Psychologist and writer Adam Grant used every second of his day to the fullest... until he was struck by feelings of emptiness and stagnation. His sleep patterns changed, his productivity dipped, he found himself breaking his own rules by aimlessly watching Netflix. Adam decided this listless middle ground between depression and flourishing was "languishing" and he needed to escape it fast.
The author of the #1 NYT bestselling book Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know (www.adamgrant.net/thinkagain), and host of TED's Work Life podcast (https://tedtalks.social/WLAdam) says we ignore this "meh" feeling at our peril and explains how he fought back against languishing...with a game of Mario Kart.
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02/14/22 • 41 min
13 Listeners
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos - Fighting that "Meh" Feeling of Languishing
Transcript Summary
In this episode, titled "Fighting that 'Meh' Feeling of Languishing," the concept of languishing, a state of listlessness and emptiness, is explored. The episode discusses how languishing, despite not being classified as a mental illness, can negatively impact personal happiness and productivity. It highlights the importance of activities that bring flow and mastery, as well as mindfulness and mattering, in combatting languishing. The speaker emphasizes the need to carve out meaningful blocks of time for deep work or deep fun, and acknowledges the power of naming and understanding emotions like languishing. The episode also touches on the limitations of toxic positivity and offers suggestions for overcoming languishing. Overall, this episode provides insightful perspectives on a commonly overlooked emotional state and offers practical strategies for addressing it.
Transcript
Pushkin. Many of the difficult feelings we've talked about over the course of this season of the Happiness Lab are at the extreme edges of our emotional spectrum. So far, we've mostly focused on emotions that feel powerful and profound, think the raging fires of anger and the deep sorrow that comes with grief. But today I want to address an equally problematic feeling that's kind of in the middle. It's an emotional state we don't usually talk abo
Fighting that "Meh" Feeling of Languishing Top Questions Answered
What is languishing and how is it different from depression or burnout?
Languishing is a middle-ground emotional state characterized by emptiness, stagnation, and joylessness. It is not the same as depression or burnout, although it can contribute to future mental health problems.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the prevalence of languishing?
The disruptions to routines and increased feelings of listlessness during the pandemic have made the experience of languishing more prevalent.
What are the consequences of languishing for productivity and mental health?
People who are languishing are more likely to cut back on work, become distracted, and have trouble focusing, which can have negative consequences for productivity and future mental health.
How can labeling the emotional state of languishing be beneficial?
Giving a term like languishing helps individuals understand their emotions, recognize it as a familiar experience, and make choices to navigate it.
What is the concept of "time confetti" and how does it relate to languishing?
"Time confetti" refers to the fragmentation of time caused by constant distractions like checking emails and phone notifications. It can contribute to feelings of languishing, and carving out meaningful blocks of uninterrupted time can help combat this.
How can engaging in flow activities help combat languishing?
Engaging in activities that bring flow, a state of total absorption and focus, can help combat languishing. Flow activities should have elements of mastery, mindfulness, and mattering.
What role does mattering play in combating languishing?
Mattering, or feeling that one makes a difference and is relied upon by others, contributes to a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which can help combat languishing.
How does toxic positivity make it difficult to address emotions like languishing?
Toxic positivity, the pressure to be optimistic and upbeat even when facing challenges, can make it difficult to acknowledge and address emotions like languishing.
How can small acts of kindness impact mood and well-being when dealing with languishing?
Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on mood and well-being, even in a short time frame, when dealing with languishing.
How can mindfulness and minimizing distractions enhance flow experiences and combat languishing?
Blocking out time to concentrate on one activity, practicing mindfulness by being fully present, and minimizing distractions can enhance flow experiences and combat languishing.
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