It’s that time of the year where nothing seems to be going right and nothing is making sense. In times like these, it’s difficult to not feel overwhelmed. A lot of people use terms like ‘ I’m feeling depressed, ‘ I’m anxious’ , ‘I don’t feel like eating’, ‘I feel blah’ etc.
The term for feeling blah is ‘languishing’, this term has been doing the rounds on the internet lately. ‘Languishing encompasses distressing feelings of stagnation, monotony, and emptiness”, says Dr. Leela R Magavi.
According to New York Times ”languishing is the void between depression and flourishing – the absence of well-being”. The work-from-home culture is troublesome for a few with no boundaries of time and some, it’s no work at all.
Relationships are going for a toss, whether it’s familial, Platonic, or romantic. From relationships to work, one can feel stuck and monotonous, leaving us jittery and constantly wired. No matter what the individual is doing, it lacks flow.
To deal with such nerve-racking times, one should know what works for them. Learn what your mind and body are telling you in times of distress. It’s key to pay attention to mind and body. No one way works for everybody, there is no quick fix to problems and no magic wand which can fix any problem immediately.
This is a good time to learn about yourself, to know how you think and behave when you are anxious or stressed.
Make a few rituals/activities which help you in calming yourself down. Write down 5 activities that you would like to do when you are overwhelmed or distressed. It could be something as small as having a cup of tea/coffee.
Sometimes, going for a run or a walk helps, and sometimes reading your favourite book does the trick too. One can choose what works for them, meditation and exercise don’t need to work for every individual. For some, it could just be listening to music.
It’s prime to know when to take a break from that vicious cycle of overthinking or overworking. Always remember that one cannot pour from an empty cup. Restricting oneself from getting consumed by social media or news channels can equally bring about a change. Sticking to a routine in these unpredictable times can make a difference – which includes three meals a day on time and having a proper sleep cycle. Setting small goals and achieving those can make you feel better, try to decipher your day’s capacity, and work accordingly.
Also, remaining socially polite and saving each other in the family from being high on criticality, correction, blaming, and chasing perfections are primary causes of conflict and aggression under current times.
These tiny changes can take you a long way
-Written by Anandana Trivedi
anandana.t10@gmail.com
Author’s bio:
Anandana is a Counselling Psychologist. She conducts various therapies on individuals suffering from anxiety and depression, having interpersonal relationships, adolescence etc.
She may be contacted at anandana.t10@gmail.com
