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As a dad, you may be familiar with the feeling of being stuck in a rut, unmotivated and unenthusiastic about the things you used to love.
You may not realize it, but you could be experiencing a phenomenon called languishing.
Languishing is a term that was recently coined to describe the state of feeling stagnant and unproductive, without necessarily having a diagnosable mental illness like depression.
It’s a feeling of being in a “blah” state, where you’re not really happy or sad, but just sort of going through the motions of life.
The pandemic has made languishing more common, but it’s not a new phenomenon.
As a dad, you may be particularly susceptible to languishing because of the many responsibilities you have to juggle.
You may be struggling to balance work, family, and personal time, and it’s all too easy to fall into a pattern of simply going through the motions.
So what can you do if you’re languishing as a dad?
Here are some tips:
Practise Self-Care
Take some time each day to do something that makes you feel good.
It could be exercise, reading, meditating, or anything else that helps you relax and recharge.
Connect With Others
It’s easy to feel isolated as a dad, especially if you’re working from home or have limited social interaction.
Make an effort to connect with others, whether it’s through a phone call, video chat, or social get together.
Set Goals
It’s hard to feel motivated when you don’t have anything to work towards.
Set some goals for yourself, whether they’re related to your career, personal life, or hobbies.
Having something to strive for can help give you a sense of purpose.
Prioritize Your Relationships
Spend time with your partner and kids, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
Building strong relationships with those closest to you can help you feel more fulfilled.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re really struggling with languishing or other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
A therapist, coach or counsellor can help you work through your feelings and develop strategies to improve your mental health.
“Languishing is like being stuck in a grey area of life, where you’re not really living, but not really dying either.
It’s a state of feeling disconnected, stagnant, and unfulfilled”
Remember, languishing is a common experience that many people go through at some point in their lives.
It’s important to recognize it and take steps to address it.
By practicing self-care, connecting with others, setting goals, prioritizing your relationships, and seeking professional help if needed, you can overcome languishing and rediscover your sense of purpose and joy as a dad.
