During my bedtime routine, I stumbled upon a word that perfectly captured my feelings. As part of my ritual, I enjoy sipping on a calming blend of lavender, chamomile, valerian, and honey-infused tea to help me relax and sleep peacefully. It’s the tea with the cute bear on it called, Sleepytime Extra – Celestial Seasonings 🐻. However, that night, I ran out of my usual tea and remembered I had Yogi’s Kava Stress Relief Tea in my cupboard.
Although I had tried the tea before and found it a bit too spicy and somewhat bitter, I decided to give it a second try. The label claimed it offered stress relief, and I had heard kava referred to as “nature’s Xanax“. Curiosity sparked within me, so I asked Alexa about its potential side effects. To my surprise, Alexa mentioned that consuming kava tea every day can cause “apathy”. Seriously?
Connecting the Feeling with the Word 🤯
Previously, I had mistakenly thought the word apathy meant the same thing as the word “cumbersome” from the song by Seven Mary Threewith the same the same name. Further research revealed that cumbersome refers to something difficult to manage or a burden, while apathy, to say the least, means a feeling of emptiness and numbness. While the words have different meanings, they can certainly relate to each other. For what led to my feeling of apathy was a sense of life becoming burdensome and heavy to the point of detachment, much like the essence of the song. This realization shed light on the depth of my emotions and the need for the right word to express them accurately.
What Apathy Feels Like 😩
Apathy feels like you’re stuck in a desolate place where there’s no escape. One night of apathy can seem like a decade on planet Mars. You feel frozen, stagnant, and empty. In its pure essence, apathy is draining and demotivating. It’s a feeling of indifference and a questioning of why one should even bother when the outcome seems trivial. The fun things don’t seem fun anymore.
Can you relate to feeling this way? Perhaps you’re feeling it this very moment. If so, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a common thing, especially in this current era where expectations are high and the media can make us feel like it’s never enough. I’ll share one experience that led to apathy for me.
My Personal Experiences with Apathy 🚊
Apathy made frequent visits during the period between the Covid outbreak in 2020 and 2021, particularly after investing significant effort in jobs and long projects that fully engaged my abilities. Upon their completion, I had hopes of receiving recognition or positive feedback, only to find myself met with little to no acknowledgement. In fact, I was back at square one. This left me with a profound sense of disappointment. It felt as though my efforts to do something meaningful had gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
I believe many can relate to these fluctuations in life, which encompass both failures and successes. This led me to that feeling of being stuck in between what could be next and what was. It almost feels as if you don’t care anymore, but deep down there’s a nagging feeling because you do. The feeling leaves you completely exhausted and unmotivated.
So, if you find yourself in that hole of apathy, I want you to know that you are not alone. I extend my support to you and offer comfort in the knowledge that there are ways to navigate through it. I extend my hand by sharing some things that have personally helped me in my own journey. These may or may not work for you, but they have proven extremely beneficial for me. Hopefully these approaches can minimize the severity and duration of these episodes for you.
Movements and Taking Walks 🚶🏽
At times I found myself in a state of apathy in which all I could do was engage in passive entertainment while in bed. I was either stuck on social media or watching tv, even when I had plans to do something else that day. So I started to force myself to get up. Yup, you’re gonna have to force yourself to get up – with compassion of course, not like a drill sergeant.
Remember that scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day off when Cameron is in a state of apathy and won’t get off the bed? He finally manages to get out of bed and then sits in his car and starts yelling at himself to go out. When he finally goes out, he has a good time. This is the case with most things that seem like a burden at first – you’ll find that you end up deriving some pleasure from it. That’s the case for me when it comes to walks. So I try to remember Cameron and push myself out of bed to go on a walk, but in kind of a nicer way. But hey, if being a drill sergeant works for you then by all means Sgt. Sunshine.
I started to force myself to get up and just go on a simple walk. Why a walk? Well, did you know that going for a walk stimulates the brain, promotes mental clarity, and fosters creativity? Apparently the rhythmic motion of walking facilitates idea generation and problem-solving. I know this because the internet told me so. No, seriously, check out this study by Stanford University.
Walks have helped lift me up when I’m down and served as a stepping stone for other activities I did not initially feel motivated to do. If I don’t feel better, I keep walking until I do. If going for a walk doesn’t resonate with you, try simply getting on your feet and engaging in any activity. Washing the dishes or checking the mail can be a good start. Being outside has been particularly helpful for me. The fresh air works wonders.
