Perhaps this article focuses on a concept many of you have experienced recently-especially in the post-pandemic period—but found difficult to explain: Languishing.
Languishing doesn’t contain the helplessness and hopelessness of clinical depression, nor does it fully represent a state of well-being. It refers to a psychological space where days pass in succession but none feel meaningful, and life satisfaction gradually fades. Organizational psychologist Adam Grant brought global attention to the term with his 2021 New York Times article, “There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing,” in which he defined languishing as the emotional void that best described our collective post-pandemic state.
It’s hard to notice when something feels off, but you can’t quite tell what’s missing. That’s why this state is so tricky to detect. It’s not a visible crisis, but a slow erosion of our internal resources. Over time, joy and energy diminish, and we may become emotionally detached without realizing it. Our search for meaning may blur, we might socially withdraw, and our ability to focus and be productive can decrease. This vague gray zone-where we don’t feel “bad enough” to ask for help but not “good enough” to enjoy life-can leave us vulnerable to long-term burnout.
Yet this void can also prompt reflection. It may lead us to question the difference between merely surviving and truly living. This questioning, in turn, opens up a space to explore what truly brings us inner satisfaction. Even the smallest actions can have healing power for someone in a state of languishing-a deep conversation, a return to movement, or a mindful walk. In this sense, languishing is not a fixed state but a dynamic emotional experience.
Languishing is the opposite of what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described as “flow”-the mental state in which one becomes so fully engaged in an activity that time seems to disappear and the sense of self dissolves. Flow connects us to life, while languishing separates us from it. And the good news is, even short activities like a walk, a creative task, or a few moments of silence can help break the effects of languishing.
Breaking Free from Languishing
The first step is to become aware of your attention. In today’s world, the list of things that claim our attention is long, and often not self-directed. Social media alerts, nonstop news, endless to-dos… Reconstructing flow begins by rediscovering what you want to give your attention to. Whether it’s watering a plant, doing a puzzle, or basking in sunlight, the goal is to engage in activities where time doesn’t chase you, but flows with you.
Second, flow requires balance-the task should fall between challenge and skill. It shouldn’t be too easy or overwhelmingly hard. Instead of saying “I’ll finish this whole book,” try “I’ll read 15 pages a day.” That small success feeds your inner motivation and naturally supports the experience of flow.
Third, limiting distractions intentionally is key. Reducing screen time, silencing notifications, or simply focusing on one task at a time can make a noticeable difference. Treating this as a form of self-care-ather than a discipline-can change the experience from obligation to nourishment. After all, our attention is one of our most precious mental resources.
Finally, flow doesn’t only happen in solitary creative moments. It can also emerge in shared experiences. Playing a game with friends, having a heart-to-heart conversation, or participating in a group activity can also help you feel truly present. In that sense, flow is not only about productivity-it’s about fully inhabiting the moment.
Conclusion
Maybe what we need to remember is that emotions aren’t always black or white. Sometimes we live in the gray-and that’s okay. Languishing might be the name for an experience that many of us have passed through silently. Recognizing it without judgment and gently working to shift it can be one of the most powerful steps toward psychological resilience. Because sometimes, healing doesn’t begin with big moves-but with small moments, quiet curiosity, and the courage to meet ourselves again.