The long nights, cold weather, and repetitive routines of the winter months can often amplify any feeling of disconnection we might have. After the buzz of the holidays, January and February can feel like long-hauls of stagnation. But for many, this period is more than seasonal doldrums. It can actually become existential boredom, a profound state of feeling deeply unfulfilled, disengaged, and disconnected from life’s meaning. But now that longer, warmer days are on the horizon, it’s time to use this period of spring renewal to confront this inner void.
Boredom, Dread, Crisis
More than just not wanting to get out of bed on a lazy Sunday morning, existential boredom is an extreme sense of apathy. It’s often accompanied by a lack of meaning, purpose, and direction in life.
All of a sudden, activities that were previously enjoyable no longer hold interest. You can find yourself having difficulty making decisions or just getting up and doing the simplest of things. Friends’ invitations, phone calls, and emails go unanswered. This isolation can lead to the dead end of negative self-image or feelings of inadequacy. You begin to start and end your days with the thought that life has no purpose.
Existential boredom usually sets the stage for existential dread. This refers to periods where we experience anxiety about not having the answers to some of life’s more important (and common) questions such as what decisions to make. These questions can lead to feelings of uncertainty and despair, which in turn lead to us feeling lost, like fakes or imposters, or trapped.
An existential crisis is a time in your life where you are forced for one reason or another to confront life’s enormous issues, like death and our own mortality.
Believe it or not, neither existential boredom, existential dread, nor existential crisis are considered to be mental health conditions, although pretty much everyone experiences them at some time during the course of their life. Regardless, they can be deeply distressing and leave us with a feeling of hopelessness.
Isolation to Renewal
Winter’s isolation can exacerbate these feelings. Luckily, with the promise of spring comes the opportunity for renewal. Just as nature awakens in spring, so can we. The changing season offers a fresh perspective. With its longer days, warmer weather, and blooming landscapes we are reminded that life is full of ups, downs, and opportunities for growth.
If you’ve been experiencing more than lazy Sunday mornings this winter, now’s the time to leverage spring’s energy to combat existential boredom. Start with some introspection to identify the root causes. Are your activities aligned with your values and passions? Are you pursuing goals that truly fulfill you, or just meeting expectations?
Based on what you’ve uncovered, what actions can you take? While spring may inspire massive change, small, intentional steps often feel better and are easier to sustain and build upon. Consider renewing old pleasure such as hobbies and friendships that used to bring you joy. If you’re striking out in new areas, set small goals and celebrate every step forward. Each step should create greater connection and take you further away from isolation.
Totally tap into spring’s renewal and resilience. Nature has a remarkable ability to ground, heal, and inspire us. Go for a walk, start a garden, or simply sit outside and appreciate.
The Chiropractic Connection for Relief
If you haven’t been taking care of your physical health, there is no wonder your mental health has suffered. It is not unusual for these two to go hand in hand. Getting regular chiropractic adjustments will not only keep your body functioning at 100% for 100 years, but each adjustment will release oxytocin into the bloodstream. Often called “the feel good hormone,” oxytocin reduces stress and gives us a feeling of well-being and satisfaction.
So, find a 100 Year LifestyleⓇ Chiropractor near you today, and let them help you leave your existential boredom behind and move into a brighter season of life!
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