Summary
In a thought-provoking discussion, the speaker delves into the concept of languishing, a state of stagnation and emptiness, which became prevalent during the prolonged pandemic period. The speaker, an organizational psychologist, shares personal experiences of breaking their own productivity rules, leading to late nights filled with doomscrolling and mindless activities. This sense of aimlessness was identified as languishing, a term coined by sociologist Corey Keyes.
Highlights
- 🎯 The speaker coined languishing as the "neglected middle child of mental health," highlighting its widespread impact during the pandemic.
- 🔍 Languishing can disrupt focus and motivation, and may be a precursor to depression.
- 💡 The speaker identifies toxic positivity as a cultural barrier to acknowledging feelings of languishing.
- 🎮 The surprising antidote to languishing was found in playing Mario Kart with family, which brought joy and a sense of connection.
Key Insights
- 🔄 The pandemic shifted acute anguish to chronic languish, creating a Groundhog Day-like existence.
- 🧘♂️ The speaker introduced the concept of flow as a powerful counter to languishing, emphasizing mastery, mindfulness, and mattering as its core components.
- 🏆 Small wins, such as achieving a milestone in a game or activity, contribute to a sense of mastery.
- 🔇 Mindfulness involves focusing fully on a single task, while mattering is about knowing your actions impact others positively.
Practical Applications
- 🏃♂️ Identify activities that bring you joy and allow you to enter a state of flow, such as sports, hobbies, or games.
- 🛡️ Establish boundaries to protect uninterrupted blocks of time for meaningful activities.
- 👥 Consider how your work or actions benefit others to foster a sense of mattering and purpose.
Conclusion
The speaker encourages a shift in understanding mental health, recognizing that lack of depression or burnout does not equate to thriving. Acknowledging feelings of languishing and seeking activities that foster flow can lead to greater well-being and connection with loved ones.
Embrace the notion that the antidote to languishing can be simple joys shared with those who matter. So, find your version of Mario Kart and prioritize those peak moments of flow with loved ones.
Watch the Video
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zPgyvCiJI
