The modern grind is a shared experience for many of us. Day in and day out, we clock in with a thumbprint and a few blinks later, we’re driving home, mulling over groceries and dinner plans.
The remaining scraps of our time are spent with loved ones, and if we’re fortunate, some hobbies.
Each competes for our attention, yet there’s never enough time, so we stretch ourselves thin, snatching every available moment only to collapse into bed later, exhausted physically, mentally and socially.
The cycle begins anew the next day, with bills to pay and the daily tasks required of any functioning adult, all while shouldering the weight of societal expectations that suggest we should have our lives neatly figured out.
Yet, in reality, the fabric of our lives, fresh from the tumble dryer, remains wrinkled. We still have whites to wash and clothes that need air drying. But at the very least, dear readers, we’re still managing to do the laundry!
But I digress.
After the whirlwind of a global pandemic and amid ongoing world issues, the whole world is kind of giving off a feeling one would describe simply as ‘blah’. Wouldn’t you agree? Like a modern ennui, where we’re all just sort of ‘meh’, craving something more exciting or fulfilling in our lives.
Especially with what’s going on with technology lately, and not forgetting the conflicts – and constant change shaping our individual worlds – it’s no wonder this feeling hangs around.
I know some of you might be a bit confused with what I’m trying to convey, especially that term I just used – ‘ennui’. It means a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
Interestingly enough, recent studies have shed light on the prevalence and impact of modern ennui, apathy, and loneliness.
Did you know that nearly one in four people worldwide – which translates into more than a billion people – feel very or fairly lonely, according to a recent Meta-Gallup survey of more than 140 countries?
And get this, those numbers might actually be higher, hinting at just how common loneliness is in today’s world.
A study published in the Psychological Bulletin in 2020 examined trends in apathy among young adults in the United States, noting a significant increase in levels of apathy, particularly among those born after 1980.
This rise in apathy was associated with factors such as economic uncertainty, social media use, and a perceived lack of control over one’s future.
Similarly, research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2017 highlighted the impact of social media on feelings of loneliness.
Lo and behold, spending too much time on social media is linked to feeling lonelier and more isolated, especially for younger adults. It’s like this loneliness mixes with boredom and ‘meh’ feelings, as people try to find real connections in a world that’s gone super digital – and super superficial.
Getting to the bottom of why we’re all feeling a bit ‘meh’ these days, it seems to come down to feeling disconnected – from our jobs, our communities and even our own sense of purpose. With everything changing so fast, the future can seem more overwhelming than exciting.
Things like not knowing what’s up with our finances, spending too much time on social media and feeling like we’re not really in control of where we’re headed can all add to this sense of ennui.
NAVIGATING ENNUI
Finding our way through ennui in today’s complex world isn’t easy, but understanding where it comes from can help us deal with it better. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Build connections: Strengthening our bonds with others can give us purpose and support. Joining community groups, online forums or local events can help combat feelings of isolation.
Embrace learning: See the need for constant change as a chance for growth and curiosity. Lifelong learning can turn challenges into opportunities for personal development.
Find flexibility: Look for roles that offer predictability and control. Having a say in your work environment can ease anxiety and disconnection.
Advocate for inclusivity: Push for workplaces and social spaces that welcome everyone. Policies that recognise different perspectives can make communities and workplaces more creative and effective.
Practise self-care: Regular mindfulness and self-care routines can help manage the stress of constant adaptation. They provide stability and a sense of control in uncertain times.
MOVING FORWARD
As we ponder the path ahead, it’s obvious that the ennui we feel today is deeply intertwined with the whirlwind changes and uncertainties of modern life.
But tackling these emotions isn’t just about quick fixes; it’s about reimagining how we relate to one another, how we approach work and how we carve out our existence in an increasingly intricate world.
It’s clear that overcoming modern ennui will demand personal resilience. But as we navigate the murky waters of our era, let’s remember that reaching out for help and forging meaningful connections isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential for finding our way through the existential fog. – Wardi Wasil
