Recently on Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project, Michelle and I chatted about a new feeling I am experiencing. More on that feeling below, be sure to tune into the episode for even more on this topic.
Every morning around 6:15 am my eyes open to a new day filled with endless possibilities. I hit snooze a few times, but at some point, sooner rather than later, I am out of bed ready to take on the world.
My morning ritual consists of my espresso, meditation, reading, pulling a tarot card, and going over my list for the day. Checking items off of my to-do list, taking steps closer to my goals, and maintaining balance makes me feel empowered.
That is, until recently.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been waking up past 7am and just lay in bed. My eyes open, but I’m lacking the motivation that I often take pride in. I’m lacking that eagerness to accomplish my goals. The worst part is, I don’t feel very empowered at the moment.
I’m not depressed. I’ve been there before, that’s not what this is. Another thing I’m not at the moment is thriving.
I feel blah.
Blah is hard to put into words and thanks to my best friend, Deanna, I now know there is actually a word for how I’m feeling…
Languishing
Sociologist, Corey Keyes, coined this term while researching the state of well-being for individuals who are feeling a bit less than at the moment. He referred to it as, “the neglected middle child of mental health.”
If I could put this into words I’d say that rain or shine, it feels a bit like a little rain cloud is hovering over me. Not a dark, gray one with thunder and lightning…more so overcast with a chance of rain.
It’s a mood.
I am definitely not alone in this. In fact, a recent poll on our Instagram showed that 95% of our community (those that participated in our poll) also feel the same way. That’s a lot of languishing.
These feelings of languish are temporary and I know they’re also brought on by the current circumstances we’ve been in for the past year. Life is weird right now.
It’s taken me a few weeks to get to this place of acknowledging that something is not necessarily wrong per se, but something ain’t right either. It’s not 24/7, but it’s enough that I am interested in finding ways to combat this languishing moment in my life.
Eager to move through this bout of languishing I am implementing some ideas to help me move forward and into better mental weather. Here’s what I’m up to.
Setting boundaries.
Less time spent on my phone is a big one, however, my job is to create content. Knowing this, I need to implement time blocking and set social media timers on my device as not to spend too much time mindlessly scrolling.
I have been reading a ton which helps me steer clear from my phone when at times I’d grab it for a scroll.
Creating Smaller Goals
To accomplish my big goals, I’ve got to tackle the little ones first. Creating a stronger game plan to get the smaller ones done will lead me to my bigger ones as well as have me feeling much less overwhelmed.
Stick to my healthy habits.
Keeping up with healthy habits helps. I may be lacking in some areas, but in my healthy habits department, I’m doing well. This, I am grateful for. Taking my daily polar plunge in the shower, getting outside, teaching yoga, daily CBD and supplements, and reading books have helped me stay on track.
Acknowledge and be proud of any and all accomplishments.
Focusing on what’s not getting done may not be the right thing to do at the moment so I’m acknowledging what I am doing. Which, even though I’m languishing, is a lot. I’m actually getting tons done. I may not be overachieving at this moment but there’s definitely plenty for me to be proud of.
It’s ok to not be the most productive human on the planet.
Languishing or not, I think this one is really important. We are wired to see life as a hamster wheel. Getting a little dolce far niente on is good for the mind, body, and soul.
It’s ok to be feeling just “ok”.
I spent a couple weeks wondering what the hell was going on with me. Finally, this week, I am sitting in the comfort of knowing that it’s absolutely ok to not be feeling 100% ok. I’m giving myself some space to let this do its thing while at the same time taking good care of myself and being easy on me.
If you’re languishing, you’re not alone. Take good care of yourself, this too shall pass.
For more on languishing and perhaps a few laughs, please tune into Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project, Episode 65.
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