation, and emptiness.

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What is languish? -

"It feels as if you're muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield. And it might be the dominant emotion of 2021," shares psychologist Adam Grant.

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What is languish? -

According to Grant, when we languish we're not functioning at full capacity. Our motivation gets dulled and our ability to focus decreases.

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Changes -

Psychiatrist and author Gayani DeSilva explains how the changes the pandemic brought to our lives contribute to this feeling. “Like all major changes, it's taken a great deal of adjustment—which can be stressful, even if there have been positive aspects.”

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Decisions -

DeSilva further explains how decision making is affected by the pandemic due to ambivalence. “Languishing can be thought of as the physical and conscious manifestation of being unconsciously or subconsciously ambivalent."

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Decisions -

The many aspects that leave us confused, and that make it harder for us to make decisions, include things such as the virus itself, travel and other restrictions, the use of masks, and the vaccine.

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Languishing is not depression -

Languishing sits somewhere in the middle of our mental well-being spectrum, between depression and flourishing.

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Languishing is also not anxiety -

Levels of anxiety and depression have spiked during the pandemic, but languishing is neither. According to DeSilva, languishing is not a mental illness, as it doesn't have the intensity or duration of the symptoms of either depression or anxiety.

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An example -

“It's like wanting to get dressed up for a night on the town, but choosing to wear comfy pants and go to your usual diner for dinner instead,” illustrates DeSilva.

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Does everyone suffer from it? -

In short, no. Some people are more prone to languish than others. Those with greater adaptability and resistance to stress are less likely to suffer from it.

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Who’s more likely to suffer from it? -

Those with a history of anxiety or depression are more susceptible to it, but even people who have never experienced any psychiatric conditions might languish.

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Who’s more likely to suffer from it? -

Extroverts are more likely to develop these pandemic blues. "Extroverts are people who get energized by being with people," psychologist Sheila Forman explains. So being at home is likely to have a greater impact.

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Who’s more likely to suffer from it? -

So this is good news for all the introverts out there. People with more introverted personalities might struggle less with staying at home.

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I’m languishing. Now what? -

There are some basic pillars of well-being that you should take into account in order to counter the effects of languishing.

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Pillars -

One of the basic pillars include eating a healthy and balanced diet.

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Pillars -

Good sleep hygiene, exercising, and staying in touch with your friends and family (even if virtually) can help.

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Pillars -

Journaling can also be beneficial, according to psychiatrist Leela R. Magavi.

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Journaling -

"I recommend that my patients list things they are thankful for physically, emotionally, and spiritually every morning and evening, especially when they're lonely or sad," says Magavi.

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Other ways to combat languishing -

Any other creative endeavor or art form will help you deal with this emotion. Playing an instrument, drawing, painting, sculpting–anything goes!

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Netflix binge -

And don’t discard a good movie or show binge. This can help you get out of your own head, feel a different range of emotions, and simply be entertained.

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Focus on small goals -

Make plans for a trip or something you want to do in the future. Having something to look forward to can help boost your motivation.

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Accept it -

It’s okay if you’re languishing: many of us are, and many of us will be at some point. Rejecting and negating your emotions might do more harm than good.

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Accept it -

The problem is that sometimes you’re numb about it and are indifferent about being indifferent. But being aware allows you to help other people who are languishing.

Sources: (New York Times) (Health) 

See also: Everyday things you didn’t realize are harming your mental health

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