Many of us feel like we're in a perpetual holding pattern right now. The aircraft is high on fuel, but we're not allowed to land and must continue to circle. There's a sense that we're not getting where we really want to go.
Sociologists use the term languishing to refer to this psychological state, which The New York Times recently dubbed "the emotional long-haul" of the COVID pandemic. It occupies that airspace between depression and flourishing, and commonly manifests in trouble focusing and low motivation, and feelings that life has little purpose or joy.
Here, University of New England Associate Professor of Psychology and would-be traffic controller John Malouff helps to bring us back to earth.
Touching down on hope
"There are many individuals in Australia languishing right now," says Assoc. Professor Malouff. "And it occurs on different levels - there are even whole countries languishing, like North Korea, Myanmar and Syria. These countries are not succeeding; they're not going anywhere.
"On a personal level, the pandemic has made worse the practical and psychological struggles of many people; they've lost their job, opportunities or business, they are disconnected socially, and are barely getting by. The future is unknown, and that's where the anxiety and angst comes from. Every day and week we are confronted with something new.
The future is unknown, and that's where the anxiety and angst comes from. Every day and week we are confronted with something new.
"People are questioning the future for themselves and others. They are blocked from achieving things that are meaningful to them, whether that's entertainment or connecting with other people or travelling, starting a new business, getting married or having children. All of those things seem pretty risky. The languishing mindset can lead people to be paralysed in many spheres of life.
"This is because clear, meaningful goals drive us forward, they give us hope and energy and a positive mood, too. They provide a sense that we are making progress. If those goals and hopes are dashed, it can produce a whole host of negative emotions."
So how do you land the plane?
Assoc. Professor Malouff has some practical tips for addressing languishing.
- Give yourself some credit for what you are achieving. "Often we under-rate our contributions to our family, workplace or community," he says. "Acknowledge the positive impact you are already having."
- Find something meaningful to you, consistent with your values, to pursue - and set about achieving it. It could be learning a new language or helping others in a voluntary capacity.
- Try to make small but gradual changes to your life, and appreciate the smallest of wins.
- If that doesn't work, then try something different, to sharpen your focus and get you enthusiastic. Keep setting manageable goals. They will give you hope.
"There is a struggle going on all over the world right now," Assoc. Professor Malouff says. "But remember to appreciate what you have - whether that's good health, a loving family or a job. Having gratitude and looking at the positive side of life is helpful. We all need to work hard to make life good for ourselves."
