Find What Focuses You

Things might be looking up with COVID, but maybe you feel...absolutely blah. You're stagnant. Aimless. You're not depressed but not excited, either. The term for this is languishing and "I'm seeing an epidemic of it in my practice, " says New York psychotherapist Allison Abrams, L.C.S.W. in the September issue of Men's Health. Recognizing and naming it is important and helps validate what you're feeling.

One way to help clear it up is to do something that gets you into a state of flow-- when you're fully absorbed and focused on something outside yourself, she says. Take a step toward whatever gets you there: Maybe it's fly-fishing, rock polishing, learning a new language, researching your genealogy, learning to cook or hiking. Try searching online for ideas.

If you are retired, can you use your previous work skills in a new way; perhaps in a volunteer position? Can you revive a old dream that had to be laid aside because of work or family?

Whatever you might choose, if you have the time to pursue a new interest it may not feel therapeutic at all during the first few weeks. It may take up more of your time than you are used to, it may force you to schedule your time more carefully, it may cause you to do some research. However, trying something new can help you recharge by shifting your focus from your usual day-to-day agenda and that could shift you out of those "blahs"! If your choice of activities doesn't work, move onto something else.