Aside from walking, rollerblading has been an activity that helps me combat apathy. The sensation of the wheels gliding on the pavement and the feeling of moving through space brings about a sense of liberation. However, there are moments when the mere task of putting on the skates can feel overwhelming, especially when I’m already experiencing apathy. During such times, it becomes vital to reduce any hesitations, excuses, or obstacles that could hinder my participation in engaging in physical activities to alleviate apathy; therefore, I make it a point to take a walk first. If I feel more motivated after the walk, then I consider rollerblading. Furthermore, it is crucial to steer clear of social media during these periods, as it can contribute to distractions and further amplify feelings of apathy.
Avoid Social Media During this Time 📱
During times of apathy, I avoid social media at all costs. In fact, I have eliminated all social media apps from my phone and only go to social media from my desktop or tablet. Social media with its constant stream of posts, updates, and comparisons, can increase feelings of disinterest and detachment. The idealized portrayals of people’s lives create a sense of inadequacy and contribute to negative self-perception.
What’s even worse is that engaging in social media can be mentally draining. It becomes a mental burden to filter through all that noise and focus on taking care of myself like I need to, which includes engaging in activities that actually mean something to me. Another factor to consider is that social media can be a breeding ground for negativity and conflicts. The online arguments, criticism, or toxic content can worsen feelings of apathy and impact overall well-being.
By intentionally avoiding social media during these difficult periods, I’m able to create a space for introspection and make genuine connections in the real world. It allows for a break from the constant comparisons, pressures, and the information overload. I allow myself the opportunity to focus on personal growth, needs and desires, and engage in activities that genuinely bring me joy and fulfillment. Avoiding social media opens up room for what I really need, freedom from the distractions and pressures of the online world.
However, I acknowledge that there are times when I need to be on social media, such as for work promotion and staying connected with family. Social media can have its benefits too, or else we wouldn’t like to be on it at all. It can connect us with like-minded individuals and help us network. However, it is important to find a balance and practice self-awareness in managing social media usage.
Combat Monotony 🌴📚🎼
Monotony can contribute to apathy for me, so it has been crucial for me to do something different in order to break the routine. When possible, I try to immerse myself in a different experience. I might work on my articles in a cafe or even outside in the fresh air under a tree. Exploring a new and interesting book can also transport me to a new experience.
Music can also be a powerful tool to combat monotony. Personally, I have a deep love for listening to soundtracks of my favorite movies, as they have the incredible ability to evoke the same emotions I felt when I first watched them. Soundtracks featuring the remarkable music of composer John Williams, can transport you to a truly magical place. I hold a special fondness for John Williams due to his numerous compositions featured in Steven Spielberg’s movies that remind me of my childhood, including the iconic Indiana Jones movies. Additionally, composers like Danny Elfman and James Horner, known for their work on Edward Scissorhands and the Batman soundtracks, captivate my music-loving heart with their gothic and magical elements.🖤
Small little changes here and there can make a huge difference. You don’t have to go on an expensive vacation and complicate your life. I wrote a lighthearted article about how expensive vacations are overrated and even risky. Sometimes you’ll find that the places you wished to escape from were the places you wanted to be in all along.
Overall, engaging in novel experiences helps stimulate the senses, awaken curiosity, and rejuvenate the soul. By immersing yourself in different activities and environments, you create opportunities for new perspectives, inspiration, and a renewed sense of engagement with the world around you.
Looking for Opportunities to Help Others 🧑🤝🧑
When we find ourselves in an apathetic state, it’s common to feel that our actions hold no significance and lack the power to make a difference. However, helping someone can provide a powerful remedy for this mindset. It doesn’t have to be something huge either; it can be something small. Even the smallest thing can make a difference.
Engaging in small acts of kindness or assistance allows us to experience the immediate gratification of helping someone in need. It shifts our focus away from our own apathy and redirects it toward the needs of others. It also reinforces the belief that our actions do matter – no matter how small they may seem. Any positive contribution has the potential to make a huge impact on someone’s life.
This rekindles our own sense of purpose and pulls us out of the grip of apathy. It inspires us to engage more fully with life, providing a renewed motivation to engage once again with the world around us.
Here are some small acts of kindness to help others:
- Write a heartfelt note to someone you appreciate.
