5 Easy Ways To Cope With The Feeling Of Languishing

Are you languishing? Some daily rituals that promote self-love can kick languishing to the curb.

By Keya Murthy, M.S., C.Ht. — Written on Jul 31, 2021

Photo: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock

People who are languishing often do so in moments of crisis or even during puberty, menopause, or times of loss.

But, first, what is languishing? It's a mental state which, when left unattended, could lead to lingering symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. It's also become more common during lockdown.

Like most negative situations and emotions, it's easier to prevent than to get out of it.

But, when you're in the middle of it, using a daily practice of either or a mix of self-hypnosis, self-talk, positive affirmations, mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, you can avoid languishing.

And, when you find an accountability partner who can hold your feet to the fire when you fall off course, your success will grow exponentially.

Here are 5 easy ways to cope with the feeling of languishing.

1. Use the power of affirmations and self-hypnosis.

Your subconscious mind is a storehouse of your memories that support your belief system — what you believe, perceive, and project into your reality and your experience.

When you focus on what’s not working, you create more of that. When you focus on strength, happiness, and health, you create more of that.

Begin to affirm a better life starting today.

You can write one each night before bed: "I am getting a bit stronger, happier, and healthier each day."

Writing this only once each night is enough to help you shift your belief system and reprogram your subconscious in supporting you in your journey away from languishing and towards thriving.

What you write, your subconscious remembers. This is a form of active self-hypnotherapy in which you're helping your heart heal. You also teach your mind to step out of languishing and step into positive thought patterns.

2. Spend time in nature.

The hardest part of being in nature is wearing your outdoor shoes. Once you have your shoes on, step outdoors. This is the beginning of the cure from languishing.

Nature heals. So, taking time to be outdoors and closer to nature in whatever form it's available, slowing down and admiring things, people, plants, places, pets, or birds helps eradicate languish.

When done daily, languishing can become a distant memory.

3. Keep a gratitude journal.

Often, we take credit for our achievements and blame others for our failures.

Begin daily documentation of what you're grateful for that day. This helps you keep a record of all that you admire and are grateful for.

A grateful heart is an authentically happy heart.

4. Do a mirror exercise daily.

Mirror exercises help you reduce the need for external validation. Doing this as soon as you get out of bed is a great way to cope with languishing and turn your life around.

Each morning, after you wake up, look into the reflection of your eyes in a mirror and say to yourself how much you love yourself.

Add to that the things you're grateful for from yesterday, things you learned yesterday, and things you're excited about for today.

Initially, it’s not easy, but over a couple of days, it gets easier.

Consider mirror exercises as important as brushing your teeth. You need to brush twice a day to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Mirror exercises help you keep your mind and heart strong and healthy and limit the need for external validation.

If you're a people pleaser, mirror exercises help you grow in self-love. This not only helps you cope with languishing but also be done with it for good.

Make a practice of this and enjoy life without languishing.

5. Do some laughter yoga.

There are many laughter yoga groups available. If you don't have one in your neighborhood, you can learn how to do it on your own.