FIND YOUR FLOURISH

Break free from the languishing cycle and regain your purpose

✢ NAME YOUR FEELINGS

‘The most important factor in managing languishing is to recognise and name this experience. Once you are aware of languishing, you can take steps to do something about it,’ says Brendan.

✢ FIND YOUR FLOW

‘One of the ways of acknowledging and breaking the cycles languishing creates is a concept called flow,’ says Gosia. This is often referred to as ‘being in the zone’ – when you become so engrossed in a meaningful activity that you lose track of time and all sense of self disappears. The best way of finding your flow is doing an activity you enjoy – whether that’s baking, gardening, painting, hiking or playing music.

‘In order to move from the stagnant state of languishing, you need to take meaningful action which will get you “unstuck” and back into a state of flow,’ adds Gosia.

✢ CREATE STRUCTURE

If the days feel as if they’re merging into one, giving yourself structure can be transformational, says Marianne. ‘You may find it helpful to use time blocking. Allocate yourself small increments of time to get things done and get them ticked off your list,’ she says. This can be implemented for anything – whether it’s completing jobs around the house, scheduling time for coffee with a friend or going for a walk.

It can help to protect these blocks of time – meaning no scrolling social media, watching TV or checking your emails. Ease yourself in with blocks of 20 minutes – there doesn’t need to be any maximum limit, but having a shorter time frame in mind can reduce feelings of overwhelm that may stop you from getting started.

✢ BECOME MINDFUL, NOT MINDLESS

Mindfulness is not having a completely blank mind or reaching some blissful or ‘zen’ state. ‘Mindfulness makes us more aware of the streams of thoughts and feelings that we experience, and rather than just accept them, notice how we can untangle ourselves from past unhelpful patterns,’ says Gosia. In times of uncertainty and stress, this is a really helpful skill.

Want to give it a go? Practise giving your full attention to the things that you are doing or experiencing. ’Notice what is happening in your thoughts, emotions and body,’ says Gosia. ‘When your mind starts to wander (which it will), notice what happened to your attention and gently bring it back. Like any skill, it needs practise to develop. Start off with short mindful moments and build your practice gradually.’

✢ STAY CONNECTED

When you’re feeling low and unmotivated, it can be very easy to isolate yourself but it’s during these times that our relationships are the most important. Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel positive and energised, can help you to thrive. If you’ve ever considered joining a community group around shared interests, or even volunteering for a local charity, now is the time to do it.

‘Working together with a shared sense of purpose can help you out of the sense of aimlessness associated with languishing,’ says Gosia. ‘Network, share resources and look out for each other. Knowing you have each other’s backs can be a huge comfort during difficult times.’