Thanks to an article by Adam Grant, an organisational psychologist from the US, we finally have a name for this pandemic-induced feeling of continuous defeat – “languishing”. The concept went viral after it was first published in the New York Times, resonating with millions around the world.
It wasn’t burnout – we still had energy. It wasn’t depression – we didn’t feel hopeless. We just felt somewhat joyless and aimless. It turns out there’s a name for that: languishing." NYTIMES
He described languishing as the “neglected middle child of mental health”, somewhere between depression and its opposite, flourishing. “Languishing,” he wrote, “is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.” NYTIMES
and no wonder – but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Though we can’t control events, we can choose our reactions to them. In other words, what counts in life is not so much what happens to you, as your response to it.
So, how can we shake off negativity and listlessness? We do that by observing our minds and choosing our behaviour. Here are just five positive steps almost guaranteed to shift you out of languishing and towards a state of flourishing.
Researching and planning a getaway can be almost as exciting as an actual holiday! Start writing those bucket lists and creating those Pinterest boards. Find an idyllic private island with overwater bungalows and crystal clear lagoons – and maybe even make a booking for next year. Bawah Reserve’s bookings for 2022/2023 show that many people are doing just that while taking advantage of relaxed cancellation policies.
Mens sana in corpore sana – a healthy mind in a healthy body. One definition of languish is “to lose strength and become weak” – and here’s where optimal nutrition is a crucial requirement. Many
of us have a tendency to neglect our diet when we are feeling low. We overeat; we undereat;
we make bad food choices. Choose versatile foods that instantaneously increase vitality and strength: rolled oats, lentils, bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and oranges are a good shortlist to get going with.
Or how about getting all 6 into one meal with this Red curry with lentils, sweet potato and spinach served with a delicious healthy smoothie.
Never underestimate the importance of sleep. Along with nutrition and movement, it’s one of the three crucial pillars supporting health – physical, mental, and emotional. It’s not just about how long you spend in bed; sleep quality counts too. So if you are struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, here are some top tips for a better night’s rest.
Wellbeing is “the experience of health, happiness, and prosperity. It includes having good mental health, high life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning or purpose”. Psychology Today. Every single human is different, and there is no magic formula to achieving total wellbeing. The real key is understanding what works for you and how little changes can create the balance you need.
Going outside during the day, even just for a short walk, can do you a big favour. Before noon is best – retinal photoreceptors need morning light to set and maintain our circadian rhythm, in turn ensuring a good night’s sleep at the end of the day. It's not only the outdoor light but also the fresh air and the sensory experiences out there that can help to boost mood – and after all, some things are actually just better al fresco.
Languishing or flourishing? It’s up to you!