- Support a cause you care about.
- Share your knowledge with others.
- Be an active listener for someone in need.
- Engage in random acts of kindness, like holding the door or giving genuine compliments.
There’s a famous saying by American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou that always reminds me of what an impact you can have on someone. The saying goes…
“People may forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” 🕊️
Start Small and Practice Self-Compassion 🧡
Eliminate the pressures to remove apathy. Too much pressure can foster apathy in the first place. Do the things to lift yourself up but don’t expect too much from yourself at first. Be compassionate with yourself. Instead of setting high standards for yourself during this time, focus on taking small steps and gradually building momentum.
Starting with manageable tasks allows you to experience a sense of accomplishment and progress, which can serve as a motivating factor to continue moving forward. Embrace the concept of baby steps, recognizing that even small actions can contribute to significant change over time. By celebrating each small achievement and acknowledging your efforts, you cultivate a positive mindset and reinforce a sense of self-worth.
By eliminating the pressures of immediate results and embracing a compassionate mindset, you create space for personal growth and the opportunity to emerge from apathy with renewed energy and motivation.
Seek Therapy 🌻
While I have managed to crawl out of the pit of apathy for now thanks to my support system, I am aware of the need to remain vigilant and not become complacent. It’s all too easy to slip back into that dark place. I do want to remind you that seeking therapy from a licensed counselor can provide valuable assistance. I personally have not taken that step yet. At this moment, I’m not feeling apathetic; however, I have been warned about the insidious nature of apathy that can lead to depression. It is crucial to seize the moments of light in between these dark periods and seek treatment. The reason for this is that we are less likely to seek help when we are not experiencing depression or apathy. The challenge lies in the fact that once these conditions take hold, it becomes increasingly difficult to seek help when we need it the most.
Effective Strategies to Combat Apathy: Beyond the Tips
I genuinely hope that my tips prove helpful to you. In addition to those, I have incorporated several other strategies into my life to effectively combat apathy. One essential aspect is the recognition of triggers that contribute to apathy, such as excessive stress or anxiety. Additionally, I find it beneficial to maintain a daily journal, enabling me to monitor and address any negative thinking patterns that may arise. To sustain my energy levels and avoid falling into a state of apathy, I prioritize consuming nutritious foods. I also can’t stress enough how important it is to get enough sleep. In my article titled Sleep Deprivation Turns You Into a Shadow of Your Former Self, I discuss the impact of sleep on mood. Furthermore, I make it a point to engage in regular exercise throughout the week, as even a small amount can yield significant benefits.
Practicing gratitude has become a fundamental part of my routine, allowing me to cultivate a positive mindset and appreciate the multitude of blessings in my life. Placing the focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t is essential to your metal well-being. Feeling gratitude for the unique individuals in our lives and acknowledging the roles we play in our lives, reminds us of how significant we are.
Occasionally, I indulge in watching space documentaries as a stress relief. They offer a broader perspective that puts my own challenges into a more manageable light. By altering my perspective on various aspects of life, I have experienced remarkable personal growth and an increased ability to derive joy from the present moment.
In my article titled “Life is not a job, so stop treating it like one…”, I delve into the transformative journey of changing my perspective. It explores how this shift in mindset has enabled me to fully embrace and enjoy life for what it truly is—a remarkable journey filled with opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
I genuinely hope that these insights and experiences assist you in combating apathy and discovering your own path to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
Sincerely,
The Dreaming Siren
🧜♀️ Disclaimer:
Please note that the strategies and experiences shared in this article are based on personal perspectives and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or therapist for personalized advice and guidance regarding mental health concerns, including apathy or depression. The information provided in this article is not intended to replace professional medical or psychological advice.
Although the author does have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, it’s important to clarify that this degree does not make them a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The author’s educational background provides a foundational understanding of the subject, but they are not qualified to offer clinical diagnoses or therapy. The suggestions and tips shared are based on personal experiences and should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice.
The author encourages readers to seek appropriate help and support if they are struggling with apathy or related issues. Licensed therapists and mental health professionals are trained to provide expert guidance and can offer tailored strategies for individual circumstances.
Every individual’s experiences and circumstances are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is essential to explore various strategies and approaches to find what resonates and supports your well-being. Remember to prioritize self-care, reach out for support when needed, and make informed decisions based on your specific situation.
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