I’m Feeling Languid Right Now — And You Might Be Too

pregnant woman throwing toddler in the air sitting by a tree

For the past several months, I’ve found it challenging to answer the simple question, “How are you?” Should I admit that I’m overwhelmed by pandemic fatigue and the weight of every decision, or should I express gratitude for my family’s safety and my job stability? Or perhaps I should be honest and say that most days I feel a confusing mix of loneliness, frustration, gratitude, fear, and exhaustion, along with a hefty dose of uncertainty about my path in life? It seems that people generally prefer a simpler response, so I often just sigh and say, “I’m fine… I guess.”

But deep down, I know that’s not true — and I suspect you do too. Just because we’re not in crisis mode and can recognize the good things in our lives doesn’t mean we’re thriving.

In truth, I’ve been feeling a lot like Eeyore lately. I don’t feel terrible, but I certainly don’t feel good either. I’m not as stressed as I was six months ago, when headaches and jaw tension were my constant companions, but I still feel… off.

I’ve been unproductive, unmotivated, and lethargic. I find myself sighing often, and my reaction to most things is, “Who cares?” It feels like I’m stuck in a fog.

Until recently, I thought I was the only one experiencing this. But then I came across Adam Grant’s viral article in the New York Times titled “There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing.” This article resonated with many because it captures a shared feeling.

Grant describes languishing as “a sense of stagnation and emptiness.” It’s that feeling of going through life with a foggy view, and it might just be the predominant emotion of 2021.

While some people are genuinely struggling and others are thriving, many of us find ourselves languishing. We’re not clinically depressed, yet we’re not truly happy either; we’re simply… blah.

Languishing manifests as a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and dwindling productivity. It’s the sighs, the indifference, and the emotional confusion.

There are glimmers of hope out there, like the widespread availability of vaccines, with most people I know having received at least one dose. Even health officials have noted a promising decline in daily cases. However, after 15 months of negative news, anything that isn’t anxiety feels strange. Planning something enjoyable, such as a family vacation or a BBQ, feels risky, as if I’m setting myself up for disappointment if it doesn’t happen.

What Can We Do About This Feeling of Languishing?

The first step is to acknowledge it. Instead of defaulting to “fine” or “good,” let’s be honest about how we feel when asked. This honesty could counteract the toxic positivity that often surrounds us.

Grant also recommends finding small moments of “flow” in our daily routines—activities that allow us to feel absorbed in something meaningful. Whether it’s decluttering a space, solving a puzzle, or nurturing a garden, these activities can help.

Recognizing our pain, both individually and collectively, is crucial. As Grant wisely points out, just because we’re “not depressed” doesn’t mean we aren’t struggling.

I’ll admit, I’m having a tough time. Each day is still a bit of a slog, but knowing there’s a term for it—languishing—and that others share this experience makes it feel more manageable. Perhaps it brings you a sense of relief too.

If you want to learn more about home insemination, check out one of our other blog posts here. Additionally, for those interested in fertility, Make A Mom provides valuable insights. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit NHS.

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In summary, many of us may find ourselves feeling languid and unmotivated, navigating a mix of emotions in this unusual time. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and find small moments of joy and purpose in our daily lives.

Keyphrase: Languishing emotions during pandemic

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