From Languishing to Flourishing: A book corner summary of Languishing by Corey Keyes

Today, we’re diving into the concept of ‘languishing,’ a term coined by the brilliant Corey Keyes. I heard this term from someone I respect enormously but what does it truly mean? And more importantly, how can we overcome it? If you're involved in or interested in #wellbeing at work, I've also added some other ideas that I found helpful.

What on Earth is Languishing?

Imagine you’re neither thriving nor diving into the depths of despair. You’re somewhere in the middle, feeling a bit ‘meh’ about everything. That, is languishing. According to Keyes, it’s a state where one experiences low levels of positive emotions, feels unengaged in life, and generally has a sense of emptiness. It’s not quite depression, but it’s certainly not a walk in the park either.

The Mental Health Continuum

Keyes proposes a mental health continuum with flourishing on one end and languishing on the other. Flourishing individuals are the ones who bounce out of bed with a spring in their step, brimming with joy and purpose. Meanwhile, those who are languishing might hit snooze a few too many times, struggling to find motivation and joy.

Why Should We Care?

Languishing sneakily impacts our lives, affecting work performance, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. It’s more common than you might think and often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t fit neatly into the ‘mental illness’ box. But just because it’s not depression doesn’t mean it’s not worth addressing.

Interventions: How to Move from Languishing to Flourishing

There are plenty of ways to kick languishing and start flourishing. Let’s explore some practical tips that can help boost your well-being.

1. Enhance Your Work Environment

Feeling uninspired at work? Think about ways to improve your job satisfaction; give yourself credit for your achievements, look for growth opportunities or side projects and check your work-life balance. When you're happy at work, you're more productive so ask for what you need. If you create workplaces for people you might enjoy this The Secret Ingredient of Thriving Companies? Human Magic. (hbr.org)

2. Cultivate a Sense of Purpose

Set personal goals and chase them and if volunteering is where your sense of fulfilment lies, find time for it. Finding work or activities that align with your values and interests can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment.

3. Enhance Social Connections

Feeling disconnected? Strengthen those relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Join community activities, or simply call an old mate for a chat. Human connections are the glue that keeps us together and if it feels like too much hard work, that's your sign that you need to do it.

4. Engage in Meaningful Activities

Remember that hobby you abandoned when life got too busy? It’s time to dust off those boxing gloves, dig out the old guitar, or start up that D&D game you’ve been toying with. Engaging in activities you love can reignite your passion for life.

5. Look after your physical health

The words 'regular' + 'exercise' bring out the refusenik in me but salsa and indoor step challenges careening around the building with my friends work just as well. Whatever you choose, exercise boosts your mood and energy levels. And don’t forget to eat your greens and look after your gut health.

6. Foster Positive Emotions

Reflecting on the things you’re thankful for can increase positive emotions. Mindfulness, gratitude journals and meditation are also great tools to help you stay present and reduce stress.

7. Improve Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep is the cornerstone of well-being. Keep a regular sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and banish those screens before bed.

A Final Word

Languishing doesn’t have to be a permanent state. With a bit of effort and the right strategies, you can boost your well-being and start flourishing. Remember, it’s all about small steps.

So, here’s to finding joy, engagement, and purpose. Let’s make the move from languishing to flourishing together. Cheers to your well-being!

References: Keyes, C. (2002). The Mental Health Continuum: From Languishing to Flourishing in Life. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43(2), 207-222.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How do you overcome feelings of languishing?

#wellbeing #mentalhealth #flourishing #languishing #CoreyKeyes #selfcare #positivepsychology #mentalhealthawareness