Overcoming Lethargy

“Once conform, once do what other people do because they do it, and a lethargy steals over all the finer nerves and faculties of the soul. She becomes all outer show and inward emptiness; dull, callous, and indifferent.”

Virginia Woolf

"Lethargy refers to a state of fatigue and low energy. A person experiencing lethargy may not have the energy or motivation to complete the tasks they need to do each day. There are a number of possible causes of lethargy, ranging from occasional overexertion to underlying health conditions (1)." There is usually an aversion to activity or movement, either physical or mental. There is a lack of enthusiasm, listlessness and indifference. These symptoms may resemble signs of depression.

Lethargy, absent chronic health issues, appears to be a dichotomy of under or over physical and mental use. We under or over exert ourselves to extreme fatigue. We over or under sleep to our own detriment. We attack life with high levels of motivational energy. However, we also experience periods of reticence and ennui, which leads us to statements like: “I can’t be bothered”.

All of these dissimilar actions may lead some to a state of unrelenting lethargy. Perhaps, as Virginia Woolf has stated, some of these habits are instigated to conform with others. However, this leaves us empty and indifferent. How do we find a better way? And, how do we disengage from this place of lethargy?

Find Your Balance

Extremes like over or under exertion have been identified as one of the causes of lethargy (1). It follows that moderation and balance in our lifestyle would be most beneficial. Both our physical and mental activities would need to have more balance to disengage from our feelings of lethargy.

Physical wellness requires a balance between physical activity and rest. Over-exertion or under-exertion are the enemies of good physical health balance. Obviously, proper nutrition, exercise and sleep, all in moderation are also key factors in maintaining physical wellness.

“Mental wellness is a lifelong process and a proactive strategy to strengthen our mental, emotional, social, and psychological resources. On one level, mental wellness is about prevention; coping with life's adversity; and being resilient when we face stress, worry, loneliness, anger, and sadness (2).”

Find Your Purpose

How do we find our purpose? Start by determining what is important to you. Why is this so important? Be clear on the reasons you are doing what you are doing. What does this mean to me? What do I stand for?

By finding your purpose, you can begin to identify your direction, your boundaries and your priorities. Finding you purpose is crucial to limiting your lethargy. We know that a lack of motivation is usually connected to a lack of purpose, feelings of depression or indifference.

The power of finding your purpose lies in the creation of a new sense of power, well-being, and feeling true to your identity. Through purpose the powerlessness of lethargy can begin to be dismantled.

Create Your Boundaries

To successfully avoid being influenced to follow the crowd, you will need strong boundaries. Be available but not overly available. Be supportive but not overly supportive. Moderation and balance in your boundaries protects you from being an enabler or codependent, which saps your energy.

On a personal level, even productivity has been found to have a point of diminishing returns. Try not to “Musterbate”. ”Must do” lists can take you out of balance and on the way toward lethargy and listlessness.

Digital Fatigue

At least temporarily, ditch all your screens. Overuse of screens has been identified with increased rates of depression and anxiety (3). A Deloitte study found: "Overall, 39% of our respondents worry that their device usage may negatively affect their physical well-being (for example, causing them to be more sedentary and spend less time exercising), and one-third were concerned that their device usage may negatively affect their emotional well-being (for example, contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression) (4)."

Stop checking your phone so much. Unless you are expecting something major happening, like a new job offer or an emergency, give your digital world a break. This approach to screen usage is also in line with moderation and balance, which will help you to disengage from your lethargy.

Tap Into Your Creativity

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Your creative side is a place of renewal. You are off on the proverbial tangent. Your art, or writing, or sculpting, can help you reconnect to your values and your sense of self that may have gone missing while lethargic.

Combine nature with your creative side as much as possible. The escapism of nature can rejuvenate your concentration and support your need for balance. Painting a landscape onsite reminds us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.

Overcome Your Lethargy

Through adjusting your lifestyle more toward balance and moderation, you will be able to disengage from your lethargy. Having stronger boundaries will help you maintain a more proactive lifestyle. Having a strong sense of purpose will assist you in a realignment of your desired directions in life. Getting back into your creative mind will take you away from the meaninglessness of lethargy. You will begin to be disengaged from your lethargy and be free to re-engage in your life.