As the year edges towards its close, there’s a peculiar stillness that often blankets our lives. For many, this isn’t the calm serenity of reflection, but a foggy weight of feeling lost and numb. It’s a sensation that creeps in uninvited, leaving one questioning their place and purpose.
I’ve been feeling it too – that aching disconnection from myself and the world around me. If you’re in this space now, know that you’re not alone, and more importantly, there are ways to steer through it.
The reasons behind this pervasive end-of-year malaise are multi-faceted. Modern life, with its relentless pace, often pushes us to our limits. We spend months racing through responsibilities, barely pausing to take stock of what we truly need.
By December, the weight of unmet expectations, personal setbacks, and societal pressures can feel overwhelming.
The holiday season – advertised as a time of joy and connection – can amplify feelings of inadequacy or loneliness when our lives don’t align with the festive images we’re bombarded with, especially with constantly watching friends and family on social media happily enjoying their vacation trips across borders.
There’s also the undeniable pull of the calendar itself. The end of the year feels like a natural checkpoint, a moment when we unconsciously measure ourselves against past ambitions.
Did I achieve enough? Did I grow? Or have I simply drifted? These questions, while important, can spiral into self-doubt and emotional paralysis if we’re not careful.
When I find myself in this space, everything feels muted. The things that usually bring joy seem distant. Even simple tasks feel insurmountable. It’s as though life has shifted to a slower, greyer frame, leaving me stuck in limbo.
In speaking with friends, I’ve realised how common this is. There’s comfort in knowing that this emotional lull isn’t a personal failing but a shared human experience.
So, how do we begin to climb out of this? How can we find warmth and meaning in a time that feels so bleak?
Over the years, I have discovered a few small but profound ways to break free from the grip of numbness.
RECONNECT WITH THE BODY
When we’re lost in our minds, returning to the physical self can be grounding. Go for a walk, even if it’s just around your street.
Feel the crunch of leaves underfoot or the brisk air against your skin. Gentle stretches, a yoga session, or even lying on the floor and simply breathing deeply can remind you of your body’s presence.
Movement is a language of its own, one that speaks to our emotions when words fall short.
Praying definitely helps me. The body’s motion as you perform your prayers has a profound effect. Even though you may be stuck in your head, the quiet time while praying somehow helps realign all your thoughts better.
SIMPLIFYING YOUR DAYS
In times of emotional overwhelm, even ordinary tasks can feel Herculean. Strip back your to-do list and focus on one or two meaningful actions per day.
Perhaps it’s calling a loved one, preparing a wholesome meal or tidying a small corner of your space. Success in these little tasks creates momentum, helping to lift you out of inertia.
As someone who has always been into writing, journaling has been my anchor during moments of disorientation.
There’s something profoundly liberating about spilling your thoughts onto paper, unfiltered and un-judged. Write about your fears, your questions, and your dreams, even if they feel distant.
Over time, patterns emerge, clarity returns, and the act itself becomes a form of self-compassion.
REFRAME THE SEASON
Honestly, the end of the year doesn’t have to be a time of regret or pressure. Instead, view it as an opportunity for rest and renewal.
Nature itself slows down in the cool season; trees shed their leaves, animals hibernate. Even in the Bruneian context, the rain may pour heavy, but leaves still emerge anew.
Why shouldn’t we, too, embrace this period as one for introspection and gentle recovery? Release the idea of ticking boxes and allow yourself to simply be.
The tendency to withdraw during difficult times is also natural, but isolation can deepen the sense of being lost.
Reach out to a trusted friend, a family member, or a professional. Sharing your thoughts aloud – even imperfectly – can break the cycle of rumination and remind you that connection is still possible.
Finally, remember that feeling lost isn’t permanent. It’s a passage, not a destination. Much like the ebb and flow of tides, this too shall shift. Trust in your resilience, even when it feels distant. Trust that your sense of self will return, stronger and more aligned than before.
As we step into the new year, let’s carry this understanding: it’s okay to feel unmoored. It’s okay to admit that life sometimes feels heavy.
In acknowledging these truths, we grant ourselves the grace to heal and move forward. And perhaps, when the fog finally lifts, we’ll find ourselves not lost, but in a place we’d never have reached otherwise. – Izah Azahari
