Stop Languishing Start Learning

Experts call it languishing. The feeling of emptiness and not having anything, in particular, to look forward to. The extended isolation due to the pandemic and working while confined at home may leave you feeling stagnant and wondering if things will ever go back to normal again. Psychologists say if it is not attended to, it may lead to depression.

There is good news though. With a little concerted effort, it is possible to get out of this languid state.

v  First and foremost recognize that you could be experiencing the condition too. Almost everyone goes through languishing at some point in life. The pandemic has just made it more collective for it to be recognized.  

v  Understand that it is normal. Given the unusual social circumstances we have found ourselves in, remind yourself that it is not a sign of weakness, a character flaw, or a genetic predisposition. It is just a normal human being’s response to adversity.

v  Know that it will pass. The pandemic cannot go on forever. Vaccines are getting to people. The body’s defense mechanism is gearing up and healthcare is getting more efficient at treating the complications.

v  Learn new skills. We are definitely at an advantage over a generation before us. With an internet connection, and a phone you have access to a buffet of skills that you can learn anew. Neuroscience says, whether you are learning a new technology or learning to knit over a period of time, the brain starts rewiring new neural paths. Denser the neural network, faster your brain processing speed.    

v  Pick an area that you not only like but can also help you stay relevant. For instance, if Graphic Designing interests you, take a course in website designing. You can leverage it at work. Ask if you can help refurbish your company’s website. This not only gets rids of monotony and boredom at your job (which is normal) but also brings in freshness and vigor to get out of bed and head for your desk.

v  Learning new skills have proven to make people more adaptable. When you force your brain to solve a problem, you are teaching it to be flexible (known as neuroplasticity). Soon you also develop a mindset that makes you look at problems with people or challenges at the workplace in a different way.

v  If these were not enough reasons for you to be convinced there is one more reason. People who habitually learn new skills are less likely to develop dementia. These people’s neural pathways are fresh and ready for new impulses to travel along.

Take the time to browse through the affordable online courses offered by infyni.com and pick one that interests you.

Author: Dr. Anjana Das