In a recent New York Times article, Adam Grant hit the nail on the head as to the feeling so many of us have been experiencing lately. We’re not flourishing – not even close – but we may not be depressed. Many of us are floating somewhere in the middle – we’re languishing. Grant describes languishing as, “…a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.”
Sound familiar?
Putting a name to this unfamiliar feeling is the first step to taking back control over our wellness. But how else can we start forging a path out of the murky waters of languishing?
I have some ideas:
Carve out time for yourself. Part of the reason that the last year has been so taxing on our health and wellness is because a lot of our boundaries have been blurred. We’ve been working, learning, and playing with the same people in the same space, which doesn’t leave a lot of space for personal wellness. In order to get back on track, we have to put ourselves on our own to-do list. I recommend literally putting time on your calendar for yourself the same way you would any other meeting or obligation.
Try something new. Getting out on a new adventure helps to break up the monotony and boredom that can drive those languishing feelings. What new-to-you adventure can you try out? Maybe it’s something as simple as trying a new trail or a new activity.
Get away. Taking a break and getting away are restorative acts of wellness. You don’t have to go on a big expedition, you can get away in your own backyard or head out on a local adventure.
Get back in flow. Last month, I shared a tip for figuring out your own personal wellness elements. If you remember, mine revolve around curiosity, community, and adventure. Leaning into your own personal elements will help you to achieve flow – those times when you’re able to immerse yourself in something that helps you feel whole, full, and good.
Personally, camping has been my perfect antidote for languishing. Heading out on a quick camping trip with family and friends allows for uninterrupted time to get back in flow with myself. Now that the weather is warming up, we keep our camping gear ready to go so that it’s easy to get away for a night or two. Camping has been an amazing wellness escape for my family because we were able to ease into it as an entry level adventure and continue to build on it each time we went go out.
Can you relate to the feeling of languishing? What has helped you to move past it?
Meet The team
NAILAH BLADES
Eddie Bauer One Outside Guide
A marketing consultant and leadership coach, Nailah never thought of herself as an outdoorsy person. But when she found herself dealing with the stresses of building a new business, being a new mother, and living in a new state away from all her family and friends, she and her husband started exploring local trails. It was an epiphany. The outdoors helped her slow down, listen to her heart, and reconnect with her passion.
