How to Move Beyond Languishing & Get Inspired Again

Have you been feeling like your creative process has stalled and the well is running dry? If you have found yourself feeling uninspired and unmotivated, know that you are not alone. Psychologists and therapists have been seeing a surge of clients experiencing this grey area of malaise. This phenomenon was discussed by organizational psychologist Adam Grant on TEDx and elsewhere in 2020 and 2021. Feeling stuck can happen to anyone, even when we’re doing what we love. When you add on isolation, a long-term and indefinite change in daily routines, and a potential loss of connection to your social network, the issue is exacerbated. Whether it’s an emotional or creative block, there are ways to move beyond languishing for better mental health and get inspired again. Let’s explore some of those ways together! 

Honor Progress, Not Perfection

Grant clearly distinguishes the psychology of languishing from burnout and depression: one neither feels drained nor hopeless. It’s the sensation of indifference rather that makes you feel and maybe even say, “meh.”

One way to address languishing mental health & treatment is to shift your focus from perfectionism to progress. When we’re focused on perfecting our work, we can get stuck for a long time because it becomes an obstacle to the creative process, rather than a motivator. Remember to take comfort in small victories and embrace change. Progress is not always about doing big things. 

Make Time for Yourself

Taking a break occasionally may help reset how you generally feel and offer a fresh perspective. This can help reduce feelings of stagnation with languishing mental health and renew interest in what you once enjoyed. Consider creating new morning routines for recommitting to you before you dive into work or other obligations. Get back to something you like doing that encourages mindfulness such as yoga, gardening, art, or reading, pending time outdoors in nature. Those little bursts of joy within when you give your full, undivided attention that makes you lose track of time? They all add up to your wellbeing.

Build New Connections

One pattern we’re seeing in the psychology of languishing is the growing sense of disconnection some individuals are experiencing. One antidote to this feeling is to reframe it: you can make a conscious choice to reach out to connect with others beyond your remote co-workers, or consider arranging a meetup with them to help give back to local communities.  Feeling like you’re making a difference in the world is important, and one way to disrupt the patterns of languishing is to connect with people. 

Reach out for community work in your neighborhood or volunteer in a nonprofit that focuses on what you’re passionate about: animal welfare, social inclusion, technology innovation and many more. When we build connections, it’s easier for us to remember that our lives are interconnected in some way which is crucial for languishing treatment. 

Clear Your Outer Space to Clear Your Inner Space

Start by getting rid of clutter to eliminate any negative or stagnant energy.  Once you have created some space, consider adding plants to your environment. Not only do they purify the air, but studies show that simply being around greenery can boost creativity and productivity.

Know that You’re Not Alone

We all have off days where we’re feeling less motivated or inspired because of the sustained dread or sense of grief brought by the pandemic. No one is immune to the occasional bout of languishing mental health and we don’t need to feel ashamed about its psychology or seeking treatment options for languishing.

Finding ways to move beyond languishing mental health and get inspired again can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. We all have moments in our lives when we feel stuck or stagnant. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step back and get perspective on where you are now so that you can move forward with renewed energy and passion for the work ahead of you. Our team at Miami Hypnosis and Therapy led by Anna Marchenko, LMHC, M.A., Ed.M. with a Master’s Degree from Columbia is here to help! We offer therapy services  with an integrative approach designed specifically for helping you rediscover your best self. Book a phone consultation today and get started.