Feeling off? You’re not alone

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

This holiday if you feel off, especially after nearly two years in a pandemic, there’s a word you can give it: languishing.

“Languishing is a part of our culture now because we’ve all been through some type of loss. I see it in friends and co-workers – it’s commonplace,” said Avera Medical Group psychiatrist Dr. Matthew B. Stanley. “Most of us feel that life’s not popping back with the same vibrancy as before. We work, we live our lives, but something feels like it is missing.”

Coming to terms with the way you feel

The COVID-19 pandemic brought worry and changes to almost all aspects of life, including loss of loved ones or of events and routines. It made us question what the future might hold.

Languishing could be a way to describe adjustment problems, coupled with depression or anxiety. This condition has been all too common during the pandemic.

“Clinically, we might call this condition an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood,” said Avera Medical Group Behavioral Health psychologist Nancy Wise-Vander Lee. “Dealing with these difficult emotions now can lead to better outcomes in the future.”

She said many people experienced loss of friends, family, work changes, financial instability and new responsibilities. Most spheres of our lives were affected.

Wise-Vander Lee said one way to overcome languishing is to engage in things that allow your natural “flow” to occur. That could be any activity where time “flies,” taking part in a pastime or hobby, or even some nonsense fun that takes your full attention.

She also recommended these four practices, many of which are promoted by programs such as the Avera Employee Assistance Program:

Personal energy management

• Give your best in work, home or community.
• Practice good sleep habits, including a limit on electronic devices.
• Make exercise a priority to increase your energy and boost mood.

Shift your lens: View situations more positively

• Reflect on your beliefs to influence your response to challenge.
• Manage emotions by stepping away, slowing down and asking for help.
• Work to maintain social connections with in-person visits – it’s OK if you’re vaccinated – as well as scheduled, regular calls, Zoom meetings or letters to keep in touch.

Maintain a sense of purpose

• Reaffirm the life purpose you have, and seek ways to move through change with journaling, prayer, meditation and connecting with others.
• Stay in the present, not fearing the future or staying stuck in the past.
• Think about other times when you have overcome adversity.

Follow basic, healthy self-care habits

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Make time to be outside.
• Read a positive story or article that offers hope.
• Acknowledge and prioritize your needs and those around you.
• Practice deep breathing and self-calming techniques.

“In the last year, people are much more aware of the need for care for one another – and for self-care,” Stanley said. “It could be a silver lining of this experience and one we need to use going forward: support one another and ask for help when you need it.”

If you need support, reach out to professional counselors or your workplace Employee Assistance Program.

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