April 22, 2021
languishing
The new buzzword is “languishing”. Several articles in the New York Times and elsewhere are writing about it. It can mean the blah, unmotivated feeling we are all having. Not quite depression but definitely not feeling joy. Languishing can also mean being stuck in an unpleasant place or situation. Sound familiar? That is what I am feeling.
Or maybe I am burned out. Many health care professionals are after the last year The pressures to be productive while managing an inbox full of messages is daunting.
Or maybe I am just tired. It has been a long year with lots going on. Sleep has not been the best for many. Probably, we all are tired and should be patient with ourselves and each other.
At times I fear that I have forgotten how to play and have fun. I know I am not the only one. My serious, worrying nature takes control. Until I see a friend, even masked, or talk with neighbors out walking. Dogs will brighten my day, as do the cats in the neighborhood that run to greet us on our walks. Cherry blossoms bring joy. Then my energy picks up, I laugh more easily, and the fatigue retreats and the feeling of vitality returns.
We are all in various states of emotion and they will evolve as the pandemic fades away. We are all also not quite sure what the new normal will look like. Patience with ourselves and each other through these transitions will help our recovery.
And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organization I work for. Thanks for reading.
Wash your hands, cover your nose, keep safe six, and walk outside
https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/languish
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/04/22/health-workers-covid-quit/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/22/everyone-is-tired-we-need-give-ourselves-an-actual-break/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/19/ive-lost-whole-notion-fun/
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/introverts-are-dreading-a-return-to-the-noise-crowds-and-small-talk-of-normal-life/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/16/well/mind/jennifer-ashton-new-normal-building-resilience.html