Pandemic making you feel empty? It's called ‘languishing’ and here's what to do

If you’ve been feeling not great but also not greatly despondent, just somewhere in the middle lately, you’re not alone! This feeling of emptiness that is hard to describe and even harder to shake off could be an unexpected by-product of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts say. 

Even if you’ve never been infected by the coronavirus or suffered from a major period of grief during the pandemic so far, the feeling can still creep up on you. The official term for it is “languishing”, according to a Wharton professor. Writing in the New York Times, the professor described ‘languishing’ as a ‘sense of stagnation and emptiness.’  

It is believed that the endless anxieties associated with the pandemic, complete disruption of real-time social connections as well as a near-blurred sameness of each day are all to blame. 

Interestingly, the term languishing was coined in 2002 by psychologist Corey Keyes who defined it as ‘people who are not mentally ill but are not flourishing.’ In a 2002 paper, he wrote that languishing may be understood as a life of quiet despair that parallels accounts of people who describe themselves and life as “hollow,” “empty,” “a shell,” and “void.”  

Thanks to Covid-19, this ‘blah’ feeling is just our life now. So, what can we do? 

The NYT article suggests that trying to accomplish small but achievable projects may help. Go for things that engage your mind and take away your attention from the crisis. This could mean solving a puzzle or even watching a TV show with a riveting storyline.  

Experts also recommend journaling your thoughts and feelings. You could write a gratitude letter or just make a list of things you feel grateful about.  

If writing isn’t your jam, painting, drawing or really any creative outlet that you enjoy will do the trick just as well.

Disclaimer: editorji does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this story are for informational purposes only. No material in this video is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have related to Covid-